Glossary
Change order
A formal request to add, remove, or modify project scope, typically paired with an updated price and, where relevant, an updated timeline.
What a change order includes
- A description of the new or modified work being requested.
- A reference to the original scope it falls outside of.
- The additional price, and any timeline impact.
Why they matter
Change orders turn scope creep into billable work. Without one, extra requests tend to get absorbed silently into the existing project fee. A clear, well-timed change order keeps the relationship fair to both sides — the client gets what they asked for, and the agency gets paid for delivering it. See how to write a change order email clients approve for a full walkthrough.