When there are change orders on a project, the changes should be written down and signed by you and the client. There should also be a clause in the contract about change orders, and the client should be aware that these changes could delay the project's completion. You want to avoid a verbal change order without putting them in writing or agreeing that the changes can be made at no additional cost.

"There have been change orders on almost every project I have worked on. I handle change orders by having a clause in the contract that describes change orders that the client and I sign. I make sure the client understands what constitutes a change order, the fees associated with the changes, and the amount of time we may go over on the project's completion based on the changes. When a client wants something changed during the project, I write up the change order and the costs required to make the change. I then have the client sign the change order before any work is done."