Guide

How to create a work order

A work order is a request with a decision attached: who's doing the work, what the scope is, and what it should cost.

The short answer

A good work order says what is broken, where exactly, who authorised it, what it may cost before approval is needed, and how access happens. Anything vaguer produces a second visit.

Overview

A work order is a request with a decision attached: who's doing the work, what the scope is, and what it should cost.

Why it works this way

Second visits are the most expensive line in maintenance, and nearly all of them come from a work order that lacked a unit number, an access instruction, a photo, or a spend limit.

The spend limit matters most. Without a not-to-exceed amount, the vendor either stops to ask and burns a trip, or proceeds and hands you an invoice nobody approved.

Do it in this order

1. Convert the request to a work order. 2. Assign the vendor or tech. 3. Write the scope in one paragraph. 4. Set the budget or approval threshold. 5. Notify the resident with an ETA.

Checklist

  • Convert the request to a work order.
  • Assign the vendor or tech.
  • Write the scope in one paragraph.
  • Set the budget or approval threshold.
  • Notify the resident with an ETA.
FAQ

Frequently asked

What is a reasonable not-to-exceed amount?

Whatever you would approve without thinking. Below it the vendor proceeds; above it they call. Setting it explicitly is what prevents both the stalled job and the surprise invoice.

Related resources

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