What are changes made to the contract documents after the signing of the basic owner-contractor agreement known as?

Changes made to the contract documents after the signing of the basic owner-contractor agreement are referred to as modifications. This term encompasses any alterations or updates that may be necessary due to various circumstances such as project scope adjustments, unforeseen conditions, or other factors that emerge after the initial agreement. Modifications can include both change orders and amendments to the original contract, which reflect the new terms agreed upon by both parties.

While "change orders" specifically refer to particular requests for changes in the work or contract terms that the owner may request, modifications is a broader term that captures the overall concept of changing the contract in any form. This distinction is crucial in construction law, as it serves to clarify the kinds of agreements that can occur post-signing and their implications for both parties involved.

In this context, allowances pertain to budgeted amounts for specific items within the project and do not represent changes to the contract. Retainage refers to a portion of the contract amount withheld until the project is completed to ensure contractor performance and quality of work, which is not considered a change to the contract itself.