A written record that the job has changed, what the change is, and what it costs — agreed before the extra work starts. Doing extras on a nod is the most reliable way a small contractor ends up unpaid, because the customer remembers a favour and the contractor remembers an invoice. A change order does not have to be a form; it has to be in writing and it has to be before.
Related terms
- Scope of workThe written description of exactly what you are going to do, in enough detail that you and the customer are picturing the same job.
- ExclusionsThe list of things your price does not cover, written down on the same document as the price.
- QuoteA price you are offering to hold, which becomes binding when the customer accepts it.
- Time and materialsCharging for the hours worked and the materials used, plus an agreed markup, instead of a fixed price.
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