A CCN (Contemplated Change Notice) is a formal contract document issued by the consultant, architect or owner asking the contractor to price a potential change to the work. The contractor returns a quote, and if the owner accepts it the CCN becomes a change order; it does not authorize the work on its own.
CCN is mostly Canadian usage. The same step is called a proposed change notice (PCN), change request or request for pricing elsewhere, and a proposal request in AIA contracts (AIA G709). In general project management, CCN can also mean a change control note.
How the CCN process works
- The consultant issues a numbered CCN describing the change, with sketches or revised drawings and a date for the response.
- The contractor gets subcontractor and supplier quotes, prices labour, material and equipment, adds the markups allowed by the contract, and states any schedule impact.
- The consultant reviews and negotiates the quote.
- If the owner accepts, a change order is issued and signed, adjusting the contract price and time.
- If the work can’t wait for agreement, the owner can issue a change directive to proceed, with the price settled later.
CCN vs change order vs change directive
| Document | Purpose | Authorizes work? |
|---|---|---|
| CCN | Request to price a possible change | No |
| Change order | Agreed change to scope, price and time | Yes |
| Change directive | Instruction to proceed before price is agreed | Yes |
| Site instruction | Clarification with no change in price or time | Yes, if no cost impact |
Tips for contractors
- Log every CCN with its number, date, value and status.
- Respond by the due date and state how long your price is valid.
- Don’t start CCN work without a signed change order or directive.
Related terms
Related templates and guides
- Your Guide to Submitting a Construction Change Request
- Change Order Template
- Change Order Log
- Request for Pricing (RFP)
Frequently asked questions
What does CCN stand for in construction?
CCN stands for Contemplated Change Notice: a request from the consultant or owner for the contractor to price a possible change. It is common on Canadian projects. Some firms use Construction Change Notice for the same document.
Does a CCN authorize the contractor to do the work?
No. A CCN only asks for a price. The work is authorized when a change order is signed, or when the owner issues a change directive telling the contractor to proceed before the price is agreed.
What is the difference between a CCN and a change order?
A CCN is the question: what would this change cost and how long would it take? A change order is the answer once it is accepted: a signed document that changes the contract scope, price and time.
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