Florida General Contractor Practice Exam

When a change order is issued and it is not a constructive directive or a minor change, who must sign it to make it a legal instrument?

1. Project manager

2. General contractor

3. Owner

4. Architect

The correct answer is: Owner

For a change order to be considered a legal instrument, it is essential that it is signed by the owner. This signature indicates that the owner has formally agreed to the modifications in the scope of work, costs, or timeline as outlined in the change order. Change orders are significant as they can impact the overall contract, and the owner's approval is necessary to validate any alterations made to the original contract terms. While project managers, general contractors, and architects play critical roles in facilitating the change order process—such as proposing changes, estimating costs, and ensuring compliance with design specifications—they do not hold the authority to finalize the change without the owner's consent. The owner’s signature is crucial as it signifies acceptance and acknowledgment of the changes, thereby establishing the legal binding effect necessary for enforcing the change order.