“Can We Just Add a Wall Here?” Understanding Change Orders in Construction

Almost every tenant finish-out has this moment.

The framing is up. You’re walking the space. And suddenly it’s obvious: “It would work so much better if we added a wall here.”

It feels small. One wall. One outlet moved. One finish upgraded. But in construction, those “small” changes rarely stay small.

Every change touches labor, materials, inspections, sequencing, and often other trades who were already scheduled. That’s why professional projects use a formal process to manage changes instead of hallway conversations. That process is the change order.

What a change order actually is

A change order is a written agreement that modifies the original contract. It documents what is changing, what it costs, and what it does to the schedule.

Change orders are not mistakes. They’re not a sign something went wrong. They’re how real projects stay organized when decisions evolve.

They’re used any time there is:

• added work,
• removed work, or
• a change in materials, systems, or layout.

Why the process matters

It’s tempting to handle changes casually. “Just have your guy do it.” That’s how budgets get fuzzy and schedules quietly slip.

A formal change order protects everyone by clearly defining:

The scope
Exactly what is being built, removed, or modified.

The cost
Labor, materials, subcontractors, and any related adjustments. No surprises at the end.

The schedule impact
Whether the change adds days, resequences work, or affects inspections and trade coordination.

Nothing moves forward until both sides understand and approve those impacts. That clarity is what keeps projects professional instead of emotional.

How Five Mile manages changes

At Five Mile Construction, we expect projects to evolve. Our job is to make sure changes don’t turn into chaos.

When a change comes up, we document it, price it, explain it, and show how it affects the timeline. That gives our clients the ability to make informed decisions instead of reactive ones.

Sometimes the answer is “yes.” Sometimes it’s “yes, but here’s what it costs.” Sometimes it’s “this will create bigger consequences than it looks like.” All three are valuable answers.

The change order process is how we protect budgets, schedules, and relationships at the same time.

If you’re planning a tenant finish-out, work with a team that treats communication as part of the construction. Contact Five Mile Construction to start the conversation.