During construction, the owner requests additional work that will increase the contract time by 15 days and cost by $75,000. What document should be executed before proceeding with this work?
Correct Answer
C) Change order
A change order is the proper document to authorize changes to the contract scope, time, or cost. It should be executed before proceeding with additional work to ensure proper authorization and documentation.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
A change order is the correct document to formally authorize modifications to the contract's scope, cost, and/or schedule. It is a written agreement signed by the owner, contractor, and (under AIA documents) the architect that amends the original contract. The change order should be executed before proceeding to ensure all parties agree to the new terms and the contractor has authorization to perform the additional work.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Payment application
A payment application is submitted by the contractor to request payment for work already performed under the existing contract. It documents completed work for billing purposes — it does not authorize new or additional work beyond the contract scope.
Option B: Notice to proceed
A notice to proceed is issued at the start of a project to authorize the contractor to begin work under the original contract. It is not used to authorize changes or additions to work during construction.
Option D: Certificate of substantial completion
A certificate of substantial completion is issued near the end of the project when the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to occupy and use the project. It marks a milestone — it does not authorize additional work during ongoing construction.
Memory Technique
Any change to Scope + Time + Cost = Change Order. Remember the three S's: if the owner asks for Something extra that changes Schedule or Spending, you need a Change Order before you start.
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