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 client insists on selecting a material that the lead carpenter knows will not perform well in the application. What is the correct approach?
Answer: Document the client's informed decision in writing and proceed if legally permissible
After clearly advising the client of performance risks, obtain written acknowledgment of their decision before proceeding to protect the contractor from future liability.
Which scenario most appropriately triggers a change order rather than being absorbed into the original contract?
Answer: Discovery of rotted framing behind a wall that was not visible during estimating
Hidden conditions like rotted framing that could not be reasonably discovered during estimating constitute unforeseen work that justifies a change order.
How should a lead carpenter handle a situation where a client is consistently unavailable to sign change orders, delaying the project?
Answer: Stop all change-order related work and notify the client and company in writing
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.
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?
Answer: Refer to the signed change order and explain the pricing was agreed upon before work began
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.
What is the most professional way to handle a client who regularly stops work with questions and informal requests during the workday?
Answer: Schedule a daily brief check-in at a set time to address all questions and requests at once
A scheduled daily check-in respects both the client's need for communication and the crew's need for uninterrupted work time.
When must a change order be priced and signed BEFORE work begins, rather than after?
Answer: For all changes to the original contract scope, regardless of cost or size
Industry best practice and most contracts require that all scope changes be priced, documented, and signed before any additional work commences.
A subcontractor on your job completes additional work at a client's request without notifying the lead carpenter. What should the lead carpenter do?
Answer: Issue a retroactive change order, counsel the subcontractor on proper protocol, and inform the client of the process
The lead carpenter must document the unauthorized work with a retroactive change order, correct the process breakdown, and ensure this does not recur.