Contracts & ExecutionQuestion 815 of 1605
Which statement about oral change orders on a construction project is most accurate?
a.They are always fully enforceable and preferred
b.They are risky because scope and price disputes are hard to prove, and written change orders are strongly preferred
c.They automatically void the entire original contract
d.They convert the contract into a public works contract
Explanation
Oral change orders are legally possible in some situations but are risky because they invite later disputes over exactly what was agreed and at what price, which are difficult to prove. Written change orders are strongly preferred and, for many contracts, required. An oral change does not transform a private job into public works, nor does it void the original contract; it simply creates evidentiary and, sometimes, compliance problems.
Practice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- A written change order in construction is best described as:
- During a remodel, the owner asks the contractor to add a skylight not in the original plans. The BEST practice before performing this extra work is to:
- A contractor performs extra work at the owner's oral request but has no written change order. When the owner refuses to pay, the contractor's recovery may still be possible under which theory?
- An express warranty in a construction contract is:
- The implied warranty that construction work will be performed in a competent, workmanlike manner is best described as:
- A contractor tells a buyer, 'This deck lumber is pressure-treated and rated for ground contact,' and the buyer relies on it. The lumber turns out to be untreated. This is most likely a breach of:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
Sen Lin, PrepPass Founder · Verified against California CSLB Contractor License Law & Business Exam · How we review
Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)