When should a contractor use this authorization form?
Use this form when the client asks for work outside the original scope or field conditions require additional work.
Contractor Extra Work Authorization Form
Use this contractor extra work authorization form to document added work, price, schedule impact, and client approval before extra work starts.
When to use this
Use this form when the client asks for work outside the original scope or field conditions require additional work.
It helps show that extra work was identified, priced, and approved separately from the base proposal.
What to document
- Original contract or proposal item that does not include the extra work.
- Description of the extra work and why it is needed or requested.
- Labor, materials, subcontractors, equipment, and total price impact.
- Schedule impact and whether the extra work affects other trades or milestones.
- Client authorization before the contractor starts the extra work.
Printable extra work authorization form
Use this form before extra work starts so the authorization is tied to a specific scope and price.
Job and scope reference
Project name: ______________________________
Original proposal or contract date: ________
Original scope item: _______________________
Extra work requested by: ___________________
Extra work details
Description of extra work: _________________
Reason extra work is needed: ______________
Materials or selections: ___________________
Exclusions: ________________________________
Authorization
Extra work price: $_________________________
Schedule impact: ___________________________
Client authorization: ______________________
Date authorized: ___________________________
Approval boundary
Templates help you write the request. StackQuotes helps you keep the approval record tied to the job.
Extra work authorization example
- Extra work
- Replace rotten subfloor discovered after demolition.
- Not in original scope
- Original proposal excluded hidden damage below finished flooring.
- Authorization
- Client approves $1,450 added price and one additional working day.
CTA
Use StackQuotes when extra work needs to stay connected to the original quote, approval action, and payment record.
How to use this
Use the form as soon as extra work is identified, before crews absorb the change into the base job.
Attach photos, measurements, or selections that explain why the work is extra.
Keep the authorization with the job record and reference it when invoicing the added work.
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
- Calling work extra without referencing the original excluded or changed scope.
- Starting extra work while the client is still deciding.
- Documenting price but not schedule impact.
- Invoicing extra work without attaching the authorization record.
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
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.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.