How to use Doxlair's change order score
Understand what the Change Order Score measures, what a low score means, and how to improve it before sending.
What the score measures
The Change Order Score evaluates how well-documented and defensible a change order is before you send it for approval. A higher score means the change order clearly explains what changed, why it's outside the original scope, and what it costs.
What it checks
- 1Whether the scope narrative clearly ties the change back to the original Scope of Work.
- 2Whether labor, material, and schedule impacts are filled in and consistent with the change order type.
- 3Whether supporting evidence — photos, field notes, or daily field reports — is attached.
- 4Whether pricing details are complete and clearly broken down.
Improving a weak score
- 1Add or tighten the scope narrative so it's specific, not generic.
- 2Attach at least one photo or linked field note as evidence.
- 3Fill in any missing labor, material, or schedule impact fields.
- 4Re-check the score before sending — it updates as you edit.
Related articles
How to create a new change order
The full step-by-step process for drafting a change order, from selecting a type to documenting impacts.
How to avoid missed change order revenue
Practical habits for contractors to catch out-of-scope work before it becomes unpaid labor.
How to document labor, material, and schedule impacts
What belongs in the labor, material, and schedule impact sections of a change order, with examples.
How to turn a field issue into a change order
Convert a flagged field note or AI Monitor opportunity directly into a change order draft.