Change Orders are instructions to revise construction plans after they have been completed. Change orders are common to most projects, and very common with large projects. After the original scope (or contract) is formed, complete with the total price to be paid and the specific work to be completed, a client may decide that the original plans do not best represent his definition for the finished project. Accordingly, the client will suggest an alternate approach.
Common causes for change orders to be created are:
" The project's work was incorrectly estimated;
" The customer or project team discovers obstacles or possible efficiencies that require them to deviate from the original plan;
" The customer or project team are inefficient or incapable of completing their required deliverables within budget, and additional money, time, or resources must be added to the project; and
" During the course of the project, additional features or options are perceived and requested.
Harris Texas Compensation for Change Orders and Builder Allowance Underage refers to the system in place for addressing changes in construction projects and providing financial allowances to builders for underage workers in Harris County, Texas. These two aspects are crucial elements of construction projects and are governed by specific regulations and guidelines to ensure fair compensation and adherence to labor laws. 1. Harris Texas Compensation for Change Orders: Change orders are modifications or additions to the original construction contract which result in deviations from the initial plans, specifications, or scope of work. Harris Texas has established a compensation framework that governs change orders, ensuring transparency and fairness in dealing with project modifications. This framework addresses various types of change orders, including: a. Constructive Change Orders: These occur when the owner or architect directs changes to the project that were not expressly stated in the original contract. Compensation for constructive change orders may include additional costs, time extensions, or both. b. Funding Change Orders: These are changes resulting from modifications in the project's funding sources, such as a new grant or loan. Compensation for funding change orders involves assessing the impact on the project budget and adjusting it accordingly. c. Design Change Orders: Design change orders refer to alterations made to the project's design, plans, or specifications. The compensation for design changes may involve additional design fees, revised material costs, or additional labor expenses. 2. Harris Texas Builder Allowance Underage: Builder allowance underage refers to the financial compensation or adjustments provided to builders who employ workers below the legal working age. In Harris County, Texas, strict labor laws prohibit the employment of individuals under a certain age. However, specific regulations and guidelines exist to address situations where underage workers are employed unintentionally or due to miscommunication. a. Corrective Measures for Builder Allowance Underage: In cases where underage workers are inadvertently employed, Harris Texas provides a framework to rectify the situation. This may involve enforcing penalties, requiring specialized training for the builder, or conducting regular inspection and monitoring to prevent future violations. b. Compensation for Builder Allowance Underage: Compensation for builder allowance underage depends on the severity of the violation and the circumstances of the employment. Consequences may range from financial penalties to mandatory training requirements for the responsible builder. Overall, Harris Texas Compensation for Change Orders and Builder Allowance Underage aims to ensure fair compensation and compliance with labor laws in construction projects. It provides a clear structure for addressing change orders and establishes guidelines for rectifying accidental employment of underage workers. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to maintaining ethical construction practices and protecting the rights and safety of workers in Harris County, Texas.
