Michigan Residential Builders License Practice Test

Which entity is ultimately responsible for ensuring all work adheres to local building codes?

1. The owner of the property

2. The general contractor

3. The architect of the project

4. Local government inspectors

The correct answer is: The general contractor

The general contractor holds the primary responsibility for ensuring that all work adheres to local building codes. This role includes the management of the entire construction process, overseeing subcontractors, and ensuring that all construction practices conform to the established regulations and safety standards. While the property owner has a vested interest and the architect may design the project with compliance in mind, it is the general contractor who leads the execution of the project. They are the ones on-site, coordinating between various trades and materials, and are ultimately accountable for compliance with the codes throughout the construction process. Local government inspectors play a supportive role by conducting inspections and enforcing building codes, but the responsibility for adhering to these codes falls primarily on the contractor. This ensures that there is a clear line of accountability within the construction project, safeguarding not just the legality of the building process but also the safety and livability of the structure being constructed.