Q. During construction, a contractor submitted the roof tile substitution and followed up with a phone call the next day to the architect, requesting the architect to approve the roof tile within 2 days. The contractor also informed the architect that if the roof tile substitution was not approved within 2 days, the project would be delayed. What is a proper action for the architect?
a) Approve the roof tile substitution within 2 days to avoid potential delay of the project.
b) Reject the roof tile substitution.
c) Discuss with the owner and let the owner approve or reject the substitution within a reasonable timeframe.
d) approve or reject the substitution within a reasonable timeframe.
The answer is C. Gang Chen explains "The owner, NOT the architect, has the right to approve or reject the substitution. If the owner approves the substitution, the architect can issue an order for minor change in the Work, change order, or change directive regarding this substitution."
First, isn't the architect suppose to review and approve substitution? I get that ultimately need the owner's approval for change in contract sum or time, but I thought the architect shall review and see if it's appropriate?
Second, Why 'A' would not be an answer? I thought the architect shall maximize the cooperation and avoid the delay? does this only apply to things like submittal, but NOT substitution?
Thank you in advance!