Utah Contractor Practice Exam

Which situation is least likely to result in a claim dispute between a contractor and an owner?

1. Rejection of or equal substitutions

2. Acceleration

3. Change conditions

4. Rejection of sub-contractor

The correct answer is: Rejection of sub-contractor

A situation involving the rejection of a subcontractor is least likely to result in a claim dispute between a contractor and an owner because the relationship and expectations between the contractor and owner usually remain intact regardless of the subcontractor's acceptance. When a contractor selects a subcontractor, the owner typically entrusts that choice to the contractor’s expertise and judgment. If the owner rejects a specific subcontractor for any reason, it usually falls within the scope of project management and allows the contractor to make a substitution without significantly disrupting the overall project dynamics. In contrast, the other situations involve more complex interactions and expectations that can lead to significant disputes. For instance, equal substitutions can lead to disagreements over whether the substitute materials or methods meet the agreed-upon specifications. Acceleration can create contention if the owner pushes for a faster schedule, potentially leading the contractor to incur extra costs or stress. Change conditions may introduce unforeseen circumstances that require extra funding or time, leading to disputes over responsibilities and costs.