Utah Contractor Practice Exam

Which of the following best defines the term "change order" in construction?

1. A modification to the project plans

2. A request for additional funding

3. A notification of a delay

4. A requirement for subcontractor approval

The correct answer is: A modification to the project plans

The term "change order" in construction is best defined as a modification to the project plans. Change orders are official documents that alter the original construction agreement and can involve changes to the scope of work, design alterations, or adjustments in specifications. They are essential for documenting changes that occur after the initial contract is signed, ensuring that both the contractor and client are on the same page regarding adjustments to the project. While a request for additional funding, a notification of a delay, and a requirement for subcontractor approval are all important aspects of construction management, they do not encapsulate the broader definition of a change order. Each of these options could be related to changes in the project but does not specifically denote the comprehensive adjustment to project plans and scope that a change order represents. A change order may indeed lead to a request for additional funding if the alterations require more resources, but the core concept is centered around the modification of project plans.