Does a Calgary change order need signing?

Yes — in Calgary (and across Alberta), change orders should always be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor before the additional work begins. While Alberta law doesn't mandate a specific "change order signature" form, a signed change order is your legal protection under the Alberta Consumer Protection Act and the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (PPCLA).

Here's why this matters in practice. Your original contract sets the scope, price, and timeline. The moment work changes — extra materials, scope additions, unforeseen conditions — you've entered new legal territory. A signed change order documents the new agreement: what's being added or changed, the revised cost, and any timeline impact. Without a signature from both parties, disputes become a "he said/she said" situation that's difficult and expensive to resolve.

Under Alberta's Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (PPCLA), contractors can place a lien on your property for unpaid work — including work done under verbal change orders you may dispute. If a contractor performs extra work and you haven't agreed to it in writing, you could still face a lien claim. Conversely, if you've verbally authorized extra work and the contractor bills for it, you have limited recourse without documentation. Signed change orders protect both sides.

What a proper change order should include:

• Description of the additional or changed work
• Updated cost (fixed price or estimated hours/materials)
• Impact on the project timeline
• Signatures from both the homeowner and the contractor (or their authorized representative)
• Date of authorization

For renovation contracts over $1,000, the Alberta Consumer Protection Act requires a written contract — and by extension, written documentation of material changes to that contract is strongly advisable. Door-to-door or unsolicited sales also carry a 10-day cancellation right under the same Act.

One practical note for Calgary homeowners: if your project involves a building permit (basement development, addition, deck, etc.), change orders that affect the permitted scope may also require an amendment to your permit through the City of Calgary. Your contractor should flag this — structural changes, electrical additions, or plumbing modifications mid-project can require updated drawings and inspector sign-off before proceeding.

The bottom line: Never authorize additional work verbally. Get it in writing, get it signed, and keep a copy. If a contractor resists putting change orders in writing, that's a red flag worth taking seriously. Browse qualified, reputable contractors in our directory at Calgary Construction Network to find professionals who follow proper documentation practices.