Who typically approves a change order?

• A. City inspector
• B. Owner and contractor
• C. Engineer
• D. Architect

Answer: (B)

A change order is a formal contract modification that updates the scope, price, and schedule of a project. The approval to make those changes comes from the contracting parties—the owner and the contractor. The owner authorizes the work and funding, while the contractor agrees to perform the altered scope under the new terms. While other professionals like an architect or engineer may propose, design, or review changes and a city inspector ensures the work meets codes, they do not authorize contract changes on their own. In practice, the owner and contractor’s mutual consent is what makes a change order effective.