Every contractor knows the sentence: "While you're here, could you also…?" Said nicely, it's a bigger job. Left unwritten, it's free work.
Here's a simple rule that keeps the relationship friendly and the margin intact.
1. Say yes to the work, not to the price
"Happy to — let me quote that add-on and send it over before I start." You haven't refused anything, and you've moved the conversation to paper.
2. Use a one-paragraph change order
Write down four things: what's being added, the price, how much it moves the finish date, and a line for the client to reply "approved." A text or email reply counts, as long as it's in writing.
3. Separate "included" from "extra" up front
In the original scope, list what's included and add one sentence: "Anything not listed is quoted separately as a change order." Clients rarely argue with a rule they read on day one.
4. Get paid for the change before the next phase starts
Add-ons billed at the end are the ones that get disputed. Bill them when approved, or fold them into the next milestone invoice.
5. Keep the templates ready
I keep the change-order wording, scope checklist, and late-payment language in one kit so I'm not rewriting it on a tailgate. The contractor version is here if useful: Client Contract & Scope Kit for Home-Service Contractors ($19). There's also a free starter kit at opspack.vercel.app/free.
General information, not legal advice.
