What is the purpose of the standard A201 change process when a change is needed but exact costs and schedule are not yet known?

• A. To stop work until negotiations conclude.
• B. To authorize the change and use a Change Directive, with final changes formalized later via Change Orders.
• C. To ignore the change and maintain original scope.
• D. To require a full redesign before proceeding.

Answer: (B)

When a change is needed but the exact costs and schedule aren’t known, the AIA A201 framework uses a Change Directive to keep the work moving. The Architect can issue a Change Directive that authorizes the change to proceed even though the final numbers aren’t settled yet. The contractor implements the change under that directive, and the final contract sum and schedule are formalized later through Change Orders. This approach prevents project delays while still allowing the parties to determine the precise cost and timing.

Other options would stall work, ignore the change, or push for a full redesign, which isn’t how the standard process is intended to function. The Change Directive is specifically designed to authorize needed changes without waiting for complete cost and schedule details, with final adjustments captured in Change Orders later.