Who must approve a substitution of material on a job by a subcontractor?

Who must approve a substitution of material on a job by a subcontractor?

• A. Architect
• B. General contractor
• C. Owner
• D. Project manager

Answer: (C)

The owner must approve a material substitution because changes to the specified materials can affect cost, performance, appearance, warranties, and the project schedule. Since the owner funds and ultimately accepts the finished work, final approval to substitute a material is required before it can be installed, typically documented through a change order. The architect or designer may review for design intent and compatibility, but the decision authority rests with the owner, ensuring the substitution aligns with the contract and budget.

The owner must approve a material substitution because changes to the specified materials can affect cost, performance, appearance, warranties, and the project schedule. Since the owner funds and ultimately accepts the finished work, final approval to substitute a material is required before it can be installed, typically documented through a change order. The architect or designer may review for design intent and compatibility, but the decision authority rests with the owner, ensuring the substitution aligns with the contract and budget.