Change Order Generator
Every free change order template is a static Word or Excel file that leaves the math to you. This generator produces a signature-ready change order PDF and shows the ripple effect as you type — the new contract sum, and exactly what lines 2 and 3 of your next pay application become.
Frequently asked questions
What is a change order in construction?
A change order is a written amendment to a construction contract that changes the scope of work, the contract sum, the contract time, or all three. Once signed by both parties it becomes part of the contract — which is why unpriced or unsigned 'we'll work it out later' changes are the most common way contractors lose money on a job.
What should a change order include?
At minimum: the project and parties, a change order number, the date, a clear description of the changed work (referencing drawings, RFIs, or site conditions), the price of the change (add or deduct), any time extension in calendar days, the running contract-sum math (original sum, previous change orders, new sum), and signature blocks for both parties.
How do change orders affect pay applications?
Approved change orders raise (or lower) the contract sum to date — line 2 and line 3 of a G702-style application. Best practice is to add each change order as its own schedule-of-values line so its percent complete is billed and observable separately. This generator shows you the updated pay-app figures as you type.
Should I do the work before the change order is signed?
Contractually, no — working from a verbal 'go ahead' means financing the change yourself and hoping. In practice schedule pressure wins sometimes; if you must proceed, document direction in writing (email counts), track the costs separately from day one, and submit the priced change order immediately. Unapproved change orders sitting in limbo are a leading cause of subcontractor cash-flow trouble.
Change orders that bill themselves
In BuiltSum, an approved change order updates the contract sum, adds its SOV line, and flows into the next pay application automatically.
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