What is a primary step in the change management process in construction?

The primary step in the change management process in construction involves documenting and controlling changes. This step is crucial because construction projects are inherently complex and often subject to a variety of modifications due to unforeseen circumstances, stakeholder requests, or design alterations. Proper documentation ensures that all changes are clearly outlined, communicated, and understood by all parties involved, which helps to maintain project integrity, schedule, and budget.

By controlling changes, project managers can carefully evaluate the implications of each change, ensuring that they assess how it might affect timelines, costs, and resource allocation. This approach allows for effective planning and adjustment, reducing the risk of disputes and confusion among contractors, clients, and stakeholders.

In contrast, ignoring changes would lead to chaos and miscommunication, while extending project deadlines automatically without assessing the need or impact of the change would be irresponsible and could compromise project delivery. Focusing solely on the budget neglects other critical elements of project management, such as quality and safety, which are equally important for successful project completion. Thus, the emphasis on documenting and controlling changes serves as the foundation for effective change management in construction projects.