Templates / Subcontractor Change Order Form
Free Subcontractor Change Order Form Template (PDF, Word, Excel)
Request a change to your subcontract — scope, price and days — and get the GC's written approval. Print it, fill it in on a computer, or use the filled-in example to see what a complete one looks like.
No sign-up. See a filled-in example (PDF).
What a subcontractor change order form should include
- Your subcontract number and the GC's project name — match their paperwork
- Sequential request number (SCO-01, SCO-02…)
- The document that caused the change: RFI, ASI, bulletin, directive or verbal instruction (who and when)
- Description specific enough for the GC to compare against the base scope
- Pricing broken out, with signed T&M tickets attached where the work was done on T&M
- Markup at the rate your subcontract allows
- Subcontract sum before and after, including approved changes
- Days requested — ask for time in the same document or you may lose it
- A date you need an answer by
- Notice deadline: many subcontracts require written notice of a change within a set number of days — send it on time
Or do it on your phone in two minutes
Change Order Form: T&M Ticket is an iPhone app that fills in this same document and sends the PDF.
- GC signs on your phone, on site
- Hours, materials and markup add up for you
- Signed PDF in the GC’s inbox the same minute
Questions
How is a subcontractor change order different from an owner change order?
It amends the subcontract between you and the GC, not the prime contract. The GC may in turn submit it to the owner, so attach everything they'll need: references, pricing breakdown, signed T&M tickets and photos.
Do I need the change order signed before I do the work?
Ideally, yes. If the GC directs you to proceed before pricing is agreed, get a written directive or signed T&M tickets every day, then submit this form.
What markup can a subcontractor add?
Whatever the subcontract allows — often stated separately for self-performed work and lower-tier subs. If it's silent, state your markup on the form and in your proposal.
What if the GC never responds?
Follow the notice and claim procedure in your subcontract, keep sending dated written requests, and keep working records (daily reports, T&M tickets). Silence is not approval.
Is this subcontractor change order form free?
Yes — PDF, Word and Excel, no sign-up.
How to write a change order
Step by step, with a fully priced example and the descriptions that get signed: How to write a change order.
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