Renovation Change and Decision Log

Who this is for

No surprises on the final bill. Every change to the original plan goes in the log with who raised it, what it adds or saves and how many days it moves the finish, and the totals count only the changes that were agreed.

Homeowners with a builder on a fixed contract who want each variation written down and agreed before the work is done, and anyone reconciling a final account.

What this helps you track

• Every change raised, when and by whom
• What each change adds to or saves from the contract sum
• How many days each change adds to or takes off the programme
• Which changes were agreed, rejected or are still pending
• The revised contract sum and net days added so far

How to use it

1. Write the project, the contractor, the original contract sum and the original finish date in the header.
2. Give each change the next number and write the date, who raised it, and what is changing and why.
3. Enter the cost as a positive figure or a saving as a negative one, and the same for days.
4. Set the status to agreed only once both sides have confirmed it, ideally in writing, and write the date.
5. The agreed cost and agreed days columns, and their totals, are worked out in the browser and the workbook from agreed changes only.
6. Add the net days to the original finish date for the revised finish, and check the log against each invoice.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser
• Excel / Google Sheets workbook

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The workbook uses plain formulas only — SUM, IF, COUNTIF and the like — so it opens in Excel, LibreOffice and Google Sheets without anything breaking, and every calculated cell is grey so you can see which figures it worked out.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Why do only agreed changes count in the totals?

A proposed change may never happen, and a rejected one should not touch the bill. Counting only agreed changes keeps the revised contract sum equal to what has actually been accepted.

How do I record a saving?

Enter the cost as a negative figure, such as a cheaper finish or work removed from the scope. The agreed total and revised contract sum will fall by that amount once the change is agreed.

Who should agree a change?

Whoever your contract names, usually you and the contractor, and a designer if one is involved. Keep the email, message or signed note that confirms it, and write its reference in the description.

How do I get the revised finish date?

Add the net days added from the summary to the original finish date in the header. The browser and workbook show the net days; whether they are working or calendar days is whatever your contract uses.