How Small Contractors Stop Losing Money on Change Orders

The problem with a handshake

A change order is a written agreement that changes the scope, price or schedule of a job after the original contract is signed. On small jobs, many changes happen on a walk-through: the customer asks for one more outlet, a different tile or an extra coat of paint, and everyone nods.

The trouble starts at the final invoice. Without a signed record, the extra work turns into a debate about what was promised and what it costs. Many contractors end up discounting the work just to close the job.

A simple written process

You don't need a lawyer for every change. You need the same four steps every time:

• Write it down before you start the extra work, not after.
• List what changes, the price and any added days.
• Get the customer's signature or written approval.
• Add the approved amount to the next invoice so it isn't forgotten.

Make approval easy for the customer

Customers sign faster when they can approve from their phone. Sending a link they can open, read and sign in a minute removes the excuse of "I'll look at it later."

In Jobledgerhq, you create the change order from the job, send it by email or text link, and the customer approves or declines online. Approved change orders can be added to an invoice once, so the same work is never billed twice.

The takeaway

Every change in writing, every change signed, every change billed. Building that habit protects your margin more than any price increase.