Utah Contractor Practice Exam

If the owner is demanding changes and the contractor sues for unpaid work, what could the contractor have done to prevent the lawsuit?

1. The contractor could have asked the workers to testify

2. The contractor could have walked the job with the owner and had the owner sign a job completion form

3. The contractor could have just walked the job with the owner

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: The contractor could have walked the job with the owner and had the owner sign a job completion form

The correct approach for the contractor in this situation is to walk the job with the owner and have the owner sign a job completion form. This action establishes clear communication and agreement on the work completed and any changes made during the project. By doing this, the contractor documents that the work was completed to the owner's satisfaction and allows for any unresolved items to be addressed before moving forward. This process not only helps in preventing misunderstandings about the scope of work but also serves as an official acknowledgment from the owner that the contractor has fulfilled their obligations. It can be a critical piece of evidence if disputes arise later regarding the extent of work completed or payment due. While asking workers to testify may provide some additional support, it does not directly prevent issues regarding unpaid work, as it may not hold the same weight as a contractual agreement. Similarly, simply walking the job without obtaining written acknowledgment doesn't provide the necessary documentation that can safeguard the contractor in case of disputes. Therefore, having the owner sign a job completion form is a proactive step to ensure both parties are aligned, which significantly lowers the chances of a lawsuit over unpaid work.