Free Concrete Change Order Template
This free concrete change order template includes fields for the original contract reference, description of scope changes, reason for the modification, cost impact with itemized materials and labor, timeline adjustments, revised contract total, and authorization signatures. Download the PDF to document soil condition discoveries, reinforcement upgrades, finish changes, and pour modifications professionally.
What's Included
- Reference to original contract or estimate number
- Sequential change order number for tracking
- Description of concrete scope changes with affected areas
- Reason for the change (soil conditions, design revision, code requirement)
- Cost impact with itemized concrete, reinforcement, forming, and labor
- Original contract amount and revised total
- Timeline impact including cure times
- Updated concrete specifications (mix design, PSI, reinforcement)
- Finish type changes (broom, stamped, exposed aggregate, polished)
- Authorization signatures for contractor and client
How to Use This Template
- 1
Concrete change orders most often arise from soil conditions discovered during excavation: unstable soil, high water table, buried debris, or organic material that must be removed and replaced with compactable fill. Number each change order sequentially and reference the original contract.
- 2
Describe soil issues with the detail they deserve. "Bad soil" tells the client nothing; "Excavation revealed 18 inches of organic fill over clay on the north half of the slab area (approximately 400 sq ft), requiring over-excavation and replacement with 3/4-inch crushed stone compacted to 95% Proctor density" explains the problem and solution clearly.
- 3
Reinforcement upgrades are another common trigger. If soil testing or engineering review calls for rebar instead of wire mesh, or for a thicker slab, document the original specification and the upgraded requirement. Include the reason (engineer’s recommendation, soil bearing capacity, load requirements) so the client understands this isn’t an optional upsell.
- 4
Finish changes can significantly impact cost. Going from a standard broom finish to stamped concrete adds materials (color hardener, release agent, stamps), labor, and time. Document the original finish, the requested change, and the full cost difference. If the client wants to see the finish before committing, offer a sample area — but document that on the change order too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common concrete change order triggers?
Poor soil conditions discovered during excavation are the top trigger: soft spots, organic fill, high water table, or expansive clay. Other common triggers include rebar or reinforcement upgrades recommended by engineers, client-requested finish upgrades (broom to stamped or exposed aggregate), grade changes requiring additional fill or excavation, and additional flatwork (extending a patio, adding a sidewalk).
How do I price soil remediation on a concrete change order?
Price based on the volume of material to be removed and replaced. Measure the affected area and depth, calculate the cubic yards of export (removal and disposal) and import (crushed stone or suitable fill). Include compaction labor and testing if required. Soil remediation can easily add $5–$15 per square foot to a project, so clear documentation helps clients understand the cost.
Should I issue a change order for a concrete finish upgrade?
Always. A finish upgrade changes materials, labor, and often the pour schedule. Stamped concrete requires color hardener ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft), release agent, stamps, and sealer, plus an additional day of labor for stamping and detailing. Document the original finish specification, the upgrade, and the complete cost difference.
What if the concrete pour needs to be larger than originally planned?
Issue a change order documenting the additional square footage, the reason for the increase (client request, grade adjustment, utility conflict requiring rerouting), and the cost. Include additional concrete (by the cubic yard), forming materials, reinforcement, and labor. If the larger pour requires an additional truck or pump, include those costs. Concrete is priced by volume and area — the math is straightforward.
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