Stop losing money on General Contractor projects.
Send your first 3 change orders for free. Handshake agreements on-site are where profit margins go to die. If you aren't getting a signature before the extra work starts, you’re essentially volunteering your crew's time and your own materials.
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Change Order
Ref: 2026-001 • Standard Business Template
Change Order Form
Project Name: ____________________
Original Contract Date: ____________________
Change Order Number: #_______
1. Description of Change
The following changes to the original Scope of Work are hereby authorized. This includes all necessary labor, materials, and equipment required to complete the modification:
- [Detail specific work to be added or removed]
- [Detail specific materials to be used]
- [Reference any new drawings or specifications]
2. Adjustment to Contract Price
The original Contract Sum was: $__________
The net change by previously authorized Change Orders: $__________
The Contract Sum prior to this Change Order: $__________
The Contract Sum will be [Increased/Decreased] by this Change Order in the amount of: $__________
The new Contract Sum including this Change Order will be: $__________
3. Adjustment to Schedule
The date of Substantial Completion as of the date of this Change Order is: ____________________
The Contract Time will be [Increased/Decreased] by _______ days.
The new date of Substantial Completion is: ____________________
4. Approval & Authorization
By signing this document, the Client acknowledges that the Contractor is not authorized to proceed with the changes described above until this document is signed and returned. All other terms and conditions of the original Agreement remain in full force and effect.
Contractor Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Client Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Unrecoverable Material Costs
If you order custom fixtures or specialty lumber based on a verbal request and the client backtracks, you are legally and financially stuck with the inventory.
Subcontractor Payment Disputes
Subs will bill you for the extra work they performed; if you don't have a signed change order from the owner, you may be forced to pay the sub out of your own pocket.
Voided Timeline Penalties
If your original contract has liquidated damages for late completion, failing to document that a change added three weeks to the schedule could leave you liable for delay penalties.
What is a General Contractor Change Order?
A General Contractor Change Order is a legally binding amendment to the original construction contract. It details specific modifications to the scope of work, identifies the resulting increase or decrease in project cost, and establishes a new completion timeline, requiring signatures from both the contractor and client before work proceeds.
Built from real freelance projects
This template is based on real-world scenarios across freelance projects where unclear scope, missing payment terms, and revision creep led to lost revenue. It is designed to protect your time, define expectations, and ensure you get paid.
Why General Contractors need a clear change order
For a General Contractor, the Change Order is the only line of defense between a profitable project and a financial disaster. Construction is unpredictable; once walls are opened or ground is broken, the scope inevitably shifts. Without a formal process to document these shifts, you face 'Scope Creep'—where small, unpaid tasks accumulate until your overhead exceeds your remaining draw. This document bridges the gap between the original architectural plans and the reality of the build. It ensures that when a client decides to upgrade from laminate to quartz, or when hidden dry rot is discovered, the financial and chronological impact is legally recognized. It protects your relationship with subcontractors by ensuring their extra labor is funded, and it protects your business from litigation during the final close-out when a client might 'forget' they authorized extra expenses.
Real-world scenario
Mike, a GC in Seattle, was halfway through a kitchen remodel when the homeowner asked to 'quickly' bump out a wall for a breakfast nook. Mike, wanting to be helpful, started the work immediately. Two weeks later, the client balked at the final invoice, claiming the wall was part of the 'original vision.' Because Mike didn't have a signed Change Order, he had no legal leverage to collect the $12,000 in additional framing, drywall, and siding costs. He barely broke even on the entire project. On his next job, he used a formal Change Order for a simple lighting change. When the client later questioned the bill, Mike produced the signed document detailing the extra labor and parts. The client paid immediately, and Mike’s profit stayed intact. That document didn't just save his margin; it saved the professional relationship by removing all ambiguity.
🛡️ What this change order covers:
- ✓Detailed Description of Additional Work
- ✓Line-Item Material and Labor Costs
- ✓Revised Total Contract Price
- ✓Adjusted Project Completion Date
- ✓Client Approval and Re-signature Block
Best practices for General Contractors
The 'No Work' Rule
Stop work on the affected area immediately until the change order is signed to prevent leverage loss.
Document with Photos
Attach photos of the unforeseen condition (like mold or faulty wiring) to the change order for indisputable proof.
Legal Disclaimer: MicroFreelanceHub is a software workflow tool, not a law firm. The templates and information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an email as a Change Order?
While an email thread can show intent, it is often insufficient in court. A formal, signed Change Order document that references the original contract is the industry standard for legal protection.
What if the client refuses to sign but wants the work done?
You must stop work on that specific task. Proceeding without a signature is a 'voluntary' act, and you lose your right to file a mechanic's lien for that portion of the work.