What is a change order?

A change order is a short document that records a change to the original scope of a project. It describes what's changing, why, how much it will cost, and how it affects the timeline. Both you and your client sign it before the extra work begins.

Without change orders, scope creep happens invisibly. Small requests add up, and by the end of the project you've done 30% more work than you quoted for. A change order makes the cost of changes visible and agreed upon.

When should you use one?

Any time the client requests something that wasn't in the original scope. New pages on a website, extra design concepts, additional features, revised timelines - if it's not in the original agreement, it gets a change order.

What's included

Original scope reference - links back to the original agreement or project scope so everyone's clear on what was originally agreed.

Change description - exactly what's being added, removed, or modified. Be specific.

Reason for change - a brief note on why the change is needed. Useful for record-keeping.

Cost impact - the additional fee for the change, or a credit if scope is being reduced.

Timeline impact - how the change affects the delivery date. More work usually means more time.

Approval signatures - both parties sign before the additional work starts. No signature, no extra work.