Free Change Order Form Template
A change order form for freelancers and contractors to document scope changes, extra cost and timeline impact before new work starts.
A change order is a short signed document that records a change to a project's scope, the added or reduced cost and any change to the deadline. Getting it signed before doing extra work is the simplest way to avoid unpaid scope creep.
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CHANGE ORDER
Change order number: [CO-001]
Date: [DATE]
Project: [PROJECT NAME]
Original agreement: [AGREEMENT NAME], dated [DATE], between [PROVIDER NAME] ("Provider") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client")
1. REQUESTED BY: [CLIENT / PROVIDER], on [DATE]
2. DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE:
[Describe the change clearly, e.g., "Add a blog section with 5 page templates and CMS setup, not included in the original scope."]
3. REASON FOR CHANGE:
[e.g., new client requirement / change in direction / additional deliverables]
4. COST IMPACT:
Original contract price: [$]
Previous approved change orders: [$]
This change order: [+/− $] [calculated as: HOURS × RATE, OR FIXED PRICE]
Revised contract price: [$]
5. SCHEDULE IMPACT:
Original completion date: [DATE]
Revised completion date: [DATE] [or: no change]
6. PAYMENT TERMS FOR THIS CHANGE:
[e.g., 50% on signing this change order, 50% on completion / billed with the next invoice]
7. EFFECT ON AGREEMENT:
This change order amends the original agreement only as described above. All other terms remain in effect. Work on this change will begin after both parties sign.
PROVIDER: _____________________ Date: __________
CLIENT: _______________________ Date: __________
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This free template is provided by ClauseAudit for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Have it reviewed before use. Replace all [BRACKETED] placeholders.When to use this template
- A client asks for work outside the agreed scope.
- A project's requirements change mid-way and affect cost or timeline.
- Construction, renovation, software or creative projects with fixed scope and price.
How to fill it in
- Number each change order and reference the original agreement.
- Describe the change specifically enough to avoid later disputes.
- Show how the cost was calculated and the revised total.
- Update the completion date if the change affects it.
- Get both signatures before starting the extra work.
Key clauses to check
- Description of change
- Vague descriptions cause arguments about what was included.
- Cost impact
- Showing the calculation makes approval faster.
- Schedule impact
- Protects you from delay claims caused by added work.
- Signature before work
- Unsigned verbal changes are hard to get paid for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a change order?
A signed document that changes a project's scope, price or schedule under an existing contract.
Do I need a change order for small changes?
It is safest for any change affecting cost or deadlines. For small items, a written email approval referencing the contract may be enough.
Can I refuse extra work without a change order?
Yes, if your contract requires written change orders. Politely ask the client to approve one first.
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This free template is general information, not legal advice, and is no substitute for a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state; have it reviewed by a lawyer before you use or sign it.