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Free change order template for contractors
The short answer
A change order is a signed note that changes a job after the contract or estimate is agreed. It says what changed and why, what it adds to or takes off the price, the new contract total, any new finish date and both signatures. Fill in this free template, then print it or save it as a PDF to sign before the extra work starts.
The wall comes down and there’s rot behind it. Before you fix it, put the extra work and the extra cost in writing, so you get paid for it and nobody’s surprised by the bill.
Nothing is saved: print it or save the PDF before you close this page.
Your business name
Change order
Change order #1
Date: —
For
Customer name
| Description | Qty | Price | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Added work | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Added parts and materials | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Subtotal | $0.00 | ||
| Sales tax (0% on $0.00) | $0.00 | ||
| This change | $0.00 | ||
| Original contract | $0.00 | ||
| Earlier change orders | $0.00 | ||
| New contract total | $0.00 | ||
This change order becomes part of our original agreement, and everything else in it stays the same. We'll start this work once we've both signed.
Customer: ______________________ Date: __________
For your business: ______________________ Date: __________
How it works
- Fill in your details, the customer and the estimate or contract this changes.
- Enter the original contract amount and the total of any earlier change orders.
- List what’s being added. For work you’re taking out, put a minus in front of the price.
- Say what changed and why, and add a new finish date if the job will take longer.
- Choose “Print or save as PDF”. You both sign it before the extra work starts.
Nothing is saved or sent anywhere. Number your change orders 1, 2, 3 on each job, and add them to the final invoice. Starting a new job? Use the estimate template or the work order template.
This template is a starting point, not legal advice. Some states set rules for home improvement contracts and their changes. Check yours, or ask a local attorney.
What to put on a change order
- A change order number and the date
- The original contract or estimate it changes
- What’s changing and why
- What it costs, line by line, or the credit if work comes out
- The original amount and the new contract total
- Any new finish date
- Both signatures and dates
Common questions
What is a change order?
When do you need a change order?
Should I get a change order signed before doing the work?
What’s the difference between a change order and a new estimate?
Can a change order lower the price?
Is this change order template free?
More free tools
Estimate template
Fill in an estimate or quote, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Work order template
Write up a job with parts, labor and a signature line, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Invoice template
Make an invoice with line items and tax, then print it or save it as a PDF.
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