Free tool

Change-Order Risk Calculator

Change orders don't come out of nowhere — they're written into the estimate before you sign. Answer a few questions about a bid and see how likely your price is to grow.

Answer for a single bid. Your score updates as you go.

Does any line say “as needed,” “as required,” or “if necessary”?

Are there allowances instead of firm prices?

Are quantities or unit prices missing/blank on visible work?

Are there large lump-sum lines with no breakdown?

Is this bid's total noticeably lower than the others for the same work?

Does it exclude permits, disposal, or code upgrades?

Does it say “pending inspection” or “subject to field conditions”?

Is there firm, itemized unit pricing throughout? (a good sign)

Change-order risk

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How it works

Each question maps to a real risk signal from 26 years of reviewing estimates: 'as needed' language, allowances instead of firm prices, lump sums with no breakdown, missing unit pricing, and suspiciously low totals. The more that show up, the more likely the final price exceeds the quote.

This is a quick estimate. For the real analysis of your actual bids, upload them free on BidsScores and get a per-line score, the true cost, and a board-ready recommendation.

Change-Order Risk Calculator — free contractor bid check | BidsScores