Change orders

Change Order Risk Checker

Check whether a change order record is low, moderate, or high risk before the dispute shows up in billing or closeout.

Change Order Risk Checker

This tool focuses on the three facts that usually decide whether change work will hold up later: approval, scope clarity, and the communication record.

Output

Risk level and the next action that should happen now.

Risk level
High
Recommended action
Do not rely on the current record. Define the scope in writing, set the price or pricing method, and obtain signed approval before work continues if the change is material.

Simple rule: unsigned changes, unclear scope, and verbal direction create collection risk. Written scope and approval reduce it.

Why this result

The change order record is weak enough that payment or scope disputes are likely.

Watchout

This tool screens documentation risk. Contract terms, client conduct, and state law can still change the collection path.

Rule

Simple rule: unsigned changes, unclear scope, and verbal direction create collection risk. Written scope and approval reduce it.

Output

Risk level and the next action that should happen now.

Notice

This tool screens documentation risk. Contract terms, client conduct, and state law can still change the collection path.

Education

How to use this result

Low risk means the change is likely documented well enough to price, bill, and defend. Moderate risk means the file needs tightening before the account ages. High risk means the record is weak enough that added work can become an avoidable payment dispute.

Example scenario

A plumber receives a hallway request to move two fixtures. The work is discussed verbally, the exact scope is not written down, and no signed approval is collected. This tool returns high risk because billing later will depend on memory rather than a clear record.

Keep the pricing logic, approvals, and job record tied together so the numbers stay defensible.

See the software preview