Contractor Change Order Template

Use this contractor change order template to document changed work, pricing, schedule impact, assumptions, and client approval on contractor jobs.

Use StackQuotes for the approval record

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

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.

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.