Change Order Approval Cycle Calculator

Slow CO approvals delay schedule and cost.

Change order value

Days to approve

Target days

Daily carry rate

Schedule impact days

Total carry cost from delay

$70,000

Excess approval days

Schedule impact cost

$35,000

How the math works

Excess days = actual − target. Carry = excess × daily. Schedule impact = days × daily. Total = sum.

24 − 14 = 10 excess days × $3.5k = $35k carry. + $35k schedule = $70k total added cost from slow approval.

How to Use

Enter change order value.
Enter days to approve.
Enter target days.
Enter daily carry rate.
Enter schedule impact days.
Read carry cost and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Typical cycle?

Owner: 7-14 days to review typical. Architect/engineer review: 5-10 days. GC negotiation: 3-5 days. Lender review (if required): 7-10 days. Total: 15-30 days common; 45-60 days for complex. Pricing + engineering can add weeks.

Cost of delay?

Schedule impact: critical path COs add days directly. Idle labor/equipment while awaiting direction. GC acceleration requests (crash cost) to recover. Interest carry on delayed project. Sometimes $2-5k/day on a $20M project for schedule delay.

Streamlining?

Pre-authorized contingency limits (GC can draw up to $25k without owner approval). Designated owner rep with authority. Digital workflows (Procore, PlanGrid) shortening review. Weekly CO review meeting with decision-makers present. Tight docs and clear scope reduce CO frequency.