Change Order Cost Impact Calculator
Revised total = base contract + change orders + contingency. Track scope creep against budget.
Result
Revised total to date
$58,000
⚠️ $3,000 over base+contingency.
- Base contract$50,000
- Change orders12.0% of base$6,000
- Contingency budget10% of base$5,000
- Contingency used$2,000
- Contingency remaining$3,000
- Contingency overage$0
- Baseline (base+cont)$55,000
- Revised total$58,000
Step-by-step
- Contingency budget = base × 10% = $5,000.
- Revised = base + change orders + contingency used = $58,000.
- Over baseline by $3,000 — reset expectations or trim scope.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the original signed contract.
- Sum up all approved change orders.
- Enter contingency budget set aside upfront.
- Track cumulative contingency used as work progresses.
About this calculator
Change orders are nearly inevitable on remodels — discovered conditions, scope additions, fixture upgrades. The industry rule of thumb is 3-5% of base for new construction, 8-15% for remodels, 15-25% for older-home restorations. Track each change order separately with: cost, time impact, and signed approval. A "small" change order that adds 5 days × $1,000/day overhead is often the real budget killer, not the visible material cost.
Frequently asked
Yes — verbal "while you're in there" requests cause the most disputes. No work without signed change order.
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