When may a contractor have an owner sign a waiver from building standards in order to cut costs?

When may a contractor have an owner sign a waiver from building standards in order to cut costs?

• A. Always with a written agreement
• B. In emergencies with quick approval
• C. Never
• D. Only for minor cosmetic changes

Answer: (C)

Building standards are mandatory and designed to protect safety, health, and welfare. A contractor should not allow or encourage an owner to sign a waiver that bypasses those standards just to save money. Such a waiver would undermine code compliance, and it wouldn’t absolve the contractor of legal or financial liability, nor would it satisfy permit or insurance requirements. If an owner wants to change a detail to cut costs, the proper route is to pursue an approved alternative or variance through the local building department (or through a licensed design professional) so the change still meets safety and code requirements. In emergencies, any deviation must still go through the authorized process to obtain an approved, code-compliant solution. So, waivers from building standards by owner agreement are not permitted.

Building standards are mandatory and designed to protect safety, health, and welfare. A contractor should not allow or encourage an owner to sign a waiver that bypasses those standards just to save money. Such a waiver would undermine code compliance, and it wouldn’t absolve the contractor of legal or financial liability, nor would it satisfy permit or insurance requirements. If an owner wants to change a detail to cut costs, the proper route is to pursue an approved alternative or variance through the local building department (or through a licensed design professional) so the change still meets safety and code requirements. In emergencies, any deviation must still go through the authorized process to obtain an approved, code-compliant solution. So, waivers from building standards by owner agreement are not permitted.