👉 Learn more about How to Create Change Orders/Variations in Buildern
With your change order/variation set up, you’re ready to preview it and start customizing the layout.
Open Layout Settings via Preview
To access layout customization options click Preview in the top-right corner.
This opens the document view where you can control how information is displayed to the client.
Customize Layout Sections
1. Reorder and Toggle Sections
Buildern allows full control over the structure of your change order/variation. The layout panel on the right side allows you to:
Drag and reorder sections (using the grip icon on the left)
Enable or disable sections using toggle switches
Available sections include:
Cover Images
Proposed Changes
Introduction Text
Cost Lines
Overheads
Insurances
Summary
Closing Text
Attachments
Terms & Conditions
Signature
Blue toggles indicate visible sections; grey toggles mean the section is hidden.
2. Cover Images
The Cover Images section allows you to define the visual identity of your change order or variation document. This is often the first thing your client sees, so it plays an important role in creating a professional impression.
When working with the layout panel, clicking the arrow icon ( > ) next to the Cover Images toggle opens additional settings.
In this expanded view, you can:
Browse and select from available cover images
Upload your own image directly
Choose a solid color if you prefer not to use an image
This makes it easy to quickly switch between different visual styles without leaving the layout editor.
💡Tip- To apply the same cover across all documents, update it in Branding Settings.
3. Proposed Changes
By default, Buildern includes a Proposed Changes section designed to provide transparency to clients.
This section highlights key modifications at a glance, making it easy to understand the impact of the variation. It typically includes:
Date changes – a comparison between the current project end date and the proposed new completion date
Price changes – a breakdown of how the variation affects the overall project cost
By presenting both schedule and financial adjustments side by side, this section helps clients quickly assess the full scope of the change and make informed decisions.
4. Introduction Text
To provide context, you can include an Introduction Text. This section allows you to explain the reason behind the change order, add notes, or set expectations before the client reviews the details.
5. Cost Lines
The Cost Lines section includes extended options that allow you to control the level of detail displayed in the cost breakdown.
The Show itemized toggle determines whether individual line items are presented in a detailed, column-based format or as a simplified summary.
When itemization is enabled, you can choose which columns and details to display:
Cost type – Categorizes each line item (e.g., labor, materials)
Quantity – Displays the amount of each item
Unit cost (incl./excl. tax) – Shows the internal cost per unit
Unit price (incl./excl. tax) – Shows the client-facing price per unit
Builder cost (incl./excl. tax) – Displays the total internal cost
Markup – Indicates the margin applied to costs
Amount (incl./excl. tax) – Shows the total value per line item
Description – Adds additional details or notes for each item
Show Sub/Vendor – Displays associated subcontractor or vendor information
Show Assembly items – Expands grouped items into their individual components
Additional display options:
Show attachments – Includes files linked to specific cost lines
Group numbering – Adds numbering to grouped items for better structure
Show $0 lines – Displays items with zero value
Show subtotal – Adds subtotals for grouped sections
Redistribute overheads – Spreads overhead costs across line items
Redistribute insurances – Distributes insurance costs across line items
These options allow you to control both the level of detail and how costs are presented within the document.
6. Overheads and Insurances
For a more complete financial picture, you can enable Overheads and Insurances. These sections ensure that additional costs - like operational expenses or risk coverage - are clearly presented rather than hidden in totals.
7. Summary
As the document comes together, the Summary section provides a clear snapshot of the overall impact. It brings together totals, taxes, and adjustments, allowing clients to quickly understand the financial outcome without going through every line item.
When expanded, the Summary settings give you control over which financial components are included in this final overview. By clicking the settings arrow, you can choose to display additional breakdown elements such as:
Builder cost – shows the internal project cost
Overheads – includes allocated overhead expenses
Insurance – adds insurance-related costs
Markup – displays applied profit margins
Adjustments – includes any manual financial adjustments
Total (ex. tax) – shows the total before tax is applied
Tax – displays the calculated tax amount
Total (inc. tax) – shows the final payable amount including tax
These options allow you to tailor the Summary section based on how detailed or simplified you want the final financial view to be, ensuring it aligns with both internal tracking and client communication needs.
8. Closing Text
Toward the end, Closing Text gives you space to wrap things up. This might include next steps, a thank-you note, or instructions for approval - helping guide the client on what to do next.
9. Attachments
If there are any supporting materials, Attachments lets you include them directly in the document. This could be anything from drawings to specifications, ensuring everything relevant is in one place.
10. Terms & Conditions
To formalize the agreement, Terms & Conditions outlines the legal framework behind the change, making sure expectations are clearly defined and documented.
11. Signature
Finally, the Signature section brings the process to completion. By enabling it, you allow clients to review and approve the change order, turning your document into a finalized, actionable agreement.
Saving Layouts as Templates
Once you’ve configured your layout, Buildern allows you to save it as a reusable template.
To save a layout:
Click Save Layout
Enter a name for the template
(Optional) Set it as the default layout
Saved templates can be reused across multiple projects, helping standardize documentation and reduce setup time.
💡 Tip - Create multiple templates tailored to different client types or project categories, and switch between them as needed.
This is just the beginning - stay tuned for more Buildern walkthroughs and feature guides.
Happy building!