# Change Order Management
Change is inevitable on construction projects. **Managing changes** protects your money and schedule.
## The golden rule
**Price and get the change approved in writing BEFORE you do the work.** Doing extra work on a handshake is how contractors lose money.
## A change order should capture
- The **scope** of the change.
- The **cost** (added or credited).
- The **schedule impact** (added days).
- **Written approval** from the owner.
## Watch for scope creep
Small "while you're at it" requests add up. Track them, price them, and document them — every change is either a change order or a loss you absorb.
**Takeaway:** Price and get written approval for every change BEFORE doing the work — unmanaged changes and scope creep eat your profit.
> *Educational content — not legal or contractual advice. Follow your contract's specific procedures and deadlines.*
