Strategies for Effectively Managing Change Orders in Commercial Subcontracting

Victor K • November 16, 2023

A man is sitting in front of a laptop computer talking on a cell phone.

Change of orders is one of the worst nightmares of any commercial subcontractor Seattle. This includes shortening of delivery timeline, change in material or even change in contract due to unforeseen circumstances. As much as any commercial construction subcontractor Seattle can be ready for such incidents, they are bound to happen on big construction projects. These effects can never be outdone but can surely be mitigated through proper planning and effective strategies. Today we talk about methods used by professionals at United Seattle in order to manage change orders in construction subcontracting services Seattle.

Early Detection

Being ahead of the curve is 80% resolution of the problem. Similarly, early detection in any kind of change is a blessing for commercial subcontractor Seattle. However, a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle should not leave this to chance and enforce feelers that provide this information beforehand. Start by establishing a robust system for tracking changes from the moment they are proposed. This not only helps in understanding the changes but also forms a basis for negotiation and client communication.

A man is sitting at a desk in front of a laptop computer.

Effective Communication

This by far is the best strategy to mitigate any kind of risks that come along with a change in order for a building subcontractor Washington. This two-way communication between the construction subcontracting services Seattle and the general contractor/client often provides insight into the thought process that leads to a demand for change. Early communication about potential changes allows for proactive problem-solving and reduces the likelihood of disputes down the road.

Detailed Change Analysis

Once the change is inevitable and has to be incorporated, it is important to do a complete cost analysis by the commercial subcontractor Seattle. This allows for mitigating delays and any further disputes during the project. If there is a change in cost, it has to be communicated well in advance so a decision can be made by the general contractor or the client. A detailed analysis not only helps the building construction subcontractor Washington but also the general contractor/client to make a well informed decision about the change incorporation.

Risk Management & Planning

Once the change is inevitable, the planning phase kicks in. With proper planning and timeline estimation, a lot of over head costs and stress can be reduced for any construction management subcontractor. By anticipating challenges and having backup plans in place, subcontractors can maintain project stability.

A man is sitting at a table with boxes and a laptop.

Prior Approvals

With change comes more approvals, either by regulating bodies or the client. Getting approval before changing the scheme of work is a good idea for the construction management subcontractor. It saves them for later disputes as well as a clear definition of new timelines based on approval timelines.

Therefore, by early detection, effective communication, change analysis, risk management & planning and prior client/general contractor approvals, a construction management subcontractor can easily sidestep changes that come during the project. This will not only allow the construction subcontracting services Seattle to be completed in time but also save additional cost and stress that tags along. Therefore, a commercial subcontractor Seattle should always be ready for change in the final deliverable and keep an open mind even if the contract is ironclad.

Moreover, another aspect of commercial construction is The Role of Building Maintenance Contracts in Commercial Subcontracting which you can learn more about here.

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Prefab vs. Stick-Built ADUs: What Should Seattle Building Subcontractor Washington Recommend?

By Victor K • July 9, 2025

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Green Building Strategies for DADUs: Sustainable Options in Fashion

By Victor K • July 2, 2025

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Permitting Process for ADUs in Seattle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Construction Management Subcontractor

By Victor K • June 24, 2025

Before contracting for an ADU in Seattle, it is important to know the different kinds of permits and the processes involved. Since it is usually a legal battle, it becomes a struggle costing you money, time, and reputation in the market. You must also fully understand what constitutes an ADU and its differences from a DADU. Many instances in the past have involved the wrong permit process initiation because of how the state defines an ADU and how your client does it. Let us dive into some of the steps you must take as a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle to ensure that your legal aspect is as good as your construction practice. ADU vs DADU Zoning Laws Seattle/s zoning laws allow the construction of ADU and DADU on most single-family homes. Generically, the difference is between the square footage and setback rules. As a general code, the commercial project management Seattle should additionally check for Lot zones and overlays like environment, public buildings and critical zones, etc. Proper Assessment Pre-planned site assessment is a special art that leads to better end results for any construction management subcontractor. It goes the same for any construction project but specially for an ADU since this is constructed in an already built property . The zone and code violations usually come into play at the end of the project and therefore extreme care should be exercised at the very start. Some of the important aspects to be checked are local zoning laws, lot size, slope, utility access and setbacks. Encourage clients to get a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV) from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) if the site has complexity.

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