| This research focused on developing strategies to prevent change orders caused by design errors and omissions during the preconstruction stage of a project. The study examines a database of change orders from 16 Michigan State University (MSU) construction projects. The researcher analyzed 1,372 change order items to identify recurring causes of change orders. Change order items were analyzed quantitatively based on Construction Specification Institute (CSI) divisions. Keyword searches were run on narrative descriptions of change order items in the database to isolate recurring causes. Additionally, interviews were conducted of contractors, subcontractors, architects as well as university construction administrators from five universities to gain their perspectives on change order causes and processes. The research showed that 42% of change orders resulted from design errors and omissions, and identified a number of recurring design and plan coordination causes of change orders. The results from the quantitative analysis, keyword searches, interview data, and literature review were used to develop a plan review checklist, and recommended strategies for reducing design errors and omissions, which are suitable for use by universities and similar institutional organizations. |
