Substitutions for materials or equipment may be made only under what condition?

• A. The contractor's discretion
• B. The owner's consent after evaluation by the architect and in accordance with a construction change directive or change order
• C. The architect's sole decision
• D. The engineer's approval

Answer: (B)

Substitutions for materials or equipment are not left to the contractor’s whim. Under this contract framework, any proposed substitute must first be evaluated by the architect to confirm it is equivalent in quality, function, and appearance and compatible with the project’s design and performance requirements. The owner must then consent to the substitution, and the change is formalized through a construction change directive or a change order. This process preserves the design intent, keeps costs and schedules under control, and provides an official record of what changed and why. The architect acts as the evaluator, not as the sole decider, and the owner’s approval is essential. Allowing the contractor to substitute at will or giving sole authority to the architect or to the engineer would undermine the contract's control over cost, timing, and overall intent.