General Contractor License Project Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A general contractor discovers mid-project that the soil conditions differ significantly from what was specified in the geotechnical report. What is the FIRST step the contractor should take?
- Continue work and document the issue in the daily log
- Issue a change order request and notify the owner and architect immediately (Correct answer)
- Stop all work on the project until the issue is resolved by the owner
- Hire a new geotechnical engineer at the owner's expense without authorization
Correct answer: Issue a change order request and notify the owner and architect immediately
Differing site conditions must be reported promptly to the owner and design team so a formal change order can be issued to address scope and cost impacts.
Question 2: Which scheduling method identifies the longest path of dependent activities that determines the minimum project duration?
- Gantt chart method
- Critical Path Method (CPM) (Correct answer)
- Resource leveling
- Fast-tracking
Correct answer: Critical Path Method (CPM)
The Critical Path Method (CPM) calculates the sequence of activities with zero float, establishing the project's minimum completion duration.
Question 3: A subcontractor submits a Request for Information (RFI) asking for clarification on a conflict between the drawings and specifications. Who is typically responsible for providing the official response?
- The general contractor resolves it independently
- The project owner responds directly to the subcontractor
- The architect or engineer of record responds through the general contractor (Correct answer)
- The subcontractor may proceed using their own interpretation
Correct answer: The architect or engineer of record responds through the general contractor
RFIs are routed through the general contractor to the architect/engineer, who provides the authoritative interpretation of contract documents.
Question 4: What does the term 'float' (or 'slack') represent in a project schedule?
- Extra budget held in reserve for contingencies
- The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project finish (Correct answer)
- The overlap period when two trades work simultaneously
- The time buffer added to each activity to account for weather delays
Correct answer: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project finish
Float is the amount of time a non-critical activity can slip without affecting the overall project completion date.
Question 5: A contractor's project is running 3 weeks behind schedule due to an owner-caused delay. What type of claim is the contractor entitled to file?
- Consequential damages claim
- Compensable delay claim (Correct answer)
- Liquidated damages waiver
- Constructive acceleration claim
Correct answer: Compensable delay claim
An owner-caused delay entitles the contractor to a compensable delay claim, which may include both a time extension and additional compensation for delay costs.
Question 6: Which document formally authorizes a change in project scope, cost, or schedule after the original contract is executed?
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Change Order (Correct answer)
- Submittal log
- Notice to Proceed
Correct answer: Change Order
A Change Order is a written agreement signed by all parties that modifies the original contract to reflect approved changes in scope, cost, or time.
Question 7: When a contractor 'fast-tracks' a construction project, what is the primary risk being accepted?
- Higher subcontractor bids due to compressed timelines
- Design changes may require rework of already-completed construction (Correct answer)
- The critical path becomes impossible to calculate accurately
- Workers must be paid overtime wages on all tasks
Correct answer: Design changes may require rework of already-completed construction
Fast-tracking overlaps design and construction phases, so late design changes can require costly demolition and rework of completed work.
General Contractor License Project Management 2
A general contractor discovers mid-project that the soil conditions differ significantly from what was specified in the geotechnical report.
What is the FIRST step the contractor should take?