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Free change order form (PDF)
Download the change order form: one page, letter size, fillable, no email needed. It has the job details, what's changing, price and schedule boxes, and signature lines for the customer and the contractor. No legal clauses, so it works with the contract you already have.
What is a change order?
A change order is a written, signed change to a job you already agreed on. The customer wants more, less or something different, or you find a problem behind the wall. You write down the change and the new price, and both of you sign before the extra work starts.
A change order request is the step before: one side asks for a change. It becomes a change order once both sign. A change order log is just the list of all change orders on a job, numbered 1, 2, 3, so the final total adds up.
Not sure a finger signature on a phone counts? See do I have to print, sign and scan?. Filling it on a flat PDF? The one-tap test is in how to fill in a PDF form on your iPhone.
What to put in a change order
Whatever form you use, these are the parts that stop arguments later.
- ✓Number and date, so you can tell change #2 from change #3.
- ✓Job name and address, and the date of the original contract.
- ✓Customer and contractor names, with a phone or email for each.
- ✓What is changing, in plain words: work added, removed or swapped, and the materials.
- ✓Why it changed. Customer asked, hidden damage, code or inspection.
- ✓Price: original contract, earlier change orders, this change (+ or −), and the new total.
- ✓When it's paid, for example with the next progress payment.
- ✓Schedule: days added or removed, and the new finish date.
- ✓Both signatures, printed names and dates.
Change order example (filled in)
A bathroom remodel. After demo, the homeowner picks bigger tile.
| Box | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Change order # | 2 |
| What is changing | Swap the 12×12 ceramic floor tile in the contract for 24×24 porcelain the customer picked. Includes extra leveling. |
| Reason | Customer request |
| Original contract amount | $14,500 |
| Previous change orders | +$650 (change order #1, extra outlet) |
| This change | +$1,180 |
| New contract total | $16,330 |
| When this change is paid | With the next progress payment |
| Days added | +2 working days |
Made-up numbers to show the format, not price advice.
How to get a change order signed on your iPhone
1
Open the form and fill it in
Download the free form below to Files. Open it in eSign PDF. Use the text tool to type what changed, the price and the new date.
2
Hand the phone to the homeowner
Tap the signature tool and add a new signature. They sign with a finger. Afterwards, delete their signature from your saved signatures so your phone doesn't keep it.
3
Sign it yourself
Add your signature on the contractor line, and both printed names if you haven't typed them.
4
Send their copy before you start
Export the PDF. Text, AirDrop or email it to the homeowner right there. Keep your copy in a folder for the job.
Mistakes that cost contractors money
- ✕Starting the extra work on a verbal OK and writing it up later.
- ✕Writing "extra tile, TBD" instead of a price. No number means an argument later.
- ✕Leaving out the schedule line, then getting blamed for finishing late.
- ✕Signing on paper that ends up lost in the truck.
- ✕Sending a screenshot instead of a PDF. Hard to read, easy to dispute.
Is a verbal change order enough?
Sometimes it counts, but it's hard to prove. Many contracts say you must put changes in writing and sign them. A signed change order protects both of you: the customer knows the price before you start, and you have proof when the final bill comes. This is general information, not legal advice. Check what your contract says about changes.
For the rest of the job paperwork, see getting signatures on the job site.
The form is free; signing it on site
The form is free. eSign PDF: $59.99 one-time (US), no account, works offline. You can fill the form in any PDF app too; eSign PDF adds on-screen signing for the customer and a PDF they can open anywhere.
FAQ
What is a change order in construction?+
It's a written change to the agreed job. It lists what's added, removed or swapped, the new price and the new finish date. The customer and the contractor sign it before the extra work starts.
Who signs a change order?+
The customer who agreed to the change and the contractor. If your contract names others who must approve changes, like an architect or a co-owner, they sign too.
Is this change order form really free?+
Yes. Download the PDF, no email or account. It's a general form with no legal clauses, meant to go with your existing contract.
Can I charge for extra work without a signed change order?+
It depends on your contract and state, and it's much harder to collect. Get it signed before you do the work. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can the homeowner sign it on my phone with no internet?+
Yes. eSign PDF opens, fills and signs PDFs on the iPhone with no connection. Send their copy by text or AirDrop, or by email once you have signal.