Why You Should Never Sign a Blank Change Order

“Just sign this and we’ll fill in the details later.” If you’ve ever built a home, remodeled a kitchen, or managed a commercial tenant fit-out, you’ve probably heard that line about a change order. It sounds harmless—like a quick way to keep the job moving. I’ve seen it used as a “temporary” patch in the field more times than I can count. But I’ve also seen it explode into budget overruns, schedule blowups, sour relationships, and legal headaches. A blank change order is basically an open checkbook and a permission slip rolled into one. You wouldn’t hand someone both at the same time. Don’t do it with your project either.

What a Change Order Actually Is (And Why It Matters)

A change order is a written amendment to your construction contract. It documents any change to the original scope, price, or schedule—ideally all three. No project is static; once you open walls or start site work, you’re going to run into surprises, new ideas, or better options. A good change order keeps those changes clear and fair.

Think of it as a snapshot at the moment the project changes course:

• What exactly is being added, removed, or revised?
• How much will it cost?
• How will it affect the schedule and other trades?
• Who is responsible for permits, inspections, and cleanup?

The change order is your paper trail. Without it, memories blur, stories diverge, and costs drift. With it, you keep control.

Common Types of Changes

• Client-driven upgrades: “Let’s add under-cabinet lighting” or “Swap the fiberglass tub for a tiled shower.”
• Unforeseen conditions: Rotted subfloor under the dishwasher, corroded galvanized plumbing, hidden structural issues.
• Design revisions: Moving a door to improve flow, reconfiguring HVAC runs.
• Code or inspector requirements: Extra GFCI outlets, handrail modifications, fire-blocking.
• Material substitutions: Out-of-stock tile; selecting a comparable product with different pricing.

How Changes Are Priced

• Lump Sum: A single, fixed price for the change. Best when scope is clear.
• Time and Materials (T&M): Labor and materials billed at pre-agreed rates, often plus overhead and profit. Works for unknowns, but only if the rates and markups are spelled out beforehand.
• Unit Pricing: Price per unit (linear foot, square foot, cubic yard). Useful for things like rock excavation or insulation.

What “Blank” Really Means (And How It Shows Up)

A “blank change order” isn’t always literally empty. It’s any change order missing essential details—especially price and schedule impact. You might see:

• Scope described vaguely: “Move wall,” “Add lights,” “Fix plumbing.”
• Price marked as TBD, N/A, or left empty.
• T&M boxes checked without listed rates for labor, equipment, and markups.
• No schedule impact listed (days added or zero).
• Missing signatures from the right parties (owner, contractor, architect, lender if applicable).
• No attachments (drawings, specs, photos) that define the change.

If the dollars, days, and details aren’t locked in writing, it’s functionally blank—even if it looks official.

Why a Blank Change Order Is So Dangerous

1) Legal Exposure: You’ve Agreed To…What Exactly?

When you sign a change order with missing terms, you’re effectively granting permission to perform—and charge for—work you haven’t defined. In many jurisdictions, once you authorize a change in writing, the contractor can reasonably rely on it. Later, they (or a court, or an arbitrator) may fill in the blanks based on “industry standards” or “reasonable value.” That’s a wide open door.

• Unilateral completion: If price and scope were “to be determined,” the contractor may later set them based on their records, or claim prior verbal conversations as the agreement.
• Mechanic’s liens: If you dispute a bloated charge later, the contractor may file a lien. Those aren’t fun to resolve and can delay refinancing, draws, or closing.
• Arbitration leverage: Many construction contracts mandate arbitration. Documentation decides outcomes. A signed but vague change order rarely helps the owner.

I’m not a lawyer, but after sitting through more than a few disputes, I can tell you: judges and arbitrators like clear paperwork. Blanks almost never favor the person paying.

2) Financial Risk: The Price Can Balloon Quietly

A blank change order opens the door to:

• Surprise totals: You expected $3,000; you get $8,500.
• Layered costs: Material upcharges, overtime, supervision time, equipment rental, delivery fees, disposal, permit revisions—each line adds up.
• Markup stacking: Many contractors add overhead and profit (O&P) on top of subcontractor quotes. Typical O&P ranges 10–20% for small projects; remodelers sometimes use 20–35%, especially for small, complex changes. If you don’t know the formula, your final cost may shock you.
• Double-charge traps: If an allowance or scope already includes some of the work, you might unknowingly pay twice.

Real example from a kitchen remodel I consulted on:

• Owner verbally approved “better” recessed lights and signed a blank change order “to keep electricians going.”
• Electrician added 18 can lights, labor at premium OT rates, plus a specialty dimmer system.
• Contractor applied 20% O&P to electrician’s invoice and added a “coordination fee.”
• Original expectation: $1,500–$2,000. Final tally: $6,950. The blank form made it possible.

3) Schedule Drift: Days Turn Into Weeks

A change with no schedule clause invites delay claims:

• Trade stacking: One change can push tile into the plumber’s window, which pushes painter into the flooring date—snowball effect.
• Lead times: Special-order materials can be 2–8 weeks. If you authorize a change without discussing lead time, your move-in date can slide quietly.
• Inspection and permit revisions: Structural/mep changes often require revised drawings and another city review. A minor layout tweak can add 7–21 calendar days depending on your building department.
• Weather windows: Exterior changes approved late in the season may push work into winter conditions, increasing cost and adding “weather days.”

I’ve seen a blank change order for a “small” structural header change add 14 days: engineer review (3), re-framing (2), sheathing (1), inspection (2), drywall repair (3), paint and trim (3). That’s two full weeks on a line the owner thought was automatic.

4) Warranty and Liability Gray Areas

If the change order doesn’t spell out how the modification affects warranty, maintenance, and Code Compliance:

• Warranty exclusions: Contractor may later argue the change voided coverage in that area.
• Manufacturer requirements: For example, some flooring warranties require specific underlayments. If a field change swaps materials without updating specs, the manufacturer could deny a claim.
• Code conflicts: An unpermitted or undocumented change can bite you when selling or during a future renovation. Some cities require final plans to match what’s built.

5) Financing and Appraisal Problems

Lenders and appraisers want accuracy:

• Loan draws: Many lenders require signed, priced change orders before releasing funds. A blank one can stall your draw or force you to pay cash short-term.
• Appraisal adjustments: Big upgrades may raise your appraisal, but only if documented. Without clean paperwork, you may pay out-of-pocket unnecessarily.
• Budget tracking: If your lender or project manager runs a cost-to-complete, unpriced changes make the forecast unreliable—and you might burn through contingency without realizing it.

Real-World Scenarios You’ll Recognize

Case Study: The Bathroom That Slipped Away

A homeowner wanted to add a second shower niche and upgrade to a frameless glass door mid-project. The tile crew was on site, glass lead time was 4–5 weeks, and everyone wanted to keep moving.

• The GC said, “Sign this change order and we’ll fill in the costs later so we don’t hold the tile guys.”
• Scope listed: “Add niche, upgrade to frameless door.”
• No price, no lead time, no schedule impact.

What happened:

• Niche added half a day for framing, half a day for waterproofing cure, extra tile, and a plumber revisit to adjust handheld.
• Frameless glass added a 3–4 week lead time after tile completion, which meant temporary shower closure or delaying final.
• The glass supplier charged a rush fee because the measurement was delayed and the owner wanted a sooner move-in.
• The GC added 22% O&P on the glass and 20% on tile and plumber invoices.

Final CO totaled $3,900. The owner expected $1,500. Move-in shifted by 10 days because the final inspection required the glass installed for guard/egress compliance in that jurisdiction.

A clear, priced, and time-stamped change order would have allowed the owner to decide: live with a standard door now and swap later, or accept the delay and cost knowingly.

Commercial Example: Tenant Improvement “Field Fix”

A retail TI discovered the existing slab had a 1.5” dip across the sales floor. The superintendent asked the landlord’s rep to sign a field change “to get the leveler ordered.” The change order was T&M, with no rates attached.

• Concrete crew worked two weekends, rented pumps, and ordered late-night deliveries to avoid mall hours.
• Final bill: $26,800 plus 15% GC markup. The landlord expected $10–12K.
• Because the rep signed, accounting approved it. Lease negotiations got tense over who pays, and the opening was delayed by four days for cure time and inspections.

Again—blank paperwork set the stage.

A Positive Scenario: Done Right

On a full-home renovation, the owner decided to add a laundry-room sink mid-project.

• The contractor issued a change order with:
• Scope: “Add laundry sink, rough + finish; run new 1/2” PEX hot/cold; 2” drain with vent tie-in; install brand/model X faucet; connect to existing laundry waste; patch, prime, paint walls; haul debris.”
• Price: Lump sum $1,980 (breakdown attached).
• Schedule impact: Zero days (work integrated with existing plumbing rough).
• Warranty: Covered under original plumbing warranty for 1 year workmanship.
• Permits: Included in existing plumbing permit; no revision required.
• Duration: Price valid for 7 days; payment due with next progress draw.
• Owner signed in 10 minutes. Work happened two days later. No surprises.

Why Contractors Ask for Blank Signatures (And How to Respond)

Not every request is malicious. Common reasons:

• Keep a crew productive when a decision is needed now.
• Superintendent doesn’t want to miss their window or re-mobilize a trade.
• Paperwork lag: office is slow; field wants to capture authorization.
• Cash flow pressure: the GC wants to ensure they can bill for the extra.

Here’s how to keep the job moving without gambling:

What to Say in the Moment

• “I’m happy to approve this once I see the number and the days. Shoot me a quick written scope and NTE so we can proceed.”
• “Let’s do a field work authorization with a not-to-exceed amount and the T&M rates listed. I’ll sign that now, and we’ll finalize the CO within 24 hours.”
• “Email me the scope bullet points and photos. I’ll reply ‘approved’ with a cap. Then you can proceed.”

If someone pushes hard for a blank signature, that’s a red flag. Good pros respect clear paperwork.

The Anatomy of a Solid Change Order

A well-built change order removes ambiguity. At minimum, it should include:

• Project details: Project name, address, contract number, CO number, date.
• Detailed scope: Specific tasks, locations, quantities, and any drawings/specs.
• Exclusions: What’s not included (patching, painting, disposal, protection, etc.).
• Price:
• Lump sum with a clear description; or
• T&M with a rate sheet attached: labor categories and rates; equipment rates; material handling fees; markup percentages for subs/materials; minimum charges; after-hours multipliers; travel time; small tools or consumables policy.
• Schedule impact: Days added or zero; any milestones affected; whether work occurs during normal hours or OT.
• Permits/inspections: Whether a revision is required; who handles it; estimated timeframe; fees.
• Materials and selections: Brand, model, finish, color, lead times. Submittals or cut sheets attached.
• Coordination: Which trades are affected and who coordinates sequencing.
• Site conditions and protection: Dust control, coverings, temporary partitions, security, safety.
• Warranty: Whether this work carries the same warranty as original, or specify different terms.
• Payment terms: When it’s billed (next draw, upfront deposit, upon completion), retainage, and lien releases.
• Signatures: Owner (or authorized rep), contractor, architect/engineer if required, lender if financed.
• Validity window: Price expires after X days.
• Attachments: Photos, sketch, manufacturer specs, revised plan sheet with clouded changes.

A Simple Fill-In Template You Can Borrow

• Scope: “Add two recessed LED lights in living room; tie into existing switch; patch/paint ceiling to match; brand/model: Lithonia LDN4 3000K; trim finish white; wiring per code; includes permit revision if required.”
• Price: Lump sum $850. Includes fixtures ($220), electrician (3 hrs @ $95), helper (2 hrs @ $65), materials and small tools ($60), patch/paint (2 hrs @ $75), O&P 18%.
• Schedule: No days added; work performed during electrical rough timeline; painting may occur next day.
• Warranty: 1 year workmanship; manufacturer’s warranty per product.
• Notes: Ceiling texture match to be “close;” exact match may require full ceiling repaint (not included).
• Payment: Added to next progress draw.
• Signatures: Owner, Contractor.
• Attachments: Fixture cut sheet, marked-up ceiling plan.

That level of clarity takes 10–15 minutes to draft and saves hours of back-and-forth later.

Pricing Models: Avoid the “Blank Check” Feeling

Lump Sum: When You Know the Scope

• Pros: Predictable cost; easy to approve and fund.
• Cons: Requires a clear scope and time to get a quote; may include more contingency.

Pro tip: If time is tight, ask for a “not to exceed” lump sum with a quick breakdown of labor, materials, and O&P.

Time & Materials (T&M): When Scope is Uncertain

• Pros: Flexible for unknowns like hidden rot or rock excavation.
• Cons: Can balloon without guardrails.

If you go T&M, lock these in before work starts:

• Labor rates by role (e.g., journeyman electrician $95/hr; apprentice $65/hr; foreman $110/hr).
• Overtime and weekend multipliers (often 1.5x or 2x).
• Equipment rates (scissor lift $175/day; mini-ex $450/day; generator $60/day).
• Material handling or restocking fees (e.g., 10%).
• Markups (subs and materials: 15–20% typical residential; some markets vary).
• Minimum charge per visit (often 2–4 hours).
• Documentation: Daily T&M tickets must be signed by owner or site rep that day.
• Not-to-exceed (NTE) cap: “Proceed T&M, NTE $3,000 without written approval.”

Unit Prices: Great for Repeating Work

• Examples: $10 per SF of floor leveling, $95 per linear foot of baseboard installed, $45 per SF of drywall patch/paint.
• Good for: Excavation unknowns, demolition surprises, insulation, caulking.

Calculating Schedule Impact the Right Way

Even a small change can ripple across the schedule. Ask your contractor to address:

• Critical path: Does this affect the longest chain of dependent tasks?
• Trade Sequencing: Who gets bumped and when can they return?
• Lead times: Special orders, custom fab, inspections.
• Inspection windows: Some jurisdictions need 48-hour notice.
• Weather: Exterior work windows; winter/summer constraints.
• Occupied spaces: If you’re living there, extra protection and daily cleanup add time.

A practical example:

• Change: Move a non-load-bearing wall 18 inches.
• Steps: Verify structural status, adjust electrical/plumbing rough, revise framing, inspection, drywall patch, texture, paint, baseboard, floor patch.
• Time: 5–7 workdays spread over two weeks, depending on drying times and trade availability.

Ask for a line in the CO: “Schedule impact: +5 calendar days, no impact on final completion date due to float available.” Or “+7 calendar days; final completion moves from 8/30 to 9/6.”

Permits, Inspectors, and Approvals: Don’t Skip This

Changes that may trigger permit revisions or extra inspections:

• Structural framing adjustments (headers, beams, load paths).
• Relocating or adding plumbing, electrical, HVAC.
• Egress changes (doors/windows/egress wells).
• Fire-rated assemblies and penetrations.
• Exterior envelope changes (siding, windows, flashing).

Typical repercussions:

• Revision review: 3–10 business days, faster if over-the-counter.
• Fees: $50–$500 depending on jurisdiction and scope.
• Reinspection fees: $50–$200 if an inspector fails a change because it wasn’t on the plan.

Homeowners’ associations and historic districts can add their own timelines. If you’re under an HOA, a mid-stream exterior change without approval can trigger fines or forced removal.

Documentation: Photos, Plans, and Paper Trails

If it isn’t documented, it might as well not exist. Best practices:

• Photos: Before, during, after. Especially for concealed work (framing, waterproofing, insulation).
• Marked-up drawings: Cloud the change, date it, and keep a log.
• Daily reports or T&M tickets: Sign daily if you’re doing T&M; no retroactive approvals.
• Centralized system: Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Procore, or even a shared folder with dated subfolders.
• Email confirmations: If you approve in an email, restate the price and schedule in your reply. Example: “Approved CO-014 to add two recess lights, $850 lump sum, zero days added.”

Budgeting for the Inevitable: Contingencies and Allowances

Even with perfect planning, changes happen. Plan for them upfront:

• Contingency:
• New builds: 5–10% of contract value is common.
• Renovations: 10–20%, especially in homes older than 30 years.
• Historic or unknown conditions: 15–25%.
• Allowances:
• Don’t under-allow. Cabinets, tile, lighting, and appliances are frequent overages.
• Ask your builder what clients actually spend in your market.
• For mid-range kitchen finishes, I often see lighting fixtures go 15–30% over initial allowances unless specified early.

Industry surveys often show total change order costs land around 5–10% of original contract on new construction and 10–20% on remodels, depending on complexity and how early selections are finalized. My own teams typically hit the lower end when selections are complete before rough-in and all structural questions are resolved during design.

Red Flags to Watch For on Any Change Order

• Pricing line says “TBD” or is blank.
• T&M box checked with no rate sheet attached.
• No schedule impact stated.
• Scope says “as needed” or “to be determined.”
• No exclusions listed.
• “Price to follow” language.
• No clear material brand/specs.
• Signature pushed urgently without details.
• No CO number or date.

If you see two or more of these, pause.

If You Already Signed a Blank One

You’re not doomed. Here’s how to stabilize the situation:

1) Send a written confirmation immediately

• “I signed CO-007 based on the understanding that the price will not exceed $X and that the schedule impact is zero days unless we approve otherwise in writing. Please confirm.”
• If you don’t know the price, set a cap: “Proceed on T&M, not to exceed $2,500, at the pre-agreed rates.”

2) Request the missing pieces within 24 hours

• Ask for a written scope, price, schedule impact, and attachments (sub quotes, rate sheets).

3) Refuse to proceed further without detail

• If work hasn’t started, you can revoke authorization: “Hold on CO-007 pending final price and schedule.”

4) Document everything

• Save texts, emails, photos, and your daily site notes. If T&M, sign only accurate daily tickets.

5) Negotiate in good faith

• If the contractor priced reasonably, pay promptly. If not, reference market rates and any unused contingency.

6) If it escalates

• Follow your contract’s dispute process. Many require mediation before arbitration or litigation.
• Pay the undisputed portion to limit lien exposure.

Guidance for Contractors: Don’t Ask Clients to Sign Blanks

If you’re a builder or trade contractor, getting signatures on blank forms might feel like a shortcut. It isn’t. It kills trust and fuels disputes. A better approach:

• Use a Field Work Authorization (FWA)
• Short form, signed on site.
• T&M with rates attached and a not-to-exceed amount.
• Clear description of work and safety/patching responsibilities.
• Convert to a formal change order within 24–48 hours.

• Make pricing fast
• Keep a rate sheet and common unit prices ready.
• Pre-build templates for typical adds: extra outlets, recessed lights, soffit removal, door relocations.
• Train supers to write specific scopes and get photos.

• Communicate schedule impact honestly
• Clients can accept delays if they’re told upfront. Surprises cause friction.

• Require daily T&M ticket signatures
• Sign-off each day. No ticket, no billing.

• Protect your reputation
• Transparent change orders close faster, reduce accounts-receivable drama, and generate repeat business.

State and Local Rules That Can Trip You Up

Every jurisdiction is a little different, but here are patterns I see often in the U.S.:

• Many states require written authorization for extras to be enforceable in residential work.
• Some states, like California, have specific home improvement contract requirements; extras typically need signed change orders to be collectible.
• Email approvals can count as written authorization in many places, but keep them clear and specific.
• Mechanic’s lien rights are powerful; clean documentation helps both sides avoid them.

When in doubt, ask your attorney to review your template once and keep using it. That small investment pays for itself.

A Practical Checklist You Can Use on Site

Before you sign anything:

• Do I have a written scope that’s specific?
• Are brand/model/finish and quantities listed?
• Is the price a lump sum or T&M with rates? Is markup clear?
• Did we address schedule impact and lead times?
• Are permits/inspections needed? Who’s handling them?
• Are exclusions spelled out?
• Are photos or sketches attached?
• Are payment terms listed?
• Is there an expiration date for the price?
• Did both parties sign? Do I have a copy?

If you can’t check at least 8 of those, don’t sign yet.

Smart Ways to Move Fast Without Signing Blind

• Pre-approve rate sheets and unit prices in the original contract so T&M changes are predictable.
• Build a standard CO template into your project management software with required fields so nothing gets missed.
• Use not-to-exceed authorizations for emergencies (e.g., “Stop leak now, NTE $1,500; final CO to follow”).
• Hold a weekly change review: line by line, open COs and pending approvals, so nothing ages into a surprise.
• Tie change order approvals to selections: if a selection triggers a cost change, issue the CO when you approve the submittal.

Sample Contract Language You Can Borrow and Tweak

Run it by your attorney, but language like this protects everyone:

• “No change is valid unless agreed in writing, signed by Owner and Contractor, and states the specific change in scope, the price (lump sum or T&M with agreed rates), and any change to Contract Time.”
• “Time and Materials changes shall use the rate sheet attached as Exhibit B, with a not-to-exceed amount set in the Change Order. Daily T&M tickets must be signed by Owner or Owner’s authorized representative to be billable.”
• “Unauthorized changes or extras performed without a signed Change Order are not payable.”
• “If a permit revision is required for the change, Contractor shall submit and obtain approval before executing work unless emergency conditions require immediate action for health/safety.”

These lines make it much harder for blank or vague paperwork to creep in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it’s an emergency and we have to act now?

Use a field authorization with an NTE and T&M rates. Send a short email: “Authorize emergency leak repair at guest bath, T&M per rate sheet, NTE $1,200 today. CO to follow.” Emergencies justify quick action, not blank checks.

Can I approve by text or email?

Often yes, but restate the key points: scope, price, schedule. Screenshots count. Save them in your project file.

My contractor says a change order isn’t needed for small items. True?

Small items still benefit from documentation. You can batch them on a single CO if that’s easier, but don’t let them go unpriced or untracked. “Small” adds up fast.

Are markups negotiable?

Sometimes. Understand the why: markups cover supervision, overhead, insurance, warranty risk, and admin. If you want lower markup, offer faster payment or accept a T&M structure with a fair cap. Be aware: deep cuts often show up later in slower service or less attention.

Will a blank change order always end badly?

Not always. I’ve seen honest contractors fill them in fairly. But you remove your own leverage and clarity. There’s no upside to signing blind when a 10-minute document solves the problem.

Concrete Examples: Costs and Timeframes You Can Expect

• Extra outlet during rough-in:
• Cost: $125–$300 each, depending on access and finish level.
• Time: Zero days; usually folded into electrical rough.

• Add two recessed lights (existing ceiling, no insulation):
• Cost: $350–$900 including fixtures and patching.
• Time: Zero days if during rough; 1–2 visits if after drywall.

• Upgrade shower to frameless glass:
• Cost: $1,200–$3,200 depending on size and hardware.
• Lead time: 2–5 weeks after tile completion (needs final measure).
• Schedule impact: Potential +7–14 days to final if it’s on the critical path.

• Replace rotted sill during renovation:
• Cost: $500–$2,000 depending on extent and access.
• Time: 1–3 days; often triggers re-inspection.

• Remove soffit and re-route ducts:
• Cost: $1,000–$3,500.
• Time: +2–5 days plus inspection if structural.

• Floor leveling in a 400 SF area:
• Cost: $800–$2,500 based on severity and product.
• Time: 1–2 days plus cure.

These are ballpark ranges from projects I’ve managed and colleagues in the field. Your market, access, and finish level will swing the numbers.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Handshake approvals: Always follow with a written CO. Verbal deals evaporate.
• Vague descriptions: “Fix wall” is not a scope. Describe what “fix” means and to what finish standard.
• No rate sheet for T&M: It’s a guessing game without one.
• Ignoring schedule impact: Even “small” changes can shift inspections and subs.
• Letting subs talk directly about cost without tying back to the prime contract: Keep the chain of command clear to avoid double authorizations.
• Signing under pressure: “The crew is here; sign now” is a tactic. If you can’t get clarity in 10 minutes, pause the work.

A 10-Minute, Step-by-Step Process to Approve a Change Properly

1) Write a one-paragraph scope in plain language. 2) List brand/model/finish for any new materials. 3) Choose pricing method: Lump sum or T&M with rates attached. 4) Get the number (or set an NTE). Ask for a quick breakdown. 5) Confirm schedule impact: days added or zero; note lead times. 6) Note permits/inspections if any; who handles them. 7) State payment timing and attach any sub quotes. 8) Add exclusions (patch/paint? cleanup? protection?). 9) Number the CO and date it. Attach photos or sketches. 10) Sign digitally and save it where both parties can access.

Do this and your project will feel calmer and more predictable instantly.

Practical Tools That Make This Easy

• Digital signatures: DocuSign, Adobe Sign.
• Project management: Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Procore (lets you track CO logs and attach photos).
• Rate sheet: Keep a one-page PDF with labor categories, equipment rates, markup, minimums.
• CO log: A simple spreadsheet with CO number, title, price, status, schedule impact, days added, and links to documents.

The Takeaway I Give Every Client and Builder

If a change is worth doing, it’s worth defining. The fastest way to blow a budget and bruise a relationship is to sign permission slips with no numbers. When you pause and get the scope, price, and schedule on paper—even a quick one-page version—you protect your wallet, your timeline, and your sanity. I’ve managed hundreds of change orders across new builds, gut renovations, and commercial TI. The smoothest projects aren’t the ones with zero changes; they’re the ones where every change is transparent, priced, and documented.

So the next time someone says, “Just sign and we’ll fill it in later,” try this instead: “Send me the scope, price, and days. I’ll approve it right away.” You’ll still keep the job moving—without handing over a blank check.