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Project Management Additional Work Order

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT ADDITIONAL WORK ORDER

Project Identification

Project ID:    Title:

Project Manager:    Effective Date of Additional Work:

Recitals

This Additional Work Order (the "Order") amends the existing services agreement between Client Name: and Service Provider: (collectively, the "Parties"). This Order describes additional services, deliverables, schedule, and compensation agreed by the Parties.

Scope of Additional Work

Deliverables and Acceptance Criteria

Deliverable Reference:

Deliverable Reference:

Timeline and Milestones

Additional Work Start Date:    Completion Date:

Due Date:

Due Date:

Budget and Payment

Retainage or Withheld Amount:

Change Order Procedure

All modifications to the Scope, Schedule, or Price resulting from this Order must be documented in a written change order signed by authorized representatives of both Parties. Service Provider shall not commence any change work that affects Price or Schedule until the Parties execute such a written change order. Change orders shall specify adjustments to compensation, milestone dates, and any consequential impacts.

Does this Work Order require modification to the existing agreement terms?

Insurance and Compliance

Service Provider represents that it maintains insurance customary for the services performed, including commercial general liability and workers' compensation, and will provide certificates of insurance upon Client request.

Confidentiality

Each Party will treat information exchanged under this Order as Confidential Information in accordance with the confidentiality provisions of the underlying services agreement. Confidential Information includes technical and commercial information disclosed in connection with the performance of this Order. The obligations of confidentiality survive termination or expiration of this Order.

Representations, Warranties, and Remedies

Service Provider warrants that the additional services will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards. Client's remedies for nonconforming work shall include re-performance and, if re-performance is impractical, an equitable price reduction. These remedies are in addition to other rights under the governing agreement.

Governing Law

This Order will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction specified below, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Attachments and References

Acceptance and Authorization

By signing below, each Party certifies that it is authorized to bind the Party to this Additional Work Order, agrees that this Order is incorporated into and governed by the terms of the underlying agreement except as expressly modified herein, and accepts responsibility for their respective obligations described in this Order.

Client:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Date:

Enter text

What a Project Management Additional Work Order Is

A Project Management Additional Work Order documents a change in scope, schedule, or cost for an existing project contract. It records the additional tasks, deliverables, materials, or hours authorized after the original agreement was executed, and it establishes any associated price adjustments, new milestones, and acceptance criteria. The form functions as an amendment to the base contract: when signed by authorized parties it becomes part of the contractual record, clarifying responsibilities, start and completion dates, and payment terms for the extra work authorized.

Why an Additional Work Order Matters for Project Control

Using a formal Additional Work Order reduces disputes by documenting scope changes, cost impacts, and schedule updates in writing.

Why an Additional Work Order Matters for Project Control

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Form

Signatures are required from the parties authorized under the original contract—often the client and the contractor—so routing to the correct approvers is essential.

  • Project managers: coordinate scope details, schedule impact, and stakeholder approvals.
  • Contract administrators: ensure terms align with the master contract and record cost changes.
  • Clients or owners: review and authorize changes that affect budget or timeline.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Project Management Additional Work Order

Follow a consistent sequence to document, approve, and record scope changes to ensure enforceability and auditability.

  • 01
    Identify: Describe the specific extra tasks, location, and reason for the change in plain language.
  • 02
    Quantify: List hours, units, materials, rates, and any fixed price adjustments supporting the cost change.
  • 03
    Schedule: State new start and completion dates and describe impacts to existing milestones.
  • 04
    Authorize: Obtain signatures from contract signatories and note any conditions for work commencement.

How to Configure an Online Approval Workflow

Configure routing to mirror contractual authority and reduce manual handoffs.

Field Configuration
Initiator Project Manager submits the draft change order.
Reviewer Contract Administrator reviews for compliance with contract terms.
Approver Client or authorized signatory approves costs and schedule.
Recorder Project control logs the signed order into the document repository.

Typical Routing When You Use Digital Tools

Digitally routed change orders reduce delay by enforcing reviewer order and capturing timestamps at each step.

  • Upload: Attach the draft additional work order to the workflow and tag related contract IDs.
  • Assign Fields: Place signer fields, dates, and conditional sections before sending for review.
  • Notify: Send automated notifications to reviewers with a deadline for approval.
  • Complete: Collect signatures and save the executed document with an audit trail.

Essential Elements to Include in a Professional Additional Work Order

A complete change order provides legal clarity, operational detail, and a clear approval trail to reduce disputes and billing errors.

Unique Identifier

A serial number or code linking the change order to the master contract and permitting straightforward record reconciliation.

Scope Description

A precise statement of work that details tasks, deliverables, locations, and acceptance criteria so both parties agree on deliverables.

Cost Breakdown

Itemized costs, hourly rates, material quantities, taxes, and whether the amount is an estimate or fixed price for invoicing clarity.

Schedule Impact

New start and completion dates and explicit notes on how the change affects existing milestones, penalties, or incentives.

Changes to Terms

Any alterations to payment terms, warranty, indemnity, or insurance requirements triggered by the additional work.

Approvals and Signatures

Printed names, titles, dated signatures, and witness or notary details if required by state law or contract terms.

Supporting Documents and Export Formats to Keep with the Order

Store supporting attachments and export the executed order in standard formats for archiving and sharing.

Attached Estimates

Attach vendor quotes, time estimates, and material lists to substantiate pricing and avoid later disputes.

Updated Schedule

Include revised Gantt excerpts or milestone maps to show explicit changes to timeline and dependencies.

Change Log

Maintain a brief revision history summarizing previous orders, approvals, and version dates for auditability.

Export Formats

Save executed orders as PDF/A for long-term storage; retain native DOCX for editable records when needed.

Technology Considerations for Digital Execution

Ensure the chosen platform supports your contract's evidentiary needs and regulatory obligations before relying on electronic execution.

  • Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code, or stronger methods for higher-risk projects.
  • Audit Trail: Record IP, timestamp, and action logs for each signer event.
  • Document Formats: Support PDF and DOCX for archiving and future edits.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Preparing an Additional Work Order

  • Vague scope language that leads to differing interpretations and disputed deliverables between parties.
  • Missing signatories or approvals required under the master contract, causing noncompliance and payment delays.
  • Failure to document schedule impacts, which can trigger claims or missed milestone-based payments.
  • Not keeping attachments (quotes, drawings) with the order, making it hard to verify the basis for price changes.

Risks and Contractual Consequences of an Incorrect Change Order

Payment Disputes: Unclear pricing leads to invoice rejection and delayed payments affecting cash flow.
Breach Claims: Unauthorized work performed without proper authorization can be treated as a contract breach.
Liquidated Damages: Schedule changes not properly approved may nullify agreed delay protections or trigger penalties.
Audit Findings: Poor records can result in internal or external audit exceptions and compliance risk.
Tax Treatment: Incorrectly recorded change orders may complicate tax reporting or cost recovery.
Insurance Coverage: Work outside approved scope may fall outside policy coverage if not properly authorized.

Timing and Deadlines Commonly Associated with Change Orders

Track internal deadlines to avoid late approvals that could allow unauthorized work or disputed invoices.

Submission Window:

Submit change requests promptly when impacts are discovered to preserve entitlement to cost recovery.

Review Period:

Set a defined review window (e.g., 5–10 business days) to prevent open-ended approvals.

Approval Deadline:

Record an approval due date to trigger escalation and avoid unauthorized performance.

Invoice Timing:

Align invoice submission with approved effective dates to ensure timely payment processing.

Record Update:

Update project schedules and budget logs within 48–72 hours after signature to keep records current.

Key Processing Stages From Request to Execution

A clear, numbered milestone sequence helps teams understand where approvals and actions occur in the change-order lifecycle.

01

Request Submission

Originator documents scope change and attaches supporting estimates or drawings.

02

Internal Review

Contract and project controls verify allowable scope and estimate accuracy.

03

Client Approval

Authorized signatory reviews and signs or requests revisions to the proposed order.

04

Record and Execute

Project team updates schedules, budgets, and issues a work release based on the signed order.

How a Change Order Differs from Similar Documents

Compare change orders to related documents to choose the correct method for documenting adjustments.

Document Type Change Order Amendment Purchase Order
Primary Use modify scope alter contract terms authorize procurement
Authoritative Effect operative when signed operative when signed operative when supplier accepts
Typical Signers client & contractor contracting parties buyer and vendor
Timing post-award any time with consent pre-procurement or during order

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Additional Work Orders

Platform features and pricing matter for high-volume change-order workflows; compare starting prices and core capabilities when choosing a solution.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Varies Varies Varies Varies
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Representative Roles and Why They Matter

Project Manager

The project manager initiates change orders, documents scope and schedule impact, and coordinates internal reviews. Their entry must reflect operational details so work crews and subcontractors can act without ambiguity.

Contract Administrator

The contract administrator validates entitlement, verifies budget availability, recommends pricing approaches, and ensures that executed orders align with master contract terms and procurement rules.

Practical Examples of Additional Work Orders in Use

These case summaries illustrate typical scenarios and outcomes when change orders are used correctly.

Case Study 1

A construction manager documents extra excavation due to unforeseen soil conditions

  • The change order includes unit pricing and time extension
  • After prompt approval and signature the contractor billed promptly and avoided a later dispute by attaching the subsurface report and photos.

Case Study 2

An IT project requires additional integration work after a scope review

  • The order specifies deliverables, acceptance testing, and an incremental fixed fee
  • Clear acceptance criteria prevented rework and allowed phased invoicing tied to test milestones.

Practical Tips to Keep Change Orders Clear and Enforceable

Adopt consistent drafting standards and approval processes to reduce friction and legal exposure.

Verify names and authority before sending
Confirm the legal entity name, signer title, and delegated signing authority to ensure the executed order binds the correct party.
Attach supporting evidence for cost claims
Include vendor quotes, timesheets, or photos as exhibits to substantiate price adjustments and reduce later challenges.
Make schedule impacts explicit and measurable
Quantify added lead times and update critical path items; indicate whether extensions affect liquidated damages.
Preserve an auditable approval trail
Retain timestamps, approver emails, and version history; these records are critical for audits and dispute resolution.

Security and Compliance Considerations for Digital Execution

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Log: Tamper-evident timestamped audit trails
Access Controls: Role-based permissions and SSO integration
HIPAA: BAA available where PHI is involved
ESIGN/UETA: Compliance supports legal validity of e-signatures
21 CFR Part 11: Available on compliant tiers for FDA-regulated records

Frequently Asked Questions — Common Execution Issues

These answers address recurring user questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing additional work orders.


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