Who is responsible for issuing change orders?

The engineer or architect is responsible for issuing change orders primarily because they possess the technical knowledge and authority required to assess project specifications and ensure compliance with design intentions. When a modification arises, whether due to changes in project scope, unforeseen site conditions, or client requests, it is crucial for someone with the expertise to evaluate the impact of these changes on the overall design and functionality.

This responsibility typically falls on the engineer or architect because they understand the implications of changes from both a design and regulatory standpoint. They ensure that any alterations maintain the integrity of the project and comply with relevant building codes and standards. Additionally, their involvement helps facilitate communication between the parties—clients and construction teams—ensuring that any change aligns with budgetary and time constraints.

While clients can indeed suggest changes and influence decisions, it is the engineer or architect who formalizes those changes through official documentation known as change orders. The construction manager plays a supervisory role in overseeing project execution but usually acts based on directives from the design professionals. The site foreman may implement changes on site but does not have the authority to issue formal change orders. Therefore, the engineer or architect's role as the issuer of change orders is vital in maintaining a cohesive and well-coordinated project progress.