Utah Contractor Practice Exam

If a required fireproof door is not specified in the plans, what should a contractor do?

1. Report it to the architect

2. Talk to the owner

3. Fix it yourself

4. Install the door and bill the client

The correct answer is: Report it to the architect

When a required fireproof door is not specified in the plans, the appropriate course of action is to report it to the architect. This is crucial because the architect is responsible for the design documents and ensuring that all safety codes and regulations are met. A missing specification for a fireproof door could be an oversight that may lead to potential safety hazards or violations of building codes. By reporting this oversight, the contractor helps to maintain the integrity of the project and ensures compliance with fire safety regulations. The architect can then determine the necessary steps to rectify the situation, which may involve issuing a change order to include the fireproof door in the project, thereby protecting the contractor from liability and ensuring that the project adheres to safety standards. Communicating with the owner or attempting to make decisions independently, such as fixing the issue oneself or installing the door and billing the client, could lead to misunderstandings, contractual disputes, or liability for non-compliance. Therefore, involving the architect is the best and most professional approach in this scenario.