---
title: "Free drywall change order template | TapeAndFloat"
url: https://tapeandfloat.com/guides/change-order-template.html
language: en
author: James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat
updated: 2026-10-25
---

# Drywall change order template

**A drywall change order is a short written agreement that adds or changes work on an existing contract, with a price and schedule effect, signed before the crew starts. This free template covers the 5 things every change order needs and fits on 1 page.**

By [James Grokman](https://tapeandfloat.com/about.html), CEO, TapeAndFloat · Published October 21, 2026 · Updated October 25, 2026

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

  1. What changed (scope, location, finish level)
  2. Who asked, and when
  3. Price (or time-and-materials rate) and effect on schedule
  4. A written approval: signature, email reply, or a text "yes"
  5. 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.

Printable PDF version (free): https://tapeandfloat.com/downloads/TapeAndFloat_Drywall_Change_Order_Form.pdf (Spanish: https://tapeandfloat.com/downloads/TapeAndFloat_Orden_de_Cambio_Drywall.pdf)

## 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]."

How to word it so it comes back signed: [how to write a drywall change order the GC will actually sign](https://tapeandfloat.com/blog/drywall-change-order-gc-will-sign.html).

**Track them all in one place:** [download the free drywall office tracker](https://tapeandfloat.com/free-tracker.html) (flags unsigned and unbilled change orders).

## 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](https://tapeandfloat.com/guides/texas-lien-deadlines.html).

TapeAndFloat flags any change with no written approval or no invoice line. [Join the free pilot](https://tapeandfloat.com/office-assistant.html#pilot).

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a text message count as an approved change order?

It can help, but check your subcontract first; many require a signed change order. At minimum, keep a written reply that names the work and the price, then follow it with the signed form.

### When should I send the change order?

Before the crew starts the extra work. Once the work is done, you lose most of your leverage to get it signed and paid.

### How do I make sure the change order gets billed?

Put the approved amount on your very next invoice or pay app as its own line. The free [office tracker](https://tapeandfloat.com/free-tracker.html) flags change orders that are approved but not yet billed.