When should a contractor use this contractor template?
Use this template when a contractor needs a complete change order artifact, not just a short approval form.
Contractor Change Order Template
Use this contractor change order template to document changed work, pricing, schedule impact, assumptions, and client approval on contractor jobs.
When to use this
Use this template when a contractor needs a complete change order artifact, not just a short approval form.
It is best for changed work that needs scope detail, pricing backup, schedule notes, assumptions, and client action in one place.
What to document
- Original scope reference, changed work, reason for change, and field documentation.
- Labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, overhead, markup, and total price impact.
- Schedule impact and any dependencies created by the change.
- Assumptions, exclusions, and attachments used to support the request.
- Client approval action and version of the change order that was approved.
Printable contractor change order template
Use this fuller template when the shorter contractor change order form does not capture enough detail.
Contractor and job
Contractor name: ___________________________
Client name: _______________________________
Project name/address: ______________________
Original proposal reference: ______________
Changed work
Change order number: _______________________
Original scope affected: ___________________
Changed scope description: ________________
Reason for change: _________________________
Attachments: _______________________________
Price, schedule, approval
Labor/material/subcontractor total: $______
Markup/overhead: $_________________________
Total change order price: $________________
Schedule impact: ___________________________
Client approval action: ____________________
Approval boundary
Templates help you write the request. StackQuotes helps you keep the approval record tied to the job.
Contractor change order example
- Changed scope
- Add blocking, backing, and installation labor for owner-selected floating shelves not included in original cabinet scope.
- Price
- $865 added price with supplier receipt and labor worksheet attached.
- Approval
- Client approval required before material pickup and installation scheduling.
CTA
Use StackQuotes when contractor change orders need a reliable record behind requests, approvals, and invoices.
How to use this
Use the template after the request is clear and before changed work starts.
Attach pricing and field documentation so the approval record explains the basis for the change.
Keep the approved version with the job record and reference it in billing.
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
- Duplicating the original proposal instead of describing the changed work.
- Using the template as a substitute for explicit client approval.
- Leaving out assumptions that explain the price.
- Sending revisions without preserving which version was approved.
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
Contractor Change Order FormUse the shorter form when the change can be documented with fewer fields.Construction Change Order TemplateUse the broader change order template when the request needs scope, price, schedule, and approval fields together.Contractor Change Order FormUse a simple contractor form when the change needs a client-facing approval artifact.Contractor Change OrdersReview how contractors should separate changed scope from the original proposal and approval record.Run Better resourcesSee how StackQuotes keeps job records, change requests, and approval actions organized around the job.Change Order Pricing ToolPrice labor, materials, subcontractors, overhead, markup, and total change impact before sending the request.Time and Materials Pricing ToolUse time and materials pricing when extra work cannot be scoped as a fixed price cleanly.