Why change orders are worth the five minutes
Most payment disputes on remodels come down to extra work agreed out loud. A change order puts the extra work, its price and its effect on the schedule in writing, with the client's signature, before the work is done. For home improvement work some states require it: California requires changes to a home improvement contract to be in writing and signed (see the CSLB's rules).
What a change order needs
- The contract it changes, by number and date.
- The change itself, as specific as an estimate line, with its price.
- The running total: original contract, earlier changes, this change, new total. The notes in this template carry all four.
- The schedule impact, even when it is zero days.
- Signatures and dates, before the work starts.
Carry it onto the invoice
On the next progress or final invoice, list each approved change order as its own line with its number, so the invoice adds up to the new contract total.
Questions tradespeople ask
What if the client won't sign the change order?
Don't do the extra work until it is resolved. Explain what you found and why it's needed. If it's a safety or code issue, write that down too.
Can a change order reduce the price?
Yes. Removing scope, or swapping for a cheaper material, is a change order with a credit, and the new contract total goes down.
Missing a line you always need? Email support@vanreceipts.app and we will add it to the template.