CSLB Contractor's Law & Business Practice Exam

To prevent disagreements between owner and contractor due to vagueness in contracts, what should be done?

1. Walk the job site with the owner

2. Review the plans and specifications with the owner

3. Show the owner the critical path schedule

4. Include a payment schedule in the contract

The correct answer is: Review the plans and specifications with the owner

Reviewing the plans and specifications with the owner is essential for ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of the project requirements. By going over the details together, the contractor can clarify any ambiguities, confirm expectations, and make sure that the owner’s visions and needs are accurately represented. This proactive approach helps to minimize misunderstandings later in the project, which can lead to disputes over what was agreed upon. While walking the job site, discussing the critical path schedule, and including a payment schedule are all beneficial practices, they may not address vagueness in the actual project documents as directly as reviewing the plans and specifications. Walking the job site might be useful for assessing conditions but does not clarify the contract terms. Showing the schedule can help with project timing but does not inherently clarify the scope of the work. Including a payment schedule is important for financial clarity but does not resolve ambiguities related to what work will actually be performed or how it will be done.