Who must sign a Construction Change Directive?

A Construction Change Directive is a written order prepared by the architect or engineer that directs a change in the work but does not include a change in the contract sum or an adjustment to the contract time. This document is typically used when the exact cost of the change is not yet known, allowing work to proceed while the details are negotiated.

The reason the correct answer is that both the owner and the architect/engineer must sign the directive is rooted in the need for clarity and authority. The owner’s signature is necessary to acknowledge and approve the change, while the architect or engineer’s signature indicates professional oversight and judgment regarding the necessity and nature of the change.

While the contractor is essential to the construction process and often needs to be involved in discussions about changes, their signature is not required on a Construction Change Directive. This distinguishes the directive from other documents, such as change orders, where all parties’ agreement is generally needed due to negotiations around cost and time adjustments. Thus, the signatures of the owner and the architect/engineer provide a balance of authority and ensure that the intended changes are correctly communicated and authorized.