Client Relations & Change Orders Flashcards
7 cards from real CLC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Client Relations & Change Orders flashcards as text
A homeowner's spouse approves a change order verbally, but the original contract was signed only by the other spouse. What should the lead carpenter do?
Answer: Obtain a signed change order from the party named on the original contract
Only the contracting party—the person who signed the original contract—has authority to authorize changes; any other approval may be unenforceable.
During a project, material prices spike significantly after the contract is signed. How can a lead carpenter address this through change order protocol?
Answer: Review the contract for a material escalation clause and issue a change order if the clause permits it
If the contract contains a material escalation clause, the lead carpenter can issue a change order to pass extraordinary cost increases to the client.
What is the best approach when a client makes a change request during an inspection that the lead carpenter cannot price immediately?
Answer: Note the request in writing, tell the client you will provide a formal change order within a specific timeframe, and do not begin the work
Acknowledging the request in writing, committing to a pricing timeframe, and withholding work until a signed change order is obtained protects both parties.
A client's project involves a historic home with unexpected structural findings. Which step should come FIRST before issuing a change order for the additional structural work?
Answer: Consult with a structural engineer or appropriate specialist to define the correct scope of work
Structural findings in historic homes require expert evaluation before scope and pricing can be accurately defined in a change order.
A client asks the lead carpenter to perform work that is not in the contract, promising to 'handle payment later.' What is the risk of agreeing?
Answer: The contractor may have no legal basis to collect payment if no written change order exists
Without a signed change order, the contractor risks performing work with no enforceable agreement on price, making collection difficult or impossible.
Which practice helps build long-term client trust even when change orders increase the project cost?
Answer: Presenting change orders proactively with clear explanations before costs are incurred
Proactively informing clients of additional costs before they occur demonstrates transparency and prevents sticker shock, strengthening the client relationship.
When a client and lead carpenter disagree on whether a specific item is included in the original contract scope, what is the best first step to resolve the dispute?
Answer: Review the original contract, drawings, and specifications together with the client to clarify the intent
Reviewing the original contract documents together is the first and least adversarial step to clarify scope intent before pursuing other dispute resolution methods.