Change Order Forms Template

Table of Contents

• What are Change Order Forms?
• Why Do You Need Change Order Forms?
• How to Create a Change Order Form?
• Key Elements of a Change Order Form
• Best Practices for Using Change Order Forms
• Tips for Designing Effective Change Order Forms
• Examples of Change Order Form Templates
• Conclusion

What are Change Order Forms?

A change order form is a document that is used to request and track changes to a project or order. It is commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where changes to specifications, requirements, or scope are common. The form typically includes details such as the reason for the change, the impact on cost and schedule, and any additional approvals required.

Why Do You Need Change Order Forms?

Change order forms are essential for maintaining clear communication and documentation when changes occur in a project or order. They help ensure that all parties involved are aware of the change, its impact, and any associated costs or schedule adjustments. By using change order forms, you can avoid misunderstandings, disputes, and delays that can arise from unapproved or undocumented changes.

How to Create a Change Order Form?

Creating a change order form is relatively straightforward. You can start by using a template or creating one from scratch. Here are the steps to create a change order form:

1. Start with the basic details: Include the project or order name, number, and date.
2. Describe the change: Clearly state what is changing and provide a detailed description.
3. Specify the impact: Explain how the change will affect the cost, schedule, and other aspects of the project or order.
4. Include approval sections: Provide spaces for signatures or initials from the parties involved in approving the change.
5. Add a section for additional comments: Allow stakeholders to provide any additional information or instructions related to the change.
6. Include a section for tracking: Add fields to track the status of the change, such as date requested, date approved, and date implemented.

Key Elements of a Change Order Form

A well-designed change order form should include the following key elements:

• Project or order details
• Change description
• Impact assessment
• Approval sections
• Additional comments
• Tracking fields

Best Practices for Using Change Order Forms

To make the most out of change order forms, consider the following best practices:

• Use standardized templates: Create or find templates that align with your industry’s best practices and customize them to fit your specific needs.
• Clearly communicate the change: Ensure that the change order form clearly describes the nature of the change, including any required modifications or adjustments.
• Obtain all necessary approvals: Make sure that the form includes spaces for all required parties to sign or initial their approval.
• Keep records organized: Store change order forms in a central location and maintain a systematic filing system to easily access and reference them when needed.
• Regularly review and update forms: Periodically evaluate your change order forms to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Make updates as necessary.

Tips for Designing Effective Change Order Forms

When designing change order forms, consider the following tips to make them more effective:

• Keep it simple: Use clear and concise language, and avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms.
• Make it visually appealing: Use fonts, colors, and formatting that are easy to read and understand.
• Include instructions or guidelines: Provide additional information or instructions to help users fill out the form correctly.
• Ensure sufficient space: Leave enough space for stakeholders to provide detailed descriptions, comments, or instructions.

Examples of Change Order Form Templates

Here are a few examples of change order form templates that you can use as a starting point:

Conclusion

Change order forms are an essential tool for managing changes in projects or orders. By using them effectively, you can maintain clear communication, avoid misunderstandings, and ensure that changes are properly documented and approved. Whether you use a template or create one from scratch, make sure to include all the necessary elements and follow best practices to maximize the effectiveness of your change order forms.