Change Order — Plain-English Summary

Document a change to construction scope, price or schedule, signed by owner and contractor before the changed work starts.

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Simple Full Plain-English Summary

Plain-English Summary: explains each section of the Full version. Sign it alongside the Full version, or use it on its own as a summary sheet.

This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state. Laws, required disclosures and signing formalities (witnesses, notarization, recording) vary by state and county.
E-Sign Auto is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

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1. Parties2. Details 1/33. Details 2/34. Details 3/3

Parties

Signing order: Owner → Contractor → Architect / Engineer (optional). Each signer is invited after the previous one signs.

1. OwnerFull name *Email (to send the signing link)

2. ContractorFull name *Email (to send the signing link)

3. Architect / Engineer (optional)Full name *Email (to send the signing link)

Signature, date and name fields are added for every signer automatically.

Details 1/3

Change order number *Date *Project name *Project addressOriginal contract date *Description of change

Details 2/3

Reason for change *Original contract price ($) *Net prior change orders ($) *This change: add or deduct ($) *New contract price ($) *Schedule change (days, + or -) *

Details 3/3

New completion date *Governing state *County for venue [STATE-SPECIFIC] *

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Signature, initials (every page) and date fields are placed for each party. You can review and adjust them before sending.

Live preview

What the sections mean (plain English)

CONTRACT PRICE: How much is paid, when, and what happens if it's late.
GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE: Which state's law applies and where any lawsuit must be filed.
COUNTERPARTS; ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES: E-signatures are valid and each party can sign separately.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: How disagreements get handled before anyone goes to court.
SEVERABILITY: If a court strikes one clause, the rest still counts.
ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENTS: How this document can be changed later.
NOTICES: How the parties must officially contact each other.
Optional clauses: Extra terms you can switch on or off in step 3. Leave them off if unsure.

How to use this Change Order template

Answer the guided questions. Your name and company fill in automatically from your profile.
Pick the governing state and complete the [STATE-SPECIFIC] blanks. Switch optional clauses on or off.
Check the live preview, then create the document. Signature, initial and date fields are placed for each party.
Review the fields and send. Each party signs in order, and everyone gets the signed PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Change Order template free?

Yes. You can fill it in, download it and send it for electronic signature with a free E-Sign Auto account.

Is an electronically signed Change Order legally binding?

In the U.S., the federal ESIGN Act and state UETA laws generally give e-signatures the same effect as handwritten ones. Check your state's rules.

Does this template work in my state?

It is a generic, state-neutral starting point. Pick your governing state and complete every blank marked [STATE-SPECIFIC]. This template is not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Who signs, and in what order?

Owner, then Contractor, then Architect / Engineer (optional). Each signer gets a secure link in that order, with signature, initial and date fields already placed.