Change orders usually mean additional expense and a delayed project completion date. But occasionally, they’re a pleasant surprise—when they signify a reduction in construction cost.

Our restoration of Columbia University’s Fayerweather Hall is a recent example. The project comprised replacement of cracked brick, restoration of spalled and cracked limestone and granite, masonry pointing, joint sealant replacement, gutter replacement, and metal grille and panel painting.

Change orders on this project were de minimus. But the only change order was, in fact, a credit, issued when not all allowance quantities were used. (Once our team performed a physical examination from scaffolding, we determined that some deficiencies could be addressed with a spall repair instead of a more expensive dutchman).

For every project, our goal is a restoration that leaves the building safe and watertight for years to come. Our exemplary construction documents help minimize—or eliminate—the unwelcome surprise of change orders. But in some cases (like this one), change orders take the form of a positive balance.

In the case of Fayerweather Hall, we were able to deliver a successful restoration for a long-standing client while keeping the budget in the black.