How Do I Price and Approve Change Orders During a Renovation?
To price and approve change orders during a renovation, register every change request with its description and reason, estimate its cost and schedule impact, route it for internal approval according to value and get the client's approval before the work starts.
In Jestor, change orders follow an approval flow with value limits, and approved changes update the project budget.
Why do change orders hurt margins?
Clients ask for changes on site, and crews often start the work before anyone prices it. The cost appears only at the end.
Without written approval, the client disputes the extra charge and the company absorbs the difference.
Small changes add up, and the final budget becomes impossible to explain.
What problems does a change order process solve?
- Extra work done without approval
- Changes not priced before execution
- Disputes with clients about extra charges
- Budget overruns without explanation
- No record of schedule impact
How does an approval workflow with value limits work for change orders?
Small changes can be approved by the site manager, while larger ones require the project manager or director. Each approval is recorded on the change order.
This keeps small decisions fast and protects margins on larger changes.
How do I manage change orders in Jestor?
- Create a change request form with description, reason, photos and requester.
- Estimate cost and schedule impact with formula fields.
- Route for internal approval by value, with Approve and Reject buttons.
- Send the change to the client for approval and record the decision.
- Update the project budget when the change is approved.
| Change value | Internal approver |
|---|---|
| Up to the first limit | Site manager |
| Above the first limit | Project manager |
| Above the second limit | Director |
Why use Jestor for change orders?
- Approvals with limits: the Approvals solution supports hierarchy, value and cost centers.
- Client approval recorded: decisions documented before work starts.
- Budget updates: approved changes reflected in project costs.
- Change history: every request and decision on file.
This is how you price and approve change orders during a renovation without losing money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can approval levels depend on the change value?
Yes. Approval flows can route by value thresholds and hierarchy.
Can I try this before committing?
Yes. Jestor offers a free account at jestor.com.
Can clients approve changes online?
Yes. A form or shared view can record the client's approval.
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