Drywall change order template

Most unbilled extras start as a text: "can y'all do the garage too?" A change order turns that into a price, a written OK and an invoice line. Copy this, fill in the brackets, and get a "yes" in writing before the crew starts.

The five things every change order needs

What changed (scope, location, finish level)
Who asked, and when
Price (or time-and-materials rate) and effect on schedule
A written approval: signature, email reply, or a text "yes"
Change order number, tied to the original job/PO

Template (copy and paste)

CHANGE ORDER #[CO number]
Company: [Your company] | Phone: [phone] | Email: [email]
To: [GC / customer name]          Date: [date]
Job: [job name / address]          Original contract/PO: [#]

Description of change:
[e.g., Hang and finish garage walls and ceiling, approx. 620 sq ft, 1/2" board, Level 4 finish]

Requested by: [name], on [date], via [text / email / in person]

Price:  [ ] Fixed price $[amount]   [ ] Time and materials at $[rate]/hr + materials
Schedule impact: [+N days / none]
Payment: added to [next draw / invoice #], due [terms]

Original contract amount:      $[ ]
Previous change orders:        $[ ]
This change order:             $[ ]
New contract amount:           $[ ]

Approved by (GC/customer): __________________  Date: ________
Approved by (us):          __________________  Date: ________
Work on this change starts after written approval.

Text-message version (when the GC asks on site)

Hi [name], confirming the extra: [garage walls + ceiling, Level 4]. Price $[amount], adds [1 day]. Reply YES to approve and we'll add it to the next invoice as CO #[number].

En español: "Hola [nombre], confirmo el trabajo extra: [descripción]. Precio $[monto], agrega [1 día]. Responda SÍ para aprobar y lo agregamos a la próxima factura como orden de cambio #[número]."

After it's approved

Screenshot or save the approval with the job.
Add the line to the very next invoice, not "at the end."
Unpaid change orders count for lien notices too; see the Texas lien deadline guide.

TapeAndFloat flags any change with no written approval or no invoice line. Join the free pilot.