Free change order template.
A change order form to document every scope change in writing before you build it. Copy the fields below. No signup required to use the template.
- Scope change description
- Price and schedule impact
- Client sign off line
A change order is a short written agreement that amends the contract. The rule is simple: no change proceeds without a signed change order. This template captures what changed, what it costs, how it moves the schedule, and the new contract total.
The template
Construction Change Order Template
Select the text and copy it, or use it as a checklist while you build your own.
Reference
- •Change order number (sequential: CO-001, CO-002)
- •Project name and address
- •Original contract date and number
- •Change order date
Description of the change
- •What is being added, removed, or modified, in plain language
- •Who requested it (homeowner, contractor, designer, inspector)
- •Reason for the change (client selection, concealed condition, code requirement)
Cost impact
- •Added or credited labor
- •Added or credited materials
- •Markup on the change (state the percentage)
- •Net change to the contract price (add or deduct)
Schedule impact
- •Days added to or removed from the completion date
- •New substantial completion date
Revised contract summary
- •Original contract price
- •Sum of previous change orders
- •This change order amount
- •New contract price
Authorization
- •Contractor signature and date
- •Homeowner signature and date
- •Note: work on this change will not begin until this form is signed by both parties
Sample
| Line | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Add | Relocate range and gas line to island | $2,450 |
| Add | Additional cabinet run, 6 linear feet | $3,900 |
| Credit | Delete pantry barn door hardware | -$480 |
| Markup | 18 percent on added scope | $1,143 |
Net change to contract price: add $7,013. New contract price: $75,413.
What a change order form must capture
A sequential change order number
Number them CO-001, CO-002 and reference the original contract. This keeps the paper trail clean if there is ever a dispute.
A plain description of the change
State what is added, removed, or modified and who requested it. Note the reason, especially for concealed conditions found during demo.
The full cost breakdown
Show added labor, added materials, and your markup as separate lines, then the net add or deduct to the contract price.
The schedule impact
Every change moves the finish date, even if only by a day. Record the days added and the new completion date.
The revised contract total
Show original price, previous change orders, this change, and the new total. Carry the new total onto the next invoice.
Sign off before the work starts
State clearly that the change is not authorized and work will not begin until both parties sign. Unsigned extras are the fastest way to lose money on a job.
Change order template FAQ
Why do contractors lose money on change orders?+
Almost always because the work was done on a verbal okay and never priced or signed. By the time the invoice goes out, the client disputes the amount. A signed change order before the work removes that risk.
How much markup should I add to a change order?+
Apply the same overhead and profit markup you use on the base contract, commonly 15 to 25 percent on renovation work. Small changes often carry a slightly higher rate to cover the disruption.
Does a change order need to be signed by the homeowner?+
Yes. A change order amends the contract, so it needs the same signatures as the contract. Get the signature before the crew touches the new scope.
How do I stop change orders from slipping through?+
Renovate lets you raise a change order from the job, price it with your standard markup, send it for a one tap approval, and roll the new total onto the contract and the next invoice automatically. From $29.99 a month.
Stop rebuilding this document on every job.
Renovate builds your change orders from reusable templates, keeps the numbers tied to the contract, and lets clients approve online. From $29.99 a month with unlimited users.