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A change order documents a modification to an existing contract or project scope — a client-requested addition, a schedule shift, or a cost adjustment — separately from the original agreement. This generator builds a change order that captures the description of the change, the reason for it, and its cost and schedule impact, referencing the original contract number when applicable.
Documenting scope changes formally, rather than agreeing to them informally, protects both sides if a dispute over cost or timeline comes up later.
How it works
Enter the change order number, an optional original contract number, the date, client, and project name. Describe the requested change and the reason for it, then add the cost impact (positive or negative) and schedule impact in days, if applicable. Download the finished change order as a PDF.
- Enter the change order number, client, and project details.
- Describe the requested change and the reason for it.
- Add the cost and schedule impact, then generate the PDF.
Examples
A cost-increasing change
A contractor documents a client's request for additional electrical outlets in a conference room during an office renovation, with a $1,250 cost impact and a 3-day schedule impact.
A scope reduction
A change order documents a reduced scope with a negative cost impact, reflecting a credit back to the client for removed work.
Who should use it
- Documenting a client-requested scope change during a project.
- Recording a cost or schedule adjustment separately from the original contract.
Industry applications
- Construction and contracting
- Project-based consulting and services
- Any business managing contracted project scope
Advantages
- Captures cost and schedule impact in one clear document.
- References the original contract for easy traceability.
- No account, subscription or watermark.
Limitations
- Not a substitute for legal review on contracts with significant value or complexity.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Agreeing to scope changes informally without documenting cost and schedule impact.
- Omitting the reason for the change, which can matter later if there's a dispute.
- Forgetting to reference the original contract number.
Best practices
- Reference the original contract number whenever one exists.
- Quantify both cost and schedule impact whenever the change affects either.
- Get the change order signed or acknowledged by the client before proceeding with the change.
Tips
- Get client sign-off on the change order before starting the additional work.
- Keep change orders numbered sequentially and linked to their original contract for easy auditing.