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Change Order Form template

A change order documents an agreed change to an existing contract's scope of work, and the resulting adjustment to price and schedule, so both parties sign off before the extra work begins.

Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Change Order Details

Change Order No.: [NUMBER] Date: [DATE] Project: [PROJECT NAME] Project address: [ADDRESS] Original contract: [CONTRACT TITLE] dated [CONTRACT DATE] (the "Contract")

2. Parties

This Change Order is made between [OWNER / CLIENT NAME], of [ADDRESS] (the "Owner"), and [CONTRACTOR / PROVIDER NAME], of [ADDRESS] (the "Contractor"), who are parties to the Contract.

3. Requested By and Reason

This change was requested by [OWNER / CONTRACTOR / ARCHITECT] because [REASON, e.g. owner requested upgraded fixtures / concealed water damage was discovered / code inspector required additional work].

4. Description of Change

The scope of work under the Contract is changed as follows: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF WORK ADDED, REMOVED, OR MODIFIED, including materials, quantities, and specifications]. Supporting documents: [DRAWINGS / QUOTES / PHOTOS ATTACHED].

5. Price Adjustment

Original contract price: [AMOUNT] Net change from previous change orders: [AMOUNT] Contract price before this change order: [AMOUNT] This change order: [INCREASE / DECREASE] of [AMOUNT] New contract price: [AMOUNT] The change amount is based on [LUMP SUM / TIME AND MATERIALS AT RATES / UNIT PRICES].

6. Payment Terms

Payment for this change will be made [WITH THE NEXT PROGRESS PAYMENT / AS A DEPOSIT OF AMOUNT BEFORE WORK BEGINS / ON COMPLETION OF THE CHANGE].

7. Schedule Adjustment

The contract completion date is [EXTENDED BY NUMBER DAYS / UNCHANGED]. New completion date: [DATE].

8. Effect on the Contract

Except as modified by this Change Order, all terms of the Contract remain in full force and effect. If there is a conflict between this Change Order and the Contract, this Change Order controls for the change described. The Contractor will not begin the changed work until this Change Order is signed by both parties, unless an emergency requires immediate action to protect people or property.

9. Governing Law

This Change Order is governed by the same law as the Contract, being the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION].

10. Signatures

The parties agree that this Change Order may be signed electronically, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. OWNER: [OWNER / CLIENT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] CONTRACTOR: [CONTRACTOR / PROVIDER NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Date: [DATE]

When to use this template

  • When a client asks for extra work not in the original construction contract
  • When unforeseen site conditions require additional work or materials
  • When materials or specifications are substituted
  • For scope changes on software, design, or other service projects

How to fill it in and get it signed

  1. Number the change order and reference the original contract by title and date.
  2. Explain who requested the change and why, then describe exactly what work is added or removed.
  3. Fill in the price breakdown so the new contract price is clear, and set how the change will be paid.
  4. State any change to the completion date.
  5. Upload the change order to eSignSimple and send it to both parties for e-signature before starting the extra work.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Frequently asked questions

What is a change order in construction?

It is a written amendment to a construction contract that records changes to the scope of work, price, or schedule, signed by both parties.

Should work start before a change order is signed?

Generally no. Starting without a signed change order is a common source of payment disputes. Emergencies that threaten safety or property are a usual exception.

Can a change order reduce the contract price?

Yes. A change order can remove work or substitute cheaper materials, producing a credit to the owner.

How can I get change orders signed quickly on site?

Send the change order through eSignSimple. The client can sign from their phone without an account, and the audit trail shows when it was approved.