If a homeowner refuses to pay a change order, the contractor needs the signed scope change, price impact, schedule impact, photos, messages, and proof that the extra work was requested or approved. The best time to protect payment is before the work starts.
What to gather before arguing the invoice
- Original contract and scope of work
- Signed change order or written approval
- Photos showing the changed condition or added work
- Cost breakdown and schedule impact
- Messages where the homeowner requested the change
- Invoice packet showing exactly what changed