Construction Change Order Form
Almost every construction project changes after the contract is signed: an owner upgrades a finish, a wall reveals rot, an inspector requires something extra. A change order is the signed document that records the new scope, the price adjustment and the schedule impact. Contractors who get it signed before doing the work get paid for it; those who do not, often do not.
The extra that was "obviously approved"
The owner says "go ahead" on site, the crew does the work, and at invoice time the owner remembers it differently: they thought it was included, or cheaper, or never approved it at all. Many construction contracts require changes to be in writing, so a verbal approval can leave the contractor with a claim that is hard to collect.
What the template covers
Scope described precisely
What is added, removed or changed, with enough detail that a stranger could tell what was agreed.
Price and schedule impact
The cost increase or credit, how it is calculated, and how many days it adds to completion.
Signed before the work
Fill the change order on your phone on site and text it to the owner; they sign before the crew starts.
Kept with the contract
Each signed change order is filed with the original contract, numbered in sequence, so the final invoice reconciles.
Why the signature matters
Change orders are governed by the contract and state law. Many contracts — including widely used industry forms — require changes to be authorized in writing and signed by the owner and contractor, and some states impose writing requirements on home improvement work, such as California Business and Professions Code § 7159 for home improvement contracts. A signed change order is also key evidence in a mechanic's lien or payment dispute. The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001, provides that a signature, contract or record may not be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form, and every state except New York has adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; New York reaches the same result through its Electronic Signatures and Records Act.
A kitchen upgrade that got paid
A remodeler in Scottsdale was asked mid-project to switch to a higher-grade countertop. Instead of a verbal yes, he filled a change order on his phone with the price difference and two added days, and texted it to the homeowner, who signed from work. At final payment there was nothing to argue about.
What a change order should include
- Project name, address and original contract date.
- Change order number and date.
- Description of the added, deleted or modified work.
- Price adjustment and how it was calculated.
- Schedule adjustment in days.
- Signatures of the owner and contractor before the work starts.
Questions people ask about this
Does a change order have to be in writing?
It depends on the contract and state, but many contracts require written, signed change orders, and some states require writing for home improvement changes. Writing it down protects both sides either way.
Can a change order be signed electronically?
Yes. Under the ESIGN Act and UETA, an e-signed change order has the same effect as one signed on paper.
What if the owner refuses to sign?
Do not proceed with the extra work until scope and price are agreed in writing, unless your contract says otherwise.
Should change orders be numbered?
Yes. Sequential numbering makes it easy to reconcile the final contract price.
Who should sign a change order on a commercial job?
Whoever the contract names as authorized to approve changes — often the owner's representative or project manager. Check the contract so the signature binds the owner.
Can change orders be approved by text?
A text approval is weak evidence. Text the change order itself and let the owner sign it; that is quick and leaves a proper record.