By Anthony I. Shin, Esq. | Construction Litigation Attorney | Shin Law Office
No Change Order = No Payment
Think a Handshake Is Enough? Think Again.
If you’re a contractor working in Fairfax, let me give it to you straight: if there’s no change order, there’s no guarantee you’ll get paid.
I’ve represented contractors who’ve done excellent work, only to get dragged into disputes over payment because they didn’t have the paperwork to back up the job changes.
And unfortunately, in Virginia courts, a verbal agreement or a handshake doesn’t carry much weight.
What Happens When You Skip the Paperwork
You’re halfway through a job.
The client changes their mind and wants to upgrade materials, add more work, or shift the timeline.
You say “no problem” and keep going.
But when it’s time to collect for that extra work, suddenly they don’t remember approving it… or they claim the work was included in the original price.
Now you’re stuck arguing over something that should’ve been settled with a single signed document: a change order.
Why Change Orders Matter in Virginia
In construction litigation, contracts rule everything.
A change order updates your original agreement.
Without it, the court will fall back on what was signed, not what was said.
That’s bad news if you performed $20,000 worth of extra work with nothing to show that it was approved.
I’ve Seen the Fallout
Here’s what skipping change orders can lead to:
- Non-payment for extra labor or materials
- Disputes over scope of work
- Delayed final payments
- Full-blown lawsuits between contractors and property owners
- Damaged business relationships and reputation
Most of these headaches could’ve been avoided with a two-minute document and a signature.
How I Help Contractors Protect Themselves
When I work with Fairfax contractors, I ensure their contracts and change order procedures are rock-solid.
That means:
- Drafting clear, enforceable language in every agreement
- Helping you build a change order process that’s easy to follow
- Reviewing any existing disputes and identifying weak spots
- Representing you in court if you’re already facing non-payment
I’m not just here to help you clean up the mess—I’m here to help you avoid it altogether.
Final Word for Contractors in Fairfax
Look, I know how it is on a job site. Things move fast, and paperwork feels like a delay.
But a five-minute delay today can save you months of legal trouble down the line.
If you’re not using written change orders, you’re leaving your business wide open.
And if you’re already in a payment dispute, I’ll help you fight for what you’re owed.
Don’t wait until your client stops answering the phone.
Let’s get your contracts—and your cash flow—back on solid ground.
— Anthony I. Shin, Esq.
Principal Attorney | Shin Law Office
Call 571-445-6565 or book a consultation online today.
