What role do change orders play in a construction project?

Change orders are essential documents in a construction project that formalize any alterations to the original scope of work. These changes can arise for various reasons, such as unexpected site conditions, client requests for modifications, or design discrepancies that need adjustments to ensure the project's success.

By documenting alterations, change orders provide a clear record of what changes have been made, the reasons for those changes, and any resulting adjustments to budget, timelines, or workflows. This clarity minimizes disputes and misunderstandings among stakeholders, including owners, contractors, and subcontractors, which is crucial for effective project management.

The other options present concepts that are not aligned with the primary purpose of change orders. While they might touch on aspects of project management, they do not accurately reflect the function of change orders in documenting modifications to the work being performed.