When should a contractor use this log template?
Use this log when several change orders are open, pending, approved, rejected, or invoiced on the same job.
Change Order Log Template
Use this change order log template to document contractor change requests, pricing, client action, approval evidence, invoices, and unresolved gaps.
When to use this
Use this log when several change orders are open, pending, approved, rejected, or invoiced on the same job.
The log helps contractors see the job record, but each row still needs underlying request and approval evidence.
What to document
- Change order number, title, source, request date, and original scope affected.
- Price, schedule impact, sent date, client action, and record location.
- Approval evidence, rejection response, revision history, and invoice reference.
- Open documentation gaps and who owns the next action.
- Notes that distinguish tracking labels from actual approval records.
Change order log fields
Use these fields as a log table for active and completed change orders.
Identification
CO number
Short title
Request source
Date opened
Original scope affected
Financial and schedule
Proposed price
Approved price
Schedule impact
Pricing backup link
Invoice reference
Record evidence
Request document link
Client action link
Revision or rejection note
Open documentation gap
Next action owner
Approval boundary
Templates help you write the request. StackQuotes helps you keep the approval record tied to the job.
Change order log example
- CO-007
- Add attic access trim after inspection request.
- Record
- Request document, pricing worksheet, client approval email, and invoice reference saved.
- Gap
- Inspection note attached; final photo still needed for closeout record.
CTA
Use StackQuotes when each log row needs supporting request, pricing, and approval records.
How to use this
Create the row when the request opens, then connect actual documents as they are created.
Use the log to identify missing approvals, pricing backup, or invoice references.
Do not rely on the log alone if a payment or scope question comes up.
Approval boundary
Templates help you write the request. StackQuotes helps you keep the approval record tied to the job.
StackQuotes does not guarantee payment or prevent every dispute. It helps contractors preserve the request, pricing context, client action, and job record in one place.
This is general business documentation guidance, not legal advice. For legal disputes, lien rights, or contract enforcement questions, talk with a qualified construction attorney in your state.
Common mistakes
- Treating a log status as proof that the client approved the work.
- Not linking the log to actual forms, emails, photos, or pricing records.
- Mixing proposed prices and approved prices in the same field.
- Ignoring rejected or revised requests when billing the job.
FAQ
What does it help document?
It helps document changed scope, price or schedule impact, supporting facts, and the client action needed before work continues.
What goes wrong if this is not documented?
The contractor may be left reconstructing scope, price, timing, or approval from memory, messages, and invoices after the job has already moved on.
Is this legal advice?
This is general business documentation guidance, not legal advice. For legal disputes, lien rights, or contract enforcement questions, talk with a qualified construction attorney in your state.
Related resources
Change Order Tracking SpreadsheetUse spreadsheet columns when you want a broader tracking sheet format.Change Order Risk CheckerCheck whether scope, price, schedule, and client-action details are missing before work continues.Proposal Scope ScannerScan proposal scope for unclear language that can turn into change order disputes later.What Happens Without a Signed Change OrderUnderstand the operational risk when extra work is not tied to a clear approval record.Run Better resourcesUse StackQuotes to preserve the request, pricing notes, and approval trail together.Unpaid Invoice Decision ToolReview documentation gaps before deciding how to respond to unpaid work.Lien vs. Small Claims ToolCompare possible next steps when payment issues move beyond normal collection.Getting Paid GuideConnect change order documentation to the larger payment record on contractor jobs.Run Better resourcesKeep the job record organized so pricing, approvals, and invoices are easier to review.