Site Instruction Form (Site Direction)

Full Description

This site instruction form gives you a standard way to issue written direction to contractors on site. Use it to document a change in the work, the reason for it and any cost or time implications, so everyone has the same instruction in writing before the work proceeds.

What is a site instruction?

A site instruction (SI), sometimes called a site direction, is a standard form of contract administration on construction projects. It is a written direction from the consultant or owner’s representative telling the contractor to proceed with a change, clarification or correction. Some site instructions have no cost impact. On other projects, the contractor is asked to submit a price, and the instruction may later be turned into a change order if cost or time is affected.

When to use it

• A design detail changes and the contractor needs to proceed without waiting for a full change order.
• An RFI answer requires the contractor to do something different from the drawings.
• Minor changes with no cost or time impact need to be recorded formally.
• Defective or non-conforming work must be corrected.
• Verbal direction given on site needs to be confirmed in writing.

What’s included

This editable site instruction document is set up to be issued to contractors to record a change in the work. It provides fields for:

• Contact information for the contractor
• Project information
• Details of the instruction
• Reference documents
• Reason for change
• Cost implications
• Time implications
• Sign-off fields for the people who need to review it

How to fill it out

1. Number the site instruction in sequence and enter the date and project information.
2. Enter the contractor’s contact details and who the instruction is addressed to.
3. Write the instruction clearly: what to do, where and by when.
4. List the reference documents, such as revised drawings, sketches, RFIs or specification sections.
5. Explain the reason for the change.
6. State whether there are cost and time implications, or whether a price is required before work starts.
7. Have the reviewers sign it, issue it to the contractor and record it in your log.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a site instruction to add major scope without addressing cost and time.
• Vague wording that the contractor can read more than one way.
• Leaving out reference drawings, so the crew builds from the old revision.
• Not tracking site instructions, so they are missed when changes are priced.

Related templates and guides

• Confirmation of Verbal Instruction (CVI) to confirm direction given verbally.
• Change Order Template for changes that affect contract price or time.
• Project Change Order Log to track changes on the project.
• Site Instruction [SI] (glossary)
• Change Directive [CD] (glossary)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a site instruction and a change order?

A site instruction directs the contractor to do something on site, often quickly, and may have no cost impact. A change order is a formal amendment to the contract that adjusts the price, the schedule or both, and is usually signed by the owner and contractor. A site instruction with cost or time impact is often followed by a change order.

Who issues a site instruction?

Site instructions are usually issued by the consultant, such as the architect or engineer, or by the owner’s representative, depending on the contract. A general contractor may also issue site instructions to its subcontractors. Check your contract for who has authority to give instructions.

Does a site instruction change the contract price?

Not by itself. Many site instructions have no cost impact. If an instruction adds or changes work, the contractor should raise the cost and time impact promptly, as required by the contract, so it can be priced and approved through a change order or similar process.

Is a site direction the same as a site instruction?

Yes, in most cases the terms are used for the same document. Different companies and contracts use site instruction, site direction or field directive. What matters is that the direction is in writing, numbered, signed and tracked.