Florida Building Contractor Business/Finance Practice Exam

What must a contractor consider if a client wants to change the project specifications during construction?

1. Ignore the changes

2. Charge extra for the changes

3. Revise the contract and provide a new bid

4. Continue with the original plan

The correct answer is: Revise the contract and provide a new bid

When a client requests changes to project specifications during construction, it is essential for the contractor to revise the contract and provide a new bid. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, changes in specifications can significantly affect the scope of work, the materials required, timelines, and overall project costs. A new bid allows the contractor to accurately assess the impact of these changes on labor and materials, ensuring that both the contractor and the client are on the same page regarding expectations and costs. Additionally, documenting these changes through a revised contract safeguards against disputes later on. It formalizes the agreement regarding the new specifications, helping to clarify expectations and responsibilities. By doing this, both parties can maintain a clear record of what has been agreed upon, which is crucial for managing project risks and ensuring successful project completion. The alternatives, such as ignoring the changes or continuing with the original plan, could lead to dissatisfaction, poor project outcomes, and potential legal issues, as they do not acknowledge the client's input or revise the project's scope to reflect the new requirements. Charging extra without revising the contract might result in a lack of agreement on costs and scope, leading to disputes further down the line.