(650) 332-8623Free Change Order Templates: Download + Print Construction Forms in PDF + Office + GDocs!
With our free change order template, you can be sure everything is documented correctly. Download, customize, and print yours today.
Change orders are a normal part of construction projects, but they can cause big problems if not handled properly. Most projects experience between 2 and 11 change orders, depending on their size. If these changes aren’t tracked well, they can lead to delays, extra costs, and arguments with clients.
A change order template makes it easy to manage these updates. It gives you a simple way to record changes to contracts, budgets, and schedules, so everyone is on the same page.
So here, we created free downloadable change order templates, including:
- Change Order Template
- Change Order Form
- Construction Change Order Template
- Contractor Change Order Template
- AIA Change Order Form
They are available in different formats (Word, PDF, Google Docs). On top of that, we included a guide on how to use them. You’ll see how they can save time, improve communication, and keep your projects moving smoothly.
Download one today and take the stress out of managing change orders!
Templates by Type
- Construction Change Order Template
- Change Order Template
- Contractor Change Order Template
- AIA Change Order Form
- Change Order Form
Construction Change Order Template
This template is an essential tool for construction professionals who frequently deal with project scope modifications. Its clear and organized format simplifies communication between clients and contractors, ensuring that every change is well-documented and mutually agreed upon.
With its easy-to-use fields and detailed structure, the form is perfect for managing both small updates and large-scale adjustments. It’s designed to help contractors avoid disputes while maintaining transparency and professionalism throughout the project.
How to Get These Templates:
-
PDF
- Click the link
- Click the Download icon in the upper right
-
Microsoft Word (.DOCX) and Excel (.XLSX)
- Click the link
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Download
- Select .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel)
-
Google Docs and Sheets:
- Click the link
- You must be logged into a Google Drive account
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Make a Copy
How to Use These Templates:
- Customizable Fields: Add project details, client information, and specifics about changes.
- Detailed Scope of Changes: Clearly outline modifications to the original contract.
- Approval Signatures: Sections for client and contractor authorization.
PDF
Word
Google Doc
Excel
Google Sheets
Change Order Template
This template is ideal for smaller projects or quick updates that don’t require an extensive breakdown. Its straightforward design makes it accessible for clients and contractors alike, facilitating faster approvals and clear communication.
This form allows contractors managing multiple updates to document efficiently without sacrificing important details. Whether it’s a quick change or an adjustment to timelines, this template ensures accuracy and consistency.
How to Get These Templates:
-
PDF
- Click the link
- Click the Download icon in the upper right
-
Microsoft Word (.DOCX) and Excel (.XLSX)
- Click the link
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Download
- Select .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel)
-
Google Docs and Sheets:
- Click the link
- You must be logged into a Google Drive account
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Make a Copy
How to Use These Templates:
- Simple Layout: Includes basic sections for project name, description of change, and costs.
- Cost Breakdown: Allocate costs for materials, labor, and other expenses.
- Timeline Updates: Adjust project completion dates based on approved changes.
Contractor Change Order Template
Designed for contractors managing complex projects, this template offers a professional format to document changes with clients. It helps contractors ensure that all modifications, from material adjustments to labor requirements, are explicitly stated and agreed upon.
This template reduces the risk of disputes and miscommunication by standardizing the process. It’s a reliable tool for maintaining transparency and protecting both parties throughout the project lifecycle.
How to Get These Templates:
-
PDF
- Click the link
- Click the Download icon in the upper right
-
Microsoft Word (.DOCX) and Excel (.XLSX)
- Click the link
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Download
- Select .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel)
-
Google Docs and Sheets:
- Click the link
- You must be logged into a Google Drive account
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Make a Copy
How to Use These Templates:
- Contractor Details: Includes contractor information and project identifiers.
- Change Description: Clearly defined changes to the original scope of work.
- Cost and Payment Terms: Specifies additional costs and updated payment schedules.
AIA Change Order Form
The AIA Change Order Form is specifically tailored for construction projects requiring adherence to industry standards. Its detailed structure makes it a trusted option for large-scale developments or projects with multiple stakeholders.
This template simplifies complex processes, ensuring that all involved parties are on the same page. By using this form, contractors and architects can efficiently manage changes while adhering to legal and professional requirements.
How to Get These Templates:
-
PDF
- Click the link
- Click the Download icon in the upper right
-
Microsoft Word (.DOCX) and Excel (.XLSX)
- Click the link
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Download
- Select .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel)
-
Google Docs and Sheets:
- Click the link
- You must be logged into a Google Drive account
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Make a Copy
How to Use These Templates:
- Standardized Format: Adheres to AIA guidelines for formal documentation.
- Signatures and Approval: Includes necessary sections for client, contractor, and architect sign-offs.
- Detailed Amendments: Thoroughly outlines changes to budget, scope, and timelines.
Change Order Form
This versatile template suits a wide range of industries, from construction to small business operations. Its simplicity allows for quick implementation, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines.
Despite its straightforward design, the template ensures all necessary details are documented. It’s perfect for contractors and managers who need a practical solution for handling modifications efficiently.
How to Get These Templates:
-
PDF
- Click the link
- Click the Download icon in the upper right
-
Microsoft Word (.DOCX) and Excel (.XLSX)
- Click the link
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Download
- Select .docx (Word) or .xlsx (Excel)
-
Google Docs and Sheets:
- Click the link
- You must be logged into a Google Drive account
- Open the File menu in the upper right
- Click Make a Copy
How to Use These Templates:
- Basic Sections: Includes fields for project name, client details, and change descriptions.
- Cost Adjustments: Breaks down cost changes for clarity.
- Approval Lines: Ensures all changes are signed off by relevant parties.
Manage change orders and other employee tasks, track time worked, and build a more profitable construction business!
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What Are Change Order Templates?
Change order templates are simple forms used to record and approve changes to a project’s original plan, budget, or timeline. They help contractors, clients, and team members stay on the same page about what’s changing and why. By using these templates, you can make sure everyone understands and agrees to the updates before moving forward.
Whether it’s a small adjustment or a big change, these templates keep the process clear and organized. They’re an easy way to prevent confusion and avoid disagreements later.
Key Benefits of Change Order Templates
- Clear Communication: Make sure everyone knows what’s changing and why.
- Consistency: Use the same format for all project changes.
- Approval Tracking: Get clear records of what’s approved and by whom.
- Saves Time: Quickly document and manage changes without starting from scratch.
These templates help you keep your projects on track, even when changes occur. They make the process simple, fast, and professional.
Good Examples of Change Order Template Use
Change order templates are most effective when used to clearly and professionally address adjustments in project scope, timelines, or costs. Below are practical ways to use these templates to ensure effective project management.
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Tracking Scope Adjustments: Use the Construction Change Order Form Template to document modifications in project scope, such as adding a new task or revising project deliverables. This ensures all parties agree on the changes.
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Clarifying Cost Impacts: Utilize the AIA Change Order Form to detail the cost implications of project modifications, such as increased labor costs or material upgrades. This helps prevent billing disputes later.
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Formalizing Client Approvals: The Contractor Change Order Template is perfect for obtaining formal client sign-off on project changes. It establishes a clear paper trail to avoid misunderstandings.
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Recording Revisions: An engineering change order template, for instance, logs technical design alterations, such as structural adjustments or material substitutions. This keeps teams aligned and projects on track.
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Documenting Administrative Changes: For simpler adjustments, the Change Order Form Template is ideal for recording updates, such as shifting project deadlines or reallocating team responsibilities.
Bad Examples of Change Order Template Use
Change order templates can be misused if not applied thoughtfully, leading to confusion, delays, or even legal issues. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when using these templates:
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Skipping Details for Scope Changes: Using the Construction Change Order Form Template but leaving out specifics, like updated deliverables or timelines, can result in miscommunication and missed project goals.
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Overlooking Client Sign-Off: Failing to obtain client approval on a Contractor Change Order Template can create disputes about the agreed-upon changes, leaving you vulnerable to financial losses.
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Inconsistent Cost Updates: Applying the AIA Change Order Form without updating all associated costs, such as labor and materials, can cause budget overruns and billing conflicts.
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Using Incorrect Templates: Employing a Simple Change Order Form for complex engineering revisions instead of the Construction Change Order Template may omit critical technical details, leading to project errors.
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Ignoring Record Keeping: Not properly filing completed Change Order Forms can result in the loss of important documentation needed for audits, claims, or project reviews.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Using Change Order Templates
Using change order templates effectively can streamline how you handle project modifications, ensuring smooth communication and accurate documentation. Follow these steps to get the most out of your templates:
Step 1: Choose the Right Change Order Template
Use Case Examples:
- Construction Change Order Form Template: Ideal for general project updates, like scope or budget adjustments.
- AIA Change Order Form: Designed for projects requiring industry-standard formatting and detailed documentation.
Action: Select the template that aligns with your project’s needs, complexity, and industry requirements.
Step 2: Customize the Template for Specific Changes
Use Case Examples:
- Construction Change Order Form Template: Add project-specific details, like contractor names, timelines, and updated costs.
- Contractor Change Order Template: Include new labor requirements and material specifications to keep contractors informed.
Action: Modify fields like project details, cost adjustments, and descriptions to reflect the change accurately.
Step 3: Provide Detailed Change Descriptions
Use Case Examples:
- For Change Order Form Templates, describe changes in clear terms, such as revised scope or additional tasks.
- Attach supporting documents like drawings or material lists for Construction Change Order Templates.
- Specify cost and schedule impacts in AIA Change Order Forms to maintain transparency with stakeholders.
Action: Document the scope, costs, and timeline changes thoroughly and accurately to avoid future disputes.
Step 4: Share the Completed Template with Stakeholders
Use Case Examples:
- Send the Contractor Change Order Template to subcontractors for implementation.
- Share AIA Change Order Forms with clients for review and sign-off.
- Distribute the Construction Change Order Template to project managers to ensure technical revisions are understood.
Action: Use email, project management tools, or document-sharing platforms to distribute the template efficiently.
Step 5: Monitor Progress and Follow Up
Use Case Examples:
- Track implementation timelines and cost adjustments for Construction Change Order Forms.
- Confirm that contractors understand the updates in the Contractor Change Order Template.
- Review progress on engineering tasks after distributing the Construction Change Order Template.
Action: Stay involved to ensure all changes are executed as planned and adjustments are on track.
Step 6: Store Completed Templates for Future Reference
Use Case Examples:
- Archive AIA Change Order Forms for audits or future projects requiring similar modifications.
- Maintain a record of Contractor Change Order Templates to track contractor performance and project trends.
- Use past Construction Change Order Templates to refine processes and improve accuracy.
Action: Organize templates in a secure system for easy access during audits, claims, or new project planning.
Your Next Steps With Change Order Templates
Change order templates are an essential tool for managing project changes, but they’re just one part of a larger set of resources to help streamline your operations. Here’s how you can take the next steps and expand your efficiency with related templates:
Step 1: Simplify Billing With Construction Invoice Templates
Managing invoices can be complex, but construction invoice templates make it easier. Use these templates to create clear, professional invoices for every project. They’re perfect for ensuring accurate billing and reducing payment delays.
Next Step: Download construction invoice templates to improve your billing processes.
Step 2: Organize Job Details With Work Order Templates
A well-organized work order ensures clarity for all stakeholders. These templates help you outline job scopes, assign tasks, and track progress seamlessly.
Next Step: Access work order templates to keep projects running smoothly.
Step 3: Clarify Project Information With Construction RFI Templates
Requests for Information (RFIs) are essential for resolving ambiguities during construction. Use RFI templates to communicate effectively with your team, clients, and subcontractors.
Next Step: Get started with Construction RFI templates to minimize miscommunication.
Try Change Order Templates in Workyard!
Workyard makes managing change orders simple and efficient. With customizable templates, you can document changes, share updates instantly, and keep clear records—all in one platform.
Save time and avoid miscommunication by streamlining your change order process with Workyard’s easy-to-use tools. Try Workyard for free today and see how it can improve your project management!
Manage change orders and other employee tasks, track time worked, and build a more profitable construction business!
See how it works