Change orders. The words can turn the stomachs of administrators. Horror stories about change orders create fear and distrust among school officials, designers and builders. Can change orders be avoided? If car manufacturers can produce millions of intricately designed vehicles, why can't the same quality control be achieved on a construction project? Unlike the manufacturing sector, most construction projects are unique undertakings. By understanding the issues surrounding change orders, school officials can focus their efforts on controlling the areas that put them most at risk. There's always a cost when the work outlined in construction contracts is altered. How much money is too much? Barring any extraordinary circumstances, most experts would recommend carrying a contingency of 2 to 5 percent of construction costs for change orders. An even higher contingency is recommended for renovations or to accommodate difficult site conditions. The designer and builder can offer valuable advice regarding potential risks. In this article, the author discusses the three categories of change orders and how administrators can minimize potential disruptions caused by change orders.