What should a well-drafted change order include?

• A. New design drawings only.
• B. Only a signature from the contractor.
• C. A warranty for the original scope.
• D. Description of changes, price impact, schedule effect, and authorization.

Answer: (D)

A well-drafted change order must clearly spell out what is changing, how much it will cost, how the schedule is affected, and who authorizes the change. This keeps scope, price, and timing aligned between contractor and owner, and it serves as a formal contract modification before any altered work proceeds. The description of the changes ensures everyone understands exactly what work is added or modified; the price impact provides the new contract amount or unit prices; the schedule effect shows any new completion date or delays; and the authorization line captures agreement from all parties.

The other options don’t fit because they omit essential elements: new design drawings alone don’t establish cost or schedule or who authorizes the change; a signature from the contractor alone doesn’t bind the owner or document agreed-upon scope and cost; a warranty for the original scope doesn’t address the actual modifications now being proposed.