When deviations from the contract documents are approved, which could authorize the deviation?

• A. The contractor's sole decision
• B. The superintendent's approval
• C. The architect's written approval of the deviation as a minor change in the work
• D. A verbal instruction from the owner

Answer: (C)

Deviations from the contract documents are controlled through the project’s change process, and only a specific authority can approve them. When a deviation is minor—meaning it doesn’t affect the contract sum or the schedule—the architect can authorize it in writing as a minor change in the work. This provides official documentation and keeps the project within the agreed terms without formal changes to time or cost.

The other options aren’t appropriate because the contractor can’t unilaterally decide to deviate, and the superintendent’s approval alone isn’t the controlling authority for changes. Verbal directions from the owner aren’t acceptable either, since changes must be issued in writing. Thus, the architect’s written approval of the deviation as a minor change in the work is the correct mechanism.