What should I do if my contractor added work without my approval?

Stop all informal communications, request documentation, and review your contract. If no signed change order exists, you may not be obligated to pay. Contact a construction attorney immediately.

Is verbal approval enough for construction changes in Virginia?

No. Virginia law favors written contracts and signed change orders. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and can lead to legal disputes.

Do I have to pay for work that wasn’t in the original contract?

Only if you approved it in a signed change order. If the work was done without written consent, you may dispute the charges.

Can a contractor sue me for unpaid work I never approved?

A contractor may try to file a claim, but without a signed change order or documented agreement, you may have a strong defense.

What is a change order in commercial construction?

A change order is a written, signed document that modifies the original scope of work, cost, or timeline of a construction contract.

Why are industrial projects in Dulles at high risk for change order abuse?

Due to fast-paced schedules, high-value contracts, and complex infrastructure, many Dulles-area projects rely on rapid decision-making—often without proper documentation.

What kind of work do contractors add without approval on industrial sites?

Common unauthorized work includes changes to grading, HVAC, electrical layout, upgraded materials, or unplanned labor hours.

How do I prove I didn’t approve the work?

Save all emails, texts, and notes. Lack of a signed change order is often enough to dispute charges. An attorney can help you formalize your response.

What are the legal consequences of unauthorized construction work?

Unauthorized work can lead to disputes, payment withholdings, contract termination, or litigation. It may also violate permitting rules.

Should I stop work during a change order dispute?

It depends on your contract terms. Consult a lawyer before pausing the project to avoid liability or breach claims.

Can I recover costs from a contractor who did unauthorized work?

In some cases, yes. You may seek restitution or damages if the contractor breached the contract or caused financial harm.

Do change orders need to be signed before work begins?

Yes. A change order must be signed and approved before the work starts. Otherwise, it may be unenforceable.

Can I renegotiate contract terms if change orders are out of control?

Yes, but it requires mutual agreement. It’s best handled with legal guidance to prevent future conflicts.

How do I prevent future change order disputes?

Use a clear contract with change order procedures, communicate only in writing, and involve legal counsel early in large builds.

What if the contractor refuses to finish the project without more money?

This may constitute coercion or breach of contract. Document everything and consult a construction lawyer before making payments.

Are industrial projects held to stricter change order standards?

Yes. Due to higher complexity and financial stakes, commercial and industrial builds require tighter documentation and enforcement.

Can change order abuse delay my warehouse project?

Absolutely. Disputes over unauthorized work can stop construction, delay inspections, and impact lease agreements or occupancy timelines.

What if I already paid the contractor under protest?

You may still have options to recover the payment, depending on how it was documented. A construction attorney can evaluate your case.

Who can help resolve a change order dispute in Dulles?

Shin Law Office helps commercial developers enforce contracts, challenge unauthorized work, and recover losses in construction disputes.

Change Order Disputes Construction Litigation Corporate Building Distribution Center Industrial Loudoun County Warehouse

Contractor Added Work Without Consent? Dulles Industrial Project Owners Need to Read This

by ShinLaw

By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Construction Litigation Attorney | Shin Law Office

Dulles Construction Disputes: Unauthorized Work and Change Order Risks for Industrial Projects

If you’re developing a warehouse, distribution center, or logistics hub in Dulles, you’re already juggling tight deadlines, strict permitting, and massive budgets.

The last thing you need is a contractor adding work or charges without your approval.

Unfortunately, this happens more often than you think.

And if you don’t act fast, it can wreck your timeline and bottom line.

Here’s the Problem: “You Approved It… Didn’t You?”

Many commercial builders prioritize speed over paperwork, particularly in Dulles, where demand for industrial and logistics space is high.

Verbal approvals, quick phone calls, or even vague emails are mistakenly treated as permission to:

Order higher-end materials
Redesign structural elements
Add or reroute mechanical/electrical/HVAC components
Perform grading or sitework changes
Extend subcontractor hours or scope

You’re then hit with a change order—after the fact.

Why It’s a Legal Trap

Virginia law requires clear, written agreements for contract changes.

If your contractor adds work without a signed change order, they may be out of bounds, and you may not be legally obligated to pay.

The larger your project, the more dangerous these assumptions become.

“A single unauthorized change can blow a $2 million budget by six figures. And most developers don’t realize they have a legal right to fight it.”
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.

Dulles Developers, You’re Not Alone

Industrial projects near Dulles International Airport face unique risks:

Complex utility coordination
FAA-related design constraints
Stormwater and site drainage issues
Strict construction schedules due to tenant agreements or leasing deals

With so many moving parts, change orders must be precise and documented, or they can snowball into costly disputes.

Warning Signs of a Change Order Dispute

If you notice any of the following, take action immediately:

You’re receiving invoices for unapproved work
The contractor says, “We thought it was okay.”
Change orders were only verbally discussed
You’re being pressured to pay for work that’s already completed
Work deviated from architectural or engineering plans without written authorization

What to Do Right Now

Stop all verbal authorizations—only use written, signed approvals.
Request full documentation for any work in question.
Review your contract terms for change order procedures.
Call a construction law attorney to protect your position.

Don’t Let the Contractor Control the Narrative

At Shin Law Office, we help Dulles commercial developers:

Enforce change order provisions
Challenge unauthorized work charges
Negotiate resolutions before litigation
File claims when necessary to recover losses

We’ve worked with logistics companies, commercial property owners, and developers facing the exact situation you’re in.

Let’s Take Back Control of Your Project

If you’re managing a Dulles build and your contractor crossed the line, we’ll help you draw the line back where it belongs with the contract you signed.

— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.