Checklist
What to Include in a Change Order: 8-Point Checklist
5 min read
A change order should include eight things: the original job reference, what's changing, why, the cost, the schedule impact, the new total, terms, and both signatures. Get it signed before you do the extra work.
The 8-Point Checklist
- Original job reference — quote number, date, address.
- Description of the change — specific, not "misc. extras."
- Reason — customer request, hidden condition, code requirement.
- Cost — labor and materials for the change.
- Schedule impact — added days, if any.
- Revised total — original price plus all approved changes.
- Terms — when the extra is due.
- Both signatures — yours and the customer's.
Start From a Signed Estimate
Change orders only work when the original scope was clear. See how to write a contractor estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What must a change order include?
+
A reference to the original contract, a description of the change, the reason, the added or removed cost, the schedule impact, the revised contract total, any terms, and signatures from both parties.
Does a change order need to be signed?
+
Yes. Get the customer's signature before doing the extra work. A verbal yes is the most common reason contractors go unpaid for extras.
Can a change order reduce the price?
+
Yes. A deductive change order removes scope and lowers the total. It still needs both signatures.