A change order form that protects your margin
The change nobody wrote down is the profit you gave away. This editable form captures the scope change, the reason, itemized pricing with a tax line, the schedule impact, and both signatures — and computes the revised contract value so there's never a dispute about the new total.
Excel / Google Sheets compatible · no sign-up required
Three steps to a working document
Describe the change and the reason
What's being added, removed, or altered — and why. The reason field is what settles arguments six weeks later.
Price it before the work happens
Itemized lines with quantity and unit cost, plus the tax that applies in your province. A verbal 'sure, we can do that' is not a change order.
Both signatures, then the work
The form states that work proceeds only after both signatures — and rolls the total into a revised contract value.
Lien and prompt-payment rules differ by province, and notice requirements can affect enforceability. The template says this on its face; it's a starting point, not legal advice.
When the spreadsheet stops scaling
In BuildersBridge, the homeowner approves the change order in their portal and the contract value and job budget update automatically the moment they do.
See how it works in BuildersBridgeCommon questions
Why do I need written change orders?
Because scope creep is where residential margin disappears. A priced, signed change order turns 'can you also…' into revenue; a verbal agreement turns it into free work and, sometimes, a dispute.
Does the template calculate the new contract value?
Yes — it adds the change order total to the original contract value you enter, so the revised figure is on the same signed page.
Is this valid in every province?
The form itself is generic and broadly usable, but lien and prompt-payment regimes differ by province and can impose notice requirements. Have your standard contract documents reviewed for your jurisdiction.