Which party is usually responsible for drafting a change order?

The party typically responsible for drafting a change order is the contractor. This is because the contractor is directly involved in the execution of the work and understands the scope of the project, as well as any necessary adjustments due to changes in project specifications, materials, or timelines. When changes need to be implemented—whether due to client requests, unforeseen conditions, or design modifications—the contractor drafts the change order to outline the specifics of the change, including costs and impacts on the schedule.

The project manager may assist in the process by coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring that the necessary approvals are obtained, but the primary responsibility for drafting lies with the contractor. The owner generally does not create change orders, as they are the client and are usually more focused on approvals and payments rather than the technical details of the work. Subcontractors also typically do not draft change orders unless it specifically pertains to their scope of work, in which case the contractor would still be involved in the overall process.