PMC📐 Design CoordinationDesign Change Memo

Design Change Memo

form
PMC-DSN-FRM-002·v1.0-beta·⚠ Beta — review before use

This memo is used to formally document and communicate any change from the approved design or drawings. It creates a paper trail to record why a change was needed, what the change is, and who approved it, preventing arguments later.

ReferencesFIDIC Red Book (1999) Sub-clause 5.1 (General Design Obligations)FIDIC Red Book (1999) Sub-clause 13.3 (Variation Procedure)CPWD Works Manual (Chapter on Deviations)IS 7861:1975 (Code of practice for graphical symbols for diagrams)
Download
📍 When to use this template
  • When a site condition (like an unexpected rock or existing utility line) makes the original drawing impossible to build.
  • Whenever the Client or Architect issues a new instruction that modifies the design.
  • Typically initiated by the Site Engineer or Project Manager, then sent to the Design/Technical team for review and approval.
Sections & fields
Preview of the template structure. Download Excel to fill on site.
1Header / Project Information6 fields
Project Name
_____________
Contract Package No.
_____________
DCM No.
_____________
Date of Issue
_____________
Initiated By (Name/Designation)
_____________
Approved By (Name/Designation)
_____________
2Identification of Change5 fields
Reference Drawing No(s). (Affected)
_____________
Reference Specification Clause(s)
_____________
Location / Grid Line / Area of Change
_____________
Reason for Change (e.g., Site Constraint, Client Request, Value Engineering, Error in Drawing)
_____________
Brief Description of the Original Design
_____________
3Description of Proposed Change4 fields
Detailed Description of the New/Modified Design
_____________
Attached Sketch / Revised Drawing No.
_____________
Changes to Materials / Specifications
_____________
Changes to Bill of Quantities (BOQ) Items
_____________
4Impact Analysis6 fields
Cost Impact (Increase / Decrease / No Change)
_____________
Estimated Cost Variation Amount (if any)
_____________
Schedule / Time Impact (Delay / Acceleration / No Change)
_____________
Estimated Time Impact (in days)
_____________
Impact on Other Agencies / Trades (e.g., MEP, Finishes)
_____________
Quality / Performance Impact
_____________
5Approvals & Distribution4 fields
Design/Technical Head Review & Comments
_____________
PMC/Client Review & Comments
_____________
Final Approval Status (Approved / Approved with Comments / Rejected)
_____________
Distribution List (e.g., Site, QS, Planning, Billing)
_____________
💡 Sample filled excerpt
Reason for Change: Unforeseen underground utility pipe (150mm dia DI) clashing with proposed footing F-2 at Grid B/3. 
Proposed Change: Shift footing F-2 by 300mm towards Grid 4, subject to structural check. See attached sketch SK-01. 
Cost Impact: No Change. 
Schedule Impact: 1 day delay for structural confirmation.
⚖ Compliance notes
  • Helps substantiate claims for Variation Orders under FIDIC Sub-clause 13.1 (Right to Vary) and 13.3 (Variation Procedure).
  • Provides necessary documentation for rate analysis of non-BOQ items as per CPWD Works Manual.
  • Forms a crucial part of the 'As-Built' drawing documentation process.
  • Essential for audit trails to justify deviations from the 'Good for Construction' (GFC) drawings.