What is the primary purpose of a change order before performing work?

• A. Scope, schedule, or price changes.
• B. Color swatches only.
• C. Mode of payment for subcontractors.
• D. Weather conditions on the last day.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that a change order is used to document and approve changes to the project that affect what work is done, when it’s done, or how much it costs, before any of the updated work begins. This written agreement protects both parties by clarifying the new scope, schedule, and price, so there’s a single, binding record of the change and no later dispute about what was agreed.

Color swatches by themselves don’t necessarily alter the scope, schedule, or price, unless they lead to changes in materials, quantities, or labor. The mode of payment for subcontractors is a financial detail, not a mechanism for approving work changes. Weather conditions might affect timing, but they aren’t a formal change to the contract unless they trigger a mutually agreed adjustment to scope, timeline, or cost.