How Scope Changes Affect Construction Schedules

Delivering a project on time is a benchmark for success in construction. While design and construction teams should always strive for this goal, many projects fall behind their intended schedule.   

Occasionally, construction delays can be attributed to scope changes, situations where the project’s scope increases beyond the plans identified in the Contract Documents. With little room in construction schedules, a seemingly small change can have a ripple effect that sets the project back days or weeks. 

We have helped many building owners navigate scope changes, understand their schedule implications, and prevent their likelihood. To help you better understand scope changes, this article will discuss how they impact construction timelines. 

What Are Scope Changes? 

Scope changes occur whenever the project adds an element not specified in the Contract Documents. 

Some changes are due to unforeseen site conditions. For example, during a renovation, the contractor may discover hazardous materials that require remediation. 

Other changes are owner-requested. Partially through construction, the owner may upgrade finishes or change a room’s layout. 

When scope changes occur, your design team will update the Contract Documents and issue an Architect Supplemental Information (ASI) document or a Proposal Request. An ASI is issued when changes do not affect the schedule or cost. 

Proposal Requests are more common and are used when scope changes result in budget or schedule increases. After issuing the request, you and your design team will review the cost and schedule change before moving forward. 

How Do Scope Changes Affect Construction Schedules? 

Scope changes can have a significant impact on construction timelines. A change affects the architect and contractor’s workload and has a ripple effect on subcontractors and tradespeople working in the field. 

For example, a seemingly minor change like moving a sink requires coordination with plumbers and casework and countertop installers. If the sink has a garbage disposal, the contractor must also coordinate with an electrician. 

This change will need to be conveyed to the team so everyone can work to complete it, delaying work on other areas of the project. 

Some projects have a tight schedule, and occupants need to move in by a specific date. Schools, for example, may need to complete work before students return. One change can add a few days to the schedule. Several changes can add weeks. 

If the schedule provides little flexibility or cushion, making changes can impact your operations directly. 

How Do You Prevent Scope Changes? 

No project is perfect, and some scope changes cannot be prevented. An unforeseen site condition is simply bad luck, and your design and construction team will adjust the schedule. 

However, some changes can be prevented. Your architectural team should work to prevent the likelihood of owner-requested scope changes during the design process, well before construction starts. 

In the earliest design phases, you should take the time to explore and test options before setting any decision in stone. Before completing the Contract Documents, the design is more malleable, and changes are less costly and time-consuming. The earlier you make a change, the less impact it will have on your construction schedule. 

Learn more by reading about the 80/20 rule of design.   

At the same time, your design team should help you feel confident in your decisions. They should review design plans frequently, show material samples, and help you understand the overall look and feel of the building through drawings, renderings, and potentially, Virtual Reality (VR) experiences. 

For some design decisions, they may host meetings with user groups. On hospital projects, for example, we often review casework with the staff to ensure the design plans meet their functional needs. It is always better to identify a necessary change during the design process than in the construction field. 

In short, construction scope changes are less likely when you complete the design process with a thorough understanding of the building’s look, feel, and functionality. Your architect should communicate clearly to reduce the chances of scope changes. 

Learn More About Construction 

While everybody wants a project delivered on time, construction can go past its intended schedule. One of the best ways to keep a project on schedule is to minimize scope changes. 

While some scope changes are unpreventable, your design team can work to reduce the likelihood of those requested by the owner. The design process is an opportunity to test options and make changes before setting anything in stone. Taking your time in the earliest stages of the process and thinking through decisions is the best way to minimize costly and time-consuming changes in the field. 

During construction, your design team will visit the site and check that the work matches the design intent. They will remain by your side to coordinate communication and advocate for your interests. Learn more by reading about an architect’s role in construction.