Which describes the change-order related benefit of commissioning?

• A. Increase of change orders
• B. No effect on project changes
• C. Defer to post-occupancy
• D. Reduction of change orders and additional claims

Answer: (C)

The benefit being tested is how commissioning helps prevent changes by catching issues early. By reviewing design intent, verifying performance requirements, and coordinating how all systems will operate together, commissioning identifies mismatches, sequencing problems, and unfulfilled owner needs before or during construction. This early detection means problems can be corrected when it’s cheaper and easier, reducing the number and scope of changes that would otherwise arise during construction or after occupancy. Deferring fixes to post-occupancy would lead to more disruptions and costs, so it isn’t a benefit. The result is a reduction of change orders and additional claims, which is the real advantage of the commissioning process.