NovaraFree contractor change order template: what to include before work starts
Copy a practical contractor change order template with scope, reason, pricing, schedule impact, and approval language.
A change order is not just paperwork. It is the written record that protects your margin when the job changes.
Use this template when a customer requests extra work, you uncover a hidden condition, an inspector adds a requirement, or materials change after the original estimate.
Quick answer
A contractor change order should include the job reference, change order number, reason, scope, price, schedule impact, running contract total, and signatures. Send it before the extra work starts. If the customer approves on a phone, keep that signed approval attached to the job and invoice from the approved amount.
Copyable change order template
CHANGE ORDER #[CO-001]
Date:
Customer:
Jobsite:
Original estimate or contract:
Reason for change:
[Owner request, concealed condition, code requirement, material substitution, etc.]
Description of change:
[Plain-English scope. What is being added, removed, or modified?]
Materials:
[Line items, quantities, prices, or total]
Labor:
[Hours, rate, or total]
Other costs:
[Permit, equipment, subcontractor, disposal, etc.]
Change order total:
$[amount]
Schedule impact:
[No change / X days added / new expected completion date]
Original contract total:
$[amount]
Approved change orders to date:
$[amount]
New contract total:
$[amount]
Approval:
By signing below, customer authorizes the work and price described above.
Customer signature:
Date:
Contractor signature:
Date:
For a deeper explanation of each field, read how to write a contractor change order.
Why each field matters
Reason for change tells the customer why the price changed. "Replace damaged subfloor" sounds optional. "Replace damaged subfloor discovered after demo; photos attached" sounds like a real condition.
Schedule impact prevents a second argument. A $900 change may also add two days. If the customer signs the price but not the timeline, you still have a problem.
Running contract total prevents final-invoice shock. Every change order should show the original contract, prior approved changes, and the new total.