If the owner reasonably objects to a proposed superintendent, what must occur before the contractor employs someone?

• A. The owner must consent; otherwise the contractor cannot employ the superintendent
• B. The contractor can proceed without consent
• C. The architect may grant permission
• D. The owner's consent is optional

Answer: (A)

The big concept here is that the owner has control over who will supervise the work. In this contract framework, the owner may reasonably object to a proposed superintendent, and the contractor cannot hire that person until the owner gives consent. If the owner objects, the contractor must propose an alternative candidate who is acceptable to the owner and obtain that consent before proceeding. The architect does not grant permission for the superintendent—the consent comes from the owner. And that consent isn’t optional when there’s a reasonable objection; it’s required to move forward.