Utah Contractor Practice Exam

What should a contractor do upon discovering a serious code violation on approved plans?

1. Work must stop until the contractor reports the violation and has the plans corrected

2. Work may continue if the contractor files a notice of non-responsibility

3. Work may continue because it was approved by authorized agencies

4. Work must stop until a new set of plans is submitted

The correct answer is: Work must stop until the contractor reports the violation and has the plans corrected

When a contractor discovers a serious code violation in approved plans, it is crucial to prioritize safety, compliance, and accountability in construction practices. Stopping work is necessary because any ongoing construction that does not adhere to building codes could lead to unsafe conditions and potential liability issues. Reporting the violation allows for a prompt resolution, ensuring that the necessary corrections can be made to the plans before construction continues. This course of action supports adherence to legal requirements and protects both the contractor and the clients involved. It also ensures that all work is performed according to approved and updated plans, aligning with the safety standards mandated by code authorities. Continuing work, even with a notice of non-responsibility, would not resolve the underlying issue with code compliance. Additionally, reliance on previously approved plans without addressing the violation could lead to more significant issues down the line, including potential penalties or ramifications from regulatory agencies. Therefore, halting work and rectifying the code violation through the appropriate channels is the best and most responsible path forward.