Change order texts: when you find extra work on the job
You quoted a toilet swap and the subfloor is soft. If you fix it without asking, you either eat the cost or surprise the customer with a bigger bill. Stop and send a short message first.
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Four parts of a good change order
- What you found.
- Why it matters, in one plain sentence.
- What it costs and how much time it adds.
- That you'll wait for their yes before doing it.
Keep the tone calm. No scare tactics.
Change order: found something extraText
[First name], while working on [job] we found [issue]. [Why it matters, 1 sentence.] Fixing it adds [$] and about [time]. I'll hold off until you approve. Reply YES to go ahead, or call me and I'll show you photos.
Tip: Get approval in writing before doing the extra work. A text reply counts for many businesses. Save it with the job.
Change order for approval (email)Email
Subject: Approval needed: added work on [job] Hi [first name], While working on [job], we found [issue]. [Why it matters, in one or two plain sentences.] Added work: [what we'd do] Added cost: $[amount] Added time: [time] New total: $[new total] We won't start the added work until you approve. Reply Approved to this email, or call me at [phone] with any questions. Photos are attached. Thanks, [your name] [business]
Tip: Use email for bigger changes so the approval and numbers are in one place.
Related on-the-job updates
Diagnosis explained (text after you've looked)Text
Here's what I found, [first name]: [plain-English problem, 1-2 sentences]. [What happens if they wait, honestly, 1 sentence.] To fix it: [fix], [$]. Want me to go ahead? I won't start until you say yes.
Waiting on a partText
Hi [first name], quick update: the part we need ([part]) isn't in stock locally. [It's ordered and expected [date].] [Optional temporary fix: "In the meantime, we've [temporary fix] so you have [heat/water/power]."] I'll text you as soon as it lands to schedule the return visit.
Let AI draft it from your notes
AI prompt: change order when the job growsAI prompt
We found something extra on the job. Write a short change-order message to the customer that explains (1) what we found, (2) why it matters in plain words, (3) what it will cost and how long it adds, and (4) that we won't do it until they approve in writing. Calm tone, no scare tactics. Under 150 words. What we found: [e.g. "rotted subfloor under the toilet, about 3x3 ft"] Fix and price: [e.g. "replace subfloor section, $480, adds half a day"]
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