Before starting each portion of the work the contractor must?

• A. Stop work and wait for owner approval.
• B. Study the contract documents only for the portion, and ignore field measurements.
• C. Take field measurements only after work begins.
• D. Study and compare the contract documents relative to that portion, take field measurements of existing conditions, and observe site conditions affecting the work.

Answer: (D)

The main concept being tested is that the contractor must verify and align on site conditions and contract documents for every portion of work before starting it. This means reviewing the contract documents specific to that portion, taking precise field measurements of existing conditions, and observing site conditions that could affect how the work is performed. Doing this upfront helps ensure the work fits with existing conditions and interfaces with other trades, preventing clashes, changes, and claims later on. It also allows you to plan sequencing, identify discrepancies between what’s drawn and what exists, and address any conditions that could impact safety or performance.

If you skip measurements or observations, you risk misfits and rework because conditions on site often differ from drawn plans. Waiting for owner approval or acting only after work begins introduces unnecessary delays and gaps in coordination, which this approach avoids.