STANDARDINTEGRITY
INSTITUTE
SII / CHANGE ORDER DESK
Adding work?Count the deductions, too.
A renovation change order records a change to the work you agreed on. It should show what is added, what is removed, the revised specifications and price, and any change to the completion date—not just an extra charge.
“We’ll do that while we’re here” is not a complete quote. Ask for the scope and price difference, then follow your agreed approval process.
CHANGE RECORD / 01
Illustrative change orderOne record. Both sides of the change.
- Current agreed total
- NT$100,000
- Work added this time
- +18,000
- Work removed this time
- −6,000
- Revised total
- NT$112,000
The revised total is not the balance due now. Check payments already made and the payment milestones separately.
01Original agreement
02This change
03Cost and timing
04Confirmation
What prompted the extra work?
The reason tells you what to ask for. Choose the closest situation to prepare a message below.
Price the upgrade. Account for what it replaces.
If you switch cabinet-door materials, ask for the new cost and the deduction for the original doors. Any costs for materials already ordered or work already done need an explanation.
For an immediate safety concern, seek appropriate on-site help. Do not delay necessary safety action while waiting for paperwork. Keep photos and records when it is safe to do so.
Six things to put in the change record.
It does not need to be long. Both sides need the same version and a clear link back to the original work. Open each group for the details.
01Reference, dates and reason
Give the change a reference number. Record when it was requested and revised, why it is needed, and the relevant photos or site notes.
02Location and scope changes
Name the room, floor or work area. List the original work, additions and removals separately, with references to the original quote or drawing items.
03Specifications and quantities
Include brands, models, dimensions, specifications and how substitutes will be agreed. State quantities, units and measurement methods—not just a lump sum or “equivalent” materials.
04Prices, deductions and revised total
Show quantities, unit prices and subtotals for additions and deductions. State tax, discounts and other charges. Apply this change to the current agreed total so earlier changes are not counted twice.
05Timing, payment and handover
State any extra workdays, revised completion date and changes to payment milestones. Record the acceptance checks, handover items and any effect on warranty terms.
06Confirmation and document version
Identify who is authorised to confirm the change, when and how they confirmed it. Keep the agreed version, attachments and messages together so site discussions match the written record.
SII / VERSION RECORD
Keep more than the latest quote.
After several changes, a new total is not enough. Keep these three records so each revision can be traced.
Original agreement
Keep the dated quote, contract and drawings, with their version numbers.
This change
Link the itemised change, photos, price difference and timing to one reference.
Confirmed version
Keep the agreed document or messages. Record which earlier version it replaces.
When the change is less straightforward.
The extra bill arrived after the work was done. What now?
Ask for the work details, quantities, pricing basis, original scope and records of who agreed to what and when. A new total alone does not establish whether payment is due. That depends on the contract, facts and applicable law. Seek local legal or consumer advice if there is a dispute.
Can I deduct the full quoted price for cancelled work?
Not necessarily. Separate work not yet started from materials already ordered, fabrication and completed work. Ask how the deduction and any retained costs were calculated, then check the agreement. The example on this page illustrates arithmetic, not a right to a full refund.
Is confirmation by message or email enough?
Avoid a bare “OK” with no context. Link the message to the change reference, scope, price, timing, attachments and people confirming. Whether it satisfies the agreed process or has legal effect depends on the circumstances and local law.
A worker on site said yes. Is that approval?
Check who was authorised to agree on scope and price. Being able to carry out the work does not necessarily authorise someone to agree to extra charges or payments. Send the details to the agreed decision-maker and retain the reply and document version.
Can SII decide whether the price is fair or who must pay?
No. SII reviews whether the documents clearly state scope, specifications, pricing and confirmation conditions. It does not rate contractors or determine market prices, construction liability or legal obligations. Technical and legal disputes need appropriate professional advice.
The original quote is still unclear?
Start with the missing scope, specifications and pricing terms, then ask for the gaps to be filled. SII assesses the document; it does not endorse either party.
General document-reading information, not a substitute for on-site technical assessment or legal advice.