Change Order Template

A change order keeps a job's price honest as the work changes. This template ties the change to the original contract, describes the work and why it's needed, breaks down the cost, states the days it adds, and sets the new contract price, all signed before the changed work begins.

  • 1. The Change
  • 2. Reason
  • 3. Cost
  • 4. Schedule
  • 5. Contract Price
  • 6. Everything Else Stays the Same
  • Signatures from you and your client
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it whenever the owner asks for something outside the contract, a hidden condition turns up, or an allowance selection costs more than its budget.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section and package options. Once you send it, your client picks a package and signs online. Edit this template online

This Change Order is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Contractor") and [Client Name] ("Owner"). It changes the Construction Contract between them dated [date of the contract, for example: April 6, 2026], with an original contract price of $62,500 (the "Contract").

1. The Change

Contractor will add LED under-cabinet lighting along all upper cabinets, on a dimmer switch, and two additional GFCI countertop outlets on the island side of the kitchen.

2. Reason

Requested by Owner during the electrical rough-in, so the new wiring can be run before the walls are closed.

3. Cost

The cost of this change, including overhead and profit.

Change Order No. 1
Under-cabinet lighting and outlets
Materials, including LED strips, drivers, dimmer, outlets, and wire$640.00
Electrician labor (hours) (8)$760.00
Drywall patch and paint touch-up$220.00
Overhead and profit (10%)$162.00
Total$1,782.00

4. Schedule

This change adds 2 working days to the schedule in the Contract.

5. Contract Price

  • Original contract price: $62,500
  • Previous change orders: $0
  • This change order: $1,782
  • New contract price: $64,282

This change is invoiced as its own payment when its work is done, and each invoice is due within 7 days.

6. Everything Else Stays the Same

All other terms of the Contract remain in effect and apply to this change. Once signed by both parties, this change order becomes part of the Contract. Contractor will begin the changed work when it receives Owner's signature.

By signing below, both parties agree to this change, its price, and its effect on the schedule.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section, add your own, and add a fee table with packages the client can choose from. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your proposal is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews, chooses a package, and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about proposal software in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

When do you need a change order?

Whenever the work, the price, or the schedule changes from the contract. Common reasons are owner requests, hidden conditions found during demolition, code requirements raised by an inspector, and selections that cost more than their allowance.

Why get a change order signed before doing the work?

A signed change order records the scope and price before money is spent, so the final bill is no surprise. Many construction contracts don't let a contractor charge for changed work without one, and some states require changes to home improvement contracts to be in writing.

Is this change order template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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