CSLB Contractor's Law & Business Practice Exam

What should a contractor do if the dimensions in homeowner-drawn plans do not add up?

1. Bid anyway with a warning

2. Inform the homeowner that you cannot bid until numbers add up

3. Ask for more time to investigate

4. Submit an estimate with assumed dimensions

The correct answer is: Inform the homeowner that you cannot bid until numbers add up

A contractor's responsibility includes ensuring that the project will be completed according to accurate and reliable plans. When faced with homeowner-drawn plans where the dimensions do not add up, the best course of action is to inform the homeowner that you cannot provide a bid until the discrepancies in the numbers are resolved. This approach is critical for several reasons. First, it maintains professionalism and transparency, fostering trust between the contractor and the homeowner. Second, providing a bid based on incorrect dimensions could lead to significant issues during construction, such as overspending, delays, and ultimately, dissatisfaction with the work completed. Accurate measurements are essential to avoid cost overruns and project mismanagement. In contrast, submitting a bid regardless of the discrepancies could leave the contractor responsible for addressing inconsistencies later, which might not align with the agreed-upon scope or budget. Simply asking for more time to investigate may not directly address the issue with the homeowner, while submitting an estimate based on assumed dimensions could lead to conflict and misunderstandings during the project. Thus, communicating the need for accurate plans before moving forward is the most responsible and effective action for the contractor.