What is a written agreement between the owner and contractor to change the contract called?

A written agreement between the owner and contractor to change the contract is referred to as a change order. This term specifically pertains to any alteration or adjustment that modifies the original contract's terms, which can include modifications to the scope of work, changes in project schedule, or adjustments to pricing. Change orders are crucial in the construction industry as they provide a clear and formal method for documenting these changes, ensuring that both parties acknowledge and agree to the amendments made to the original contract.

Change orders facilitate project continuity and help manage expectations by outlining the specific changes agreed upon. This is an essential practice to avoid disputes later in the project lifecycle. Having this documentation ensures that the contractor is compensated for additional work and that the project remains compliant with the agreed-upon terms.

While the term "amendment" can imply a change to a contract, it is usually broader and might not specifically denote the changes to the actual work or terms of a construction project. "Modification" also suggests changes but lacks the specific connotation of adjusting a project’s scope or details as outlined in a change order. "Supplement" typically refers to adding something in addition to what is already there, but again, it may not specifically capture the contractual adjustments pertaining to a construction project. Thus