What a roofing change order is for
Most roofing disputes come from work found after tear-off and done without a signature. A one-page change order fixes that: what you found, what it costs, what it does to the schedule, signed before the crew goes on. Take a photo of the problem and put the change order number on the final invoice.
What to put on a roofing change order
- The original estimate number and its total.
- What was found and where, in plain words, with a photo if you can.
- Each added item with its quantity and price, and any credit for work no longer needed.
- The new contract total after the change.
- Days added to the schedule, if any.
- The homeowner's signature and date before the extra work starts.
A worked example
At tear-off the crew finds a second layer of shingles on the back slope and six soft sheets of decking. The homeowner is home and walks the roof photos with the foreman. Put the original estimate total in the Original amount box.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tear off second layer, back slope | 8 | square | Your price |
| Replace rotted decking, per sheet | 6 | each | Your price |
| Extra disposal weight | 1 | each | Your price |
The change order shows the original total, the added work and the new total, so the customer never has to do the math. If the decking price matches the per-sheet price on the estimate, say so; it makes the signature easy.
Line items roofers use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Tear off existing shingles and haul away | square | Say how many layers. A second layer is more labor and more dump weight. |
| Architectural asphalt shingles, installed | square | Name the brand, line and color so the customer knows what they are getting. |
| Synthetic underlayment | square | Covers the whole deck under the shingles. |
| Ice and water shield at eaves and valleys | ft | Measured along the eaves and valleys, or by the roll. |
| Drip edge | ft | Eaves and rakes. Pick the color to match the gutters or fascia. |
| Starter strip | ft | Along the eaves and rakes, under the first course. |
| Ridge cap shingles | ft | Along every ridge and hip. |
| Ridge vent | ft | Only where the attic has intake at the soffits to match it. |
| Replace rotted roof decking | each | Per sheet of plywood or OSB. Price it per sheet up front; you only know the count after tear-off. |
| Pipe boots and vent flashing | each | Count every plumbing vent and exhaust that comes through the roof. |
| Step and counter flashing at walls and chimney | ft | Say whether you reuse or replace it. |
| Dumpster and disposal | each | One line, or fold it into tear-off. Do not count it twice. |
| Permit and inspection | each | Pass the city's fee through at cost, or say it is included. |
| Roof repair labor | hour | For leak calls and small repairs, priced by the hour plus materials. |
Terms and deposit language for roofing
- Deposit. A deposit is due when the customer signs, so the shingles and underlayment can be ordered and the job put on the calendar. Some states cap how much you can take up front on home improvement work, so check yours before you set it.
- Payment. The balance is due when the roof is finished and the yard is cleaned up. If the customer is paying through an insurance claim, say who pays the deductible and when the insurance check is signed over.
- Warranty. Say two things separately: the shingle maker's warranty on the material, and your own warranty on the workmanship, with how many years each runs and what voids it.
- Rotted decking found at tear-off is replaced at the per-sheet price on the estimate, and the customer is shown the boards before you close them up.
- Weather can move the start date. Say how you will tell the customer and that a tarp goes on any open section at the end of each day.
- Say who handles the permit and who is home for the inspection.
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 roofing
- Roof replacement cost calculator
- Roof measurement tool
- Satellite measuring tool
- Gutter installation cost calculator
The same change order for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, 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, septic, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.
More for roofers: how roofers run on Koira.