How an Owner’s Rep Turned a Six-Figure Change Order into a $10K Fix
/Every construction project hits a curveball eventually. What separates a minor bump from a budget-breaking setback is how the problem gets handled once it surfaces. Here’s a recent example from a concrete and steel restoration project, and what it shows about the value of having an experienced owner’s representative on your side.
The Problem: Unforeseen Site Conditions Midway Through Construction
About halfway through the project, the contractor uncovered conditions in the field that no one could have anticipated. Even the as-built drawings didn’t capture that level of detail.
Unforeseen site conditions are one of the most common causes of cost overruns in construction, especially in restoration work, where crews are opening up existing structures and finding what’s really behind the walls, slabs, and steel.
The Proposed Fix: A Change Order Worth Over 15% of the Project
The engineer sketched a new detail and issued it to the contractor as part of an RFI (Request for Information) response. The contractor then priced that detail, and the resulting change order proposal would have exceeded 15% of the total project cost, reaching into the high six figures.
For most owners, a change order that size means difficult choices: find more money, cut scope elsewhere, or accept delays while the issue is debated.
The Owner Rep Group Approach: Step Back and Bring the Team Together
Instead of accepting the first solution on the table, our team took a closer look at the engineer’s sketch. With years of field experience, it was clear the situation called for a practical, field-driven decision rather than a costly redesign.
So we brought the right people into the room: the engineering team, the contractor, and Owner Rep Group. Together, we worked through the problem, explored alternatives, and landed on a better solution.
The Results: Cost Savings Without Compromise
Major cost savings: The potential six-figure change order was reduced to less than $10,000, a fraction of the original proposal.
No schedule delays: The solution was implemented in the field right away, keeping the project on track.
No compromise on quality: By evaluating every option, the owner didn’t have to choose between time, cost, and quality. They got all three.
The Lesson: The First Solution Isn’t Always the Best One
Even an experienced engineer’s first idea may not be the most practical or cost-effective answer in the field. When an unexpected issue comes up, the best outcomes usually come from:
Pausing before approving a costly change order. A large price tag is a signal to look closer, not just to sign.
Getting the right people together. Engineers, contractors, and the owner’s rep each see the problem differently, and collaboration surfaces better options.
Exploring multiple solutions. Comparing alternatives is often the difference between blowing the budget and delivering a win.
Why Owners Work with an Owner’s Representative
An owner’s representative does more than manage the day-to-day. The real value is being proactive, thinking on our feet, and making sure unexpected issues don’t derail your project. At Owner Rep Group, we act as your advocate on site, protecting your investment, keeping work moving, and making sure you’re not overpaying for a problem that has a smarter solution.
This is especially valuable for owners who can’t be on site every day. When something comes up in the field, you need someone who can evaluate it quickly, ask the right questions, and push for the best outcome on your behalf.
Tell Us About Your Project
Planning a commercial project in Florida, or dealing with challenges on one already underway? Contact Owner Rep Group to talk through your project and see how we can help you save time, money, and headaches.