Do I have to pay for work done without a signed change order?

Reputable contractors won't do work without one. If they do, you have legal standing to dispute.

Who initiates a change order?

Either party — the contractor when they discover something, or the client when they want to add/change work.

📊 Estimating & BusinessModerateAlso: CO, extra work order, project modification

Change Order (Business)

Definition

A change order is a written amendment to the original contract documenting changes to scope, materials, timeline, or price. Both parties must sign before additional work begins.

Common Questions

Real-World Example

CRM Services discovers the garage ceiling also needs painting — a change order is written and approved before the work begins.

Why It Matters

Change orders are a critical business protection tool.

Related Terms

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Scope of Work

A scope of work is a written document defining exactly what work will be performed, what materials w...

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Job Costing

Job costing tracks all expenses for a specific project — labor, materials, subs, and overhead — to d...

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