What is a work order?
A work order is a document that authorizes and describes a specific job or task to be performed. It’s used by contractors, maintenance teams, and service businesses to formally assign work, track progress, and record costs.
Work orders are common in construction, property maintenance, manufacturing, and field services. They ensure everyone involved (the client, the service provider, and the workers) agrees on what needs to be done, when, and at what cost.
If you’ve heard the term “job sheet,” it’s the same thing, just the UK term for a work order.
What should a work order include?
A professional work order covers everything needed to authorize, perform, and bill for the job:
- Header: Work order number, date issued, and priority level (low, medium, high, or emergency)
- Client / Site: Who the work is for and where it’s happening. The site address may differ from the client’s address
- Service Provider: Your company name, contact details, and logo
- Job Details: A description of the work to be performed, specific location on site, and requested start/completion dates
- Line Items: An itemized list of materials and labour with quantities, unit prices, and line totals
- Totals: Subtotal, tax, any discounts, and the final total
- Sign-off: Name of the person authorizing the work, their signature, and the date
Last updated: March 2026