The Change Orders feature on the Buildertrend mobile app makes it easy to manage client requests in the field. Whether it’s a new request or a scope adjustment, you can create, edit, and send change orders for approval, complete with digital signatures, all from your mobile device.
This not only reduces delays and paperwork but also keeps your budget and project timeline accurate and up to date. With real-time updates and visibility, your entire team stays aligned, ensuring a smoother workflow and a more professional client experience.
Change Orders Mobile Help Video
Navigating to Change Orders
Start by choosing a job for your Jobs List.
Tap More, then choose Change Orders from the Project Management features list.
Note: If you do not select a specific job from the Jobs List before navigating to To-Do's, you’ll see the To-Do's from all your active jobs.
View, Add, and Edit Change Orders
Adding a new Change Order
To add a new Change Order, tap the + icon, enter the necessary details, and tap Save when you're finished.
Change Order fields
ID # – Buildertrend automatically generates a numerical ID, but you can enter a custom Change Order number to match your internal tracking system.
Title – Provide a clear, descriptive title that allows you to quickly identify the purpose or scope of the Change Order.
Use Line Items – If toggled on, you will be able to itemize all costs associated with the change order with Line Items.
Show Line Items to Client – If toggled on, your client will see the Description, Quantity, Unit Price, and Total Price for each line item on the Change Order. Builder cost and markup will remain hidden, ensuring transparency without disclosing internal pricing.
Builder Cost & Client Price:
If Show Line Items was toggled on – your builder cost & client price totals will auto-populate based on your itemized line items.
If Show Line Items was toggled off – you can manually set your builder cost & client price. These totals will be assigned to the Buildertrend Flat Fee cost code.
Line Items – If Show Line Items was toggled on, by selecting Add Line Item you can add itemized costs associated with the Change Order.
Description – A full explanation of the change being proposed. This field is visible to all users with access to the Change Order, including internal team members, subs/vendors, and clients.
Notes – Include detailed information to provide context or clarification for the Change Order.
Internal Notes – Visible only to your internal team.
Sub/Vendor Only Notes – Shared with both internal users and selected subs/vendors.
Client Only Notes – Shared with internal users and the client.
Approval Deadline – Set a specific date by which the client must approve or decline the Change Order to keep the project timeline moving.
Sub/Vendor Viewing – Select sub/vendors you want to have access to view the change order.
Invoice On Client Approval – If checked, Buildertrend will automatically generate and release an invoice for the Change Order amount once the client approves it.
Attachments – Take photos, scan documents, or upload supporting files related to the change order.
💡Pro Tip
Utilize voice-to-text to quickly add your Description and Notes, rather than typing manually.
Releasing and Approving/Declining a Change Order
Once a Change Order is finalized, you can release it to the client for review. Clients can then easily approve or decline the Change Order directly from their Buildertrend portal, keeping the process transparent and ensuring timely decisions that help keep your project moving forward.
Releasing your Change Order
After creating and saving your Change Order, tap the paper airplane icon to send it to your client for review and approval. Confirm the release when prompted.
To make changes to a released Change Order, tap the ellipsis menu and select Unrelease. This allows you to edit the Change Order before re-releasing it to the client.
Internally Approving a Change Order
Buildertrend offers the flexibility to internally approve or decline a Change Order on behalf of the client. This is ideal for in-person approvals, verbal confirmations, or time-sensitive situations.
If the Change Order has already been released, simply tap Approve or Decline from the Change Order screen.
If it hasn't been released, tap the ellipsis menu and select Approve or Decline from the available options.
When approving a Change Order in the mobile app, you can easily sign off using your finger, no additional tools needed!
Related Items & Comments
In addition to creating and approving Change Orders, you can create Related Items (RFIs and Schedule Items) directly from the change order and leave comments to keep your team informed and aligned.
Interested in Learning More? 📚
The Buildertrend Learning Academy is your one-stop-shop for your online education, whether you're new to Buildertrend or an experienced user looking to learn more.
If you have any questions or require additional support, feel free to chat with us, send an email: support@buildertrend.com, or give us a call at 1-888-415-7149. We’re always happy to help.