Work Order: Different Types and How to Write One
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Quick Facts — Work Order Lawyers
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What is a Work Order?
A work order is a formal written communication that authorizes a maintenance team or other member of field engineering to complete a job or task for a customer. Work orders encompass an array of requests including repair or replacement. A work order indicates a job or task has been approved and is ready to go into the queue for completion. Work orders can be transmitted electronically or on paper.
Types of Work Orders
Work orders apply to many different types of requests and categories. Depending on the property the maintenance is requested on and the types of work needed, many sub-categories can apply to work orders.
Here are some examples of the most common types of work orders:
- Inspection : Inspection work orders entail a highly-skilled professional testing out an asset or system. This function is completed to ensure that all components of a system or asset are working as expected.
- Emergency : Emergency work orders apply when a job or task request threatens the life or well-being of inhabitants or assets. In extreme cases, a work order may not be generated in favor of getting the job done as quickly as possible.
- Safety : A safety work order exists to protect the well-being of inhabitants of a structure. These types of work orders include scenarios such making repairing dangerous damages or cleaning up hazardous materials at a facility.
- Preventative Maintenance : Much like changing the oil in your car or replacing air conditioner filters, preventative maintenance work orders aim to solve problems before they arise. These work orders can include tasks ranging anywhere from routine cleaning to equipment tune-ups and more.
- Electrical : Electrical maintenance focuses on servicing any electrical parts of a facility. This could entail changing a light bulb or performing service on a faulty breaker box.
- Special Projects : Not all work order requests can be filed away neatly into a specific category. There are numerous miscellaneous requests that a work order can help fill, as well. These might include upgrading equipment or replacing outdated software.
Work Order Example
Work orders are vital to the success of maintenance and construction workers. A good work order lays out the job or task needed and provides all of the needed information to get the job done. Here is an example of a work order:
- A tenant at an apartment complex calls management to report that the pipes under the kitchen sink are leaking water. According to the service agreement , a work order is generated that details the problem. The apartment manager assures their tenant that a maintenance person will arrive to complete the work soon.
Learn more about types of work orders here .
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What’s Included in Work Orders?
A successful work order contains specific details about the type of work or task that is being completed. Work orders should serve as a roadmap for maintenance workers to do the job right the first time. In order to be as effective as possible , the most efficient work orders include a few vital aspects:
- A detailed description of the job, including the location.
- The name and contact information for the entity requesting the work.
- An overview of any special circumstances that contribute to completing the job efficiently and correctly.
- A detailed account of any specific problems that need to be repaired.
- An estimated time of job or task completion.
- The name of the maintenance person completing the job or task.
- A list of any required parts, tools, or knowledge required to complete the job.
- An estimate of any costs that might be incurred.
Learn more about what’s included in a successful work order here .
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How to Write a Work Order – Step by Step
Writing a work order can seem like a daunting process. Making sure that all the information needed to correctly tackle a problem is the most vital part of the process. Here simple step-by-step procedure that you can take to accurately construct a flawless work order:
Step One: Identify the Problem
The first step to writing any work order is to identify the work that needs to be done. Be sure to include specifics about the location where the task or job needs completed, how long the problem has been going on for, and any special skills or tools that are needed to complete the work. It’s also vital to identify whether or not the task requested is an emergency at this stage.
Step Two: Document the Specifics
A key aspect of a good work order includes specific details about the request. It’s important to ensure these details are a part of the work order:
- Name and contact number of the requestor and creator
- Date and time the requested issue first occurred and when the work order was requested
- Estimated cost for repairs and time of completion
- Outline of how modifications in the scope of work will be communicated
Step Three: Assign the Work Order
Format your information in a way that is easy to read and assign the work order to the best maintenance technician for the job.
For more a more in-depth look at how to write a work order, read this article .
Work Order vs. Purchase Order
Work orders deal with jobs and tasks, while purchase orders deal with goods and services. A work order might include a purchase order for a part of tool, but a purchase order is not often accompanied by a work order.
Get Help with a Work Order
Are you ready to learn more about a work order and want to get some pointers from a professional? Post a project today on ContractsCounsel to start receiving bids from lawyers who can help you construct a legally sound work order for your business today.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Meet some of our Work Order Lawyers
Michael C.
A seasoned senior executive with experience leading the legal and compliance functions of healthcare entities through high-growth periods. I have experience managing voluminous litigation caseloads, while also handling all pre-litigation investigations for employment, healthcare regulatory, and compliance matters. Similarly, I have led multiple M&A teams through purchase and sale processes, including diligence and contract negotiations. Finally, I have extensive contract review experience in all matters, including debt and equity financing, healthcare payor contracting, vendor and employment agreements, as well as service and procurement agreements.
"Michael was super knowledgeable and efficient. He was very attentive, helpful and made himself available pursuant to our needs as well. He completed the initial drafts well before the scheduled timeframe. We are very pleased with his work ethic and delivery of this project. He was also very easy to work with. We recommend his legal services without hesitation. Would definitely hire him again!"
Sara S.
With over eleven years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contract problem. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, demand letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk. I will prioritize your project, big or small. Please be ready and prepared with all relevant documentation so we can get started as soon as you click HIRE! Hourly rate projects will be billed hourly in accordance with the timesheet. Flat rate projects will be billed in segments. Choosing an hourly or flat rate is up to you. Absolutely no refunds.
"Sara was responsive and knowledgeable about prenup specifics. Thank you so much!"
Jeremiah C.
Jeremiah C.
Creative, results driven business & technology executive with 27 years of experience (17+ as a business/corporate lawyer). A problem solver with a passion for business, technology, and law. I bring a thorough understanding of the intersection of the law and business needs to any endeavor, having founded multiple startups myself with successful exits. I provide professional business and legal consulting. Throughout my career I've represented a number large corporations (including some of the top Fortune 500 companies) but the vast majority of my clients these days are startups and small businesses. Having represented hundreds of successful crowdfunded startups, I'm one of the most well known attorneys for startups seeking CF funds. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on Business/Corporate Law, a Master of Business Administration degree in Entrepreneurship, A Master of Education degree and dual Bachelor of Science degrees. I look forward to working with any parties that have a need for my skill sets.
"Jeremiah was pleasant to speak to and provided high quality work. I appreciate that he took the time to call me personally instead of a paralegal. Work delivered early and high quality! Highly recommend"
Tim E.
I am a business attorney focused on providing practical, targeted legal services for small businesses, startups, contractors, consultants, and service providers. I help clients efficiently review, draft, and improve everyday business contracts, including service agreements, NDAs, independent contractor agreements, vendor contracts, commercial leases, and purchase documents. My approach is straightforward: identify the terms that matter, explain risks in plain English, and deliver clear, usable edits or drafts without unnecessary complexity. I regularly handle fixed-fee, quick-turnaround projects such as contract reviews, agreement drafting, and demand or termination letters. While I offer streamlined, project-based services for routine matters, I can also assist with broader business legal needs as they arise.
"Excellent experience with Tim on my relatively complex EULA for a suite of network appliance products. Tim was very fair with pricing, responsive, diligent, thorough, technically knowledgeable, took the time to address all my questions and concerns, and finished (with revision) on schedule and budget. Great experience overall and I'll definitely be using Tim for more work in the future with my business. I'll also be using Contract Counsel and recommending it to everyone I know as well! THANK YOU! -Devin"
Jane C.
Skilled in the details of complex corporate transactions, I have 15 years experience working with entrepreneurs and businesses to plan and grow for the future. Clients trust me because of the practical guided advice I provide. No deal is too small or complex for me to handle.
"Jane was fantastic. She caught real gaps and fixed everything quickly and accurately. Highly recommend!"
Nick G.
My name is Nick Gleason, and I’m an attorney licensed in California and a veteran of the United States Navy. While in law school, during my clerkship with Mob Entertainment, I worked under the General Counsel, drafting cease and desist letters, demand letters, and assignment and licensing agreements. I also worked with outside counsel on copyright infringement matters, helping to protect the interests of the company. Now in my professional practice, I continue to help clients like you protect your interests by offering affordable legal representation for all your contract and copyright needs. I can draft contracts, review proposed agreements for vulnerabilities, and negotiate terms on your behalf, as well as prepare effective cease and desist letters and demand letters tailored to your situation, including in copyright and DMCA-related matters. I will always be fair and transparent with my fees. I’d love to hear from you.
March 27, 2026
Michelle D.
My career experience has been varied. Although litigation has been a central focus, I’ve served as Of Counsel for a franchise law firm, negotiating contracts with franchisees and vendors to ensure the best terms possible for my client. I have demonstrated acumen in leading and supervising the work of others. As an associate attorney for Shulman Rogers, I oversaw the Summer Intern Program. Throughout my career I directed the work of paralegals and legal receptionists. As a solo practitioner I employed a junior attorney. At each phase I was responsible for the work and performance of another. In my transactional practice I regularly advise clients on agreements, negotiate favorable terms on their behalf, draft agreements, interpret contractual provisions in disputes, provide opinion letters, and represent clients in mediation and arbitration. I’m accustomed to working in high stress, high stakes environments with quick deadlines, demanding and often emotional clients, while performing work that requires great detail, accuracy, and advocacy.
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Work Order
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Can a contractor be held responsible for completing work that was not specified in the work order?
I recently hired a contractor to remodel my kitchen, and we agreed upon the scope of work in a written work order, which included tasks like installing new cabinets, countertops, and flooring. However, during the remodeling process, the contractor also made additional changes to the plumbing layout without my consent, which resulted in additional work and expenses for me. I'm now unsure if the contractor can be held responsible for completing work that was not specified in the original work order, and I would like to know my rights in this situation.
Dolan W.
I'm so sorry about this situation! So generally, the answer to your question is that the contractor is generally not entitled to the extra money. The law requires that your home improvement contracts include a clause that states that a change order for extra work will be incorporated into the contract and shall only become a part of the contract only if it is in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work, covered by a change order. Accordingly, the law would generally allow you to avoid having to pay for this extra work since it was likely not in the contract and not consented to in advance.
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