What a drywall change order is for
Drywall work uncovers problems in framing and plumbing, and customers change their minds about finish once they see the first wall. A change order before the extra work keeps the price and the expectation in writing, which matters most on a finish the customer will inspect closely.
What to put on a drywall change order
- The original estimate.
- What was found or requested.
- Added lines and credits.
- The new total.
- Days added.
- Signature before the extra work.
A worked example
Old drywall removed in a bathroom shows mold on the back of the board and a bowed stud. The owner also upgrades the living room to a smooth finish, dropping texture.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace bowed stud | 1 | each | Your price |
| Remove additional moldy board, by others for remediation | 0 | sq ft | Your price |
| Smooth finish upgrade, living room | 600 | sq ft | Your price |
| Credit: texture not applied, living room | -600 | sq ft | Your price |
Mold remediation is listed at zero as by others. Say that in the notes so it is clear you are not treating it.
Line items drywall contractors use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Hang drywall | sq ft | Board thickness and type: regular, moisture resistant, fire rated. |
| Tape and finish | sq ft | Level of finish; say which surfaces get a higher level. |
| Hang, tape and finish, combined | sq ft | For smaller jobs priced as one. |
| Ceiling drywall | sq ft | Ceilings take more labor than walls. |
| Corner bead | ft | Metal or paper-faced, outside corners. |
| Texture, knockdown or orange peel | sq ft | Match existing where patching. |
| Skim coat | sq ft | Over damaged or textured walls for a smooth finish. |
| Drywall patch, small | each | Holes up to a size you set. |
| Drywall patch, large or water damage | each | Cut out and replace a section. |
| Popcorn ceiling removal | sq ft | Test older ceilings for asbestos before disturbing them. |
| Prime for paint | sq ft | If painting is not by others. |
| Protect floors and furniture, cleanup | room | Dust control matters on occupied jobs. |
| Haul away scrap | load | Offcuts and old board. |
Terms and deposit language for drywall
- Deposit. A deposit at signing covers board and mud and holds the crew. Rules on how much you may collect up front differ by state, so look yours up.
- Payment. Larger jobs split at hang complete and finish complete; small repairs are due on completion.
- Warranty. Say how long you cover cracks and nail pops from your workmanship, and that settling, framing movement and water damage are not covered.
- Finish level and texture are agreed in writing before work starts.
- Painting is by others unless listed; primer is included only if listed.
- Ceilings in older homes may contain asbestos; testing is required before disturbing them, and abatement is by licensed others.
How to fill it in
- Put in the original estimate number and amount.
- Write what changed in the reason box, plainly.
- Add the new work; type a minus quantity for any credit.
- Fill in the days added.
- Print it for a signature on site, or send it from Koira to sign by phone.
Free tools for drywall
The same change order for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.