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Change Order Template
Every job has extras. Every extra you don't bill is money out of your pocket. The average remodeler loses $8,000–$22,000/year in unbilled scope changes.
Use this form today. Then let RemodelFin track it automatically.
Construction Change Order Form
Fill it in below, then print or save as PDF. No account needed.
| Description | Qty | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.00 | |||
| $0.00 | |||
| $0.00 | |||
| This Change Order Total | $0.00 | ||
| New Contract Total | $0.00 | ||
Why Contractors Skip Change Orders (And Why It's Killing Their Margins)
It feels awkward to bill for a 20-minute task. You don't want to seem nickel-and-dime. The client is already spending $80K with you — what's another outlet?
Here's the math on that thinking: if you average 3 small unbilled extras per job at $300 each, and you run 30 jobs a year — that's $27,000 in free work you did for your clients last year.
That's not generosity. That's a pricing failure. Change orders protect both parties. The client knows exactly what they're getting and paying for. You protect your margin and your relationship — because a documented change order prevents the "I didn't know that was extra" argument at final payment.
⚠️ The 3 Situations That Always Need a Change Order
- → Hidden conditions discovered mid-job (rot, old wiring, wrong measurements)
- → Client requests any modification to the original scope
- → Any work that extends the timeline or requires additional materials
Stop Doing This Manually
RemodelFin lets you create, send, and get approval on change orders from your phone in under 2 minutes. Client signs digitally. The amount is automatically added to the project total.
Start free trial → No credit cardChange Order FAQs
Do I legally need a change order for small extras?
Yes. Any work outside your original contract scope — no matter how small — should be documented with a signed change order. Without it, you have no legal basis to bill the additional amount, and disputes become your word against theirs.
How much does skipping change orders cost annually?
The average residential remodeler running 25–35 jobs per year loses $8,000–$22,000 annually by absorbing unbilled extras. These are costs the client should pay — but you eat them because there's no paper trail.
Can I start work before the client signs the change order?
No. Never. Starting work without a signed change order is the #1 cause of payment disputes at job closeout. It also weakens your position if the dispute escalates to small claims court. Get the signature first — every time.
What if the client refuses to sign a change order?
Stop the additional scope immediately. Explain politely that the original contract covers the original scope, and any additions require written authorization. A client who refuses to sign a change order is a client who will refuse to pay for it at the end.