CLC Client Relations & Change Orders 3

Question 1

A client insists on selecting a material that the lead carpenter knows will not perform well in the application. What is the correct approach?

Accepted Answer

Document the client's informed decision in writing and proceed if legally permissible

Answer

After clearly advising the client of performance risks, obtain written acknowledgment of their decision before proceeding to protect the contractor from future liability.

Question 2

Which scenario most appropriately triggers a change order rather than being absorbed into the original contract?

Accepted Answer

Discovery of rotted framing behind a wall that was not visible during estimating

Answer

Hidden conditions like rotted framing that could not be reasonably discovered during estimating constitute unforeseen work that justifies a change order.

Question 3

How should a lead carpenter handle a situation where a client is consistently unavailable to sign change orders, delaying the project?

Accepted Answer

Stop all change-order related work and notify the client and company in writing

Answer

Work covered by an unsigned change order must be paused, and the situation must be documented in writing to protect the company from doing uncompensated work.

Question 4

A client approves a change order but later claims the price was too high and demands a reduction. What is the lead carpenter's best response?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the signed change order and explain the pricing was agreed upon before work began

Answer

A signed change order is a binding agreement; the lead carpenter should calmly reference the document and the client's prior approval of the price.

Question 5

What is the most professional way to handle a client who regularly stops work with questions and informal requests during the workday?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a daily brief check-in at a set time to address all questions and requests at once

Answer

A scheduled daily check-in respects both the client's need for communication and the crew's need for uninterrupted work time.

(CLC) Certified Lead Carpenter Practice Test

(CLC) Certified Lead Carpenter Practice Test

CLC Client Relations & Change Orders 3