← Contractor Quote AuditorWhat to check on the estimate
- Written change-order process in the contract
- Pricing method: fixed, unit price or time and materials
- Written approval required before work proceeds
- Schedule impact stated per change
- Running total after each change
- Who can authorize changes on site
Questions worth asking
- How will change orders be documented and priced?
- Will work pause until I approve in writing?
- Will each change show its schedule impact?
- Can I see a running revised total after each change?
- Who on my side is allowed to authorize a change?
- What is the markup on time-and-materials changes?
Run your own quote
Paste or upload the estimate. The free scan lists the sections it found, the sections that look missing or unclear, and a question list you can send to the contractor. It does not tell you whether a price is fair, because that is not something a document review can answer.
Open the free scanSee a sample reportAll sample reportsFrequently asked
Are change orders a sign of a bad contractor?
No. Hidden conditions are real. The warning sign is verbal changes with no paperwork and no running total.
Can I refuse a change order?
Usually you can decline the extra scope, though some changes are required to pass inspection. Ask which category it is.
Free checklists
Printable checklists you can take into the conversation.
Free checklistsEducational checklist only. Not legal, engineering, pricing, contractor-vetting, or building-code advice. This does not decide whether a price is fair or which contractor to hire. Verify everything with your own licensed professional and your local building department.
Independent tool. No contractor marketplace, no lead selling, no referral fees. Payment is not enabled, so nothing on this site can charge you.