What must be ensured before a project can successfully proceed after changes are made?

For a project to successfully proceed after changes have been made, it is essential to obtain documented consent from all parties involved. This documentation serves several critical purposes. First, it ensures that all parties clearly understand the changes and agree to them, which helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes later in the project. Having written consent creates a formal record that can be referenced if any issues arise, providing protection for all parties and aiding in enforcing the terms agreed upon.

Documented consent also allows for better project management, as it keeps track of agreed modifications, which can be crucial for maintaining timelines, budgets, and project scopes. When changes occur, especially those that may impact costs or timelines, confirming that everyone is on the same page protects the contractor and the client and promotes a smoother workflow.

In contrast, verbal confirmation may lead to misconceptions or disputes due to differing recollections of what was communicated. Legal approval from authorities, while important in certain scenarios, is not always necessary for minor changes and does not directly involve all parties to the contract. Inspection by a third party is typically a quality assurance step but doesn't address the need for consensus and alignment on the changes before continuing the project. This makes documented consent the key component for proceeding after modifications.