Kimmins, a subcontractor, performed extra work on an ammonia plant dismantlement project but never received written change orders. The owner kept demanding work while refusing to issue change orders. The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that Kimmins could recover payment for the extra work anyway, using the legal doctrine of equitable estoppel. The court found the owner's conduct—requiring work while denying change orders—was unfair enough to override the contract's change order requirement.
Document all extra work requests in writing immediately, even if the owner refuses to issue a formal change order. Keep emails, texts, and notes showing what was requested and by whom.
If an owner demands work outside the contract scope, stop and get written authorization before proceeding. If they refuse to authorize in writing, document that refusal and the pressure to continue anyway.