Change order management
Builtly routes every change order through a structured approval pipeline: internal sign-off, then client approval via their portal. The paper trail is complete before a single nail goes in.
Why change orders become disputes
The client asks for an upgrade on the job site. You say yes. The work gets done. The invoice shows $6,400 more than the client expected. They don't remember approving that. Now it's a dispute.
Most builders know this happens. Most still rely on verbal agreements or texted confirmations that disappear into someone's message history. A structured system eliminates this class of problem entirely.
"I never agreed to that"
The client forgot. Or never understood the cost. Or the PM relayed a different number. Without a written trail, every change order is a potential conflict.
Budget updates lag behind the work
Three change orders approved last month still haven't made it into the budget. The draw package reflects a number that doesn't match reality.
Change orders block draws when not documented
The lender asks for documentation supporting the cost variance. You have a text from the client saying "that sounds fine." That doesn't satisfy the lender.
How it works
Change identified
A client request, a field condition, or an engineer's revision triggers a new change order. You create it in Builtly with the scope description, affected phase, and cost impact.
Internal sign-off
The PM or owner reviews and approves internally before it goes to the client. No change order reaches the client without passing your own gate first.
Client approval via portal
The client receives a link to their portal where they review the change description, cost, and revised budget. They approve or decline in writing, timestamped.
Budget updates on approval
When the client approves, the project budget is updated. The change is logged against the phase and carries through to the next draw package.
Included in draw documentation
The approved change order, the client's signature, and the revised budget are organized with the next draw package. The lender sees a clean cost trail.
What this solves
No more "I didn't approve that."
The client's approval is timestamped and documented. The cost was presented clearly. There is nothing to dispute. The record is in the portal.
Budget reflects approved changes.
Every approved change order posts to the budget. When you open the draw package, the variance reflects what was actually approved.
Lenders have the documentation they need.
Cost overruns are a concern for construction lenders. An organized change order history with signed client approvals answers their questions before they ask.
Disputes that do happen resolve faster.
When there is a disagreement, the question is already answered. The conversation moves to resolution, not recollection.
Get started
One project to start. We walk through your change order workflow on the onboarding call.
Start with one projectNo credit card required. We reach out personally.