Template

Painting Change Order Template

"While you're here, could you also do the hallway?" Saying yes is good business. Saying yes without writing it down is how painters end up working for free.

What a change order is

A change order is a short written agreement that adds to, removes from, or changes the original estimate. Both you and the homeowner sign it before the extra work starts. It records what changed, what it costs, and how it affects the schedule.

What to include

A reference to the original estimate number and date
A change order number, so you can track several on one job
What is being added, removed, or changed, described as specifically as the original scope
The price change, and the new contract total
Any change to the schedule
When the added amount is due
Signatures and dates from both sides

Some states set their own rules for changes to home improvement contracts. Check with your state's contractor licensing board.

Template

CHANGE ORDER #[N] Original estimate: [EST-number], dated [date] Job address: [address] CHANGE [Add / remove / change]: [specific description] PRICE Original contract total: $[amount] This change: +$[amount] New contract total: $[amount] SCHEDULE [No change / adds N days] PAYMENT The amount of this change is due [with the final balance / on signing]. Client signature ____________ Date ______ Contractor signature ________ Date ______

How to price the extra work

Use the same rates as the original estimate, so the homeowner can see the change is fair. Measure the added area, then price labor and materials the same way. Build in time for extra setup if the new work is in another part of the house.

Example: add a 20' × 4' hallway, 8' walls, 4 doors Walls: 2 × (20 + 4) × 8 − 4 × 21 = 300 sq ft × $2.25 = $675.00 Paint: 300 × 2 ÷ 350 = 1.7 → 2 gal × $52 = $104.00 Supplies 12% of paint = $12.48 Change total before tax = $791.48

You can price a change in the estimator by entering just the added room.

Common change requests

Adding a room or a ceiling. Price it with your normal rates.
A color change after work has started. Charge for the extra coat and any paint already bought.
Hidden damage. Water-damaged drywall or failing old paint found during prep. Stop, show the homeowner, and price the repair before continuing.
Removing work. Credit the labor and any paint you can return, so the homeowner trusts the process.

Keep it easy to say yes

Bring change orders on your phone or a clipboard so you can price and sign on the spot. Homeowners usually agree to small additions when the price is clear and immediate.

Price the added area in a minute with your saved rates.

Open the estimator