Construction Change Order Template
A written change order gives both parties a consistent record of what changed after a project was approved. It should preserve the original agreement while specifying the new work, price and timing.
Important: this is not an executed contract
This educational starting point is not a jurisdiction-approved form. Requirements for licensing, deposits, notices, cancellation, consumer protection, and signatures vary. Have a qualified professional review the final document. Saving or downloading a draft does not sign it, initiate payment or change an invoice.
Describe the change—not just the price
Reference the original estimate or signed contract number. State exactly which tasks or materials are added, removed or substituted, and identify any unaffected work. Include a simple reason for the change when it will help the customer understand a concealed-condition finding or requested upgrade.
Show original amount, adjustment and new total
Record the original contract value, approved prior changes, new addition or credit, and revised total. A negative adjustment should be clearly identified as a credit. Any deposit already collected remains a payment toward the underlying contract, not a second charge triggered by the document.
Obtain required approval before changing the job
State whether the change affects the start or completion date, milestones or access. The customer and contractor should complete legally required approvals before the altered scope begins. ProInvoice currently exports drafts; it does not execute a signature or automatically adjust a live invoice when a draft is saved.
Contract review checklist
- Original agreement or estimate identifier
- Precisely described work added, removed or substituted
- Original contract amount and previously approved changes
- Net increase or credit and clearly calculated revised total
- Updated dates, milestones, materials and exclusions
- Customer and contractor approvals under applicable law
Frequently asked questions
Is a verbal change request enough?
A written and properly approved change order is safer and may be required by law or the underlying agreement.
Should deleted work be shown as a credit?
Yes, when the parties agree it reduces the price. Record the negative amount and revised total clearly.
Will creating this draft change the customer's invoice?
No. The contract editor saves a draft; invoice and payment changes require separate approved actions.
Other contract template guides
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