You discover that a subcontractor installed plumbing rough-in without proper permits. As the general contractor in Michigan, what is your primary responsibility?
Correct Answer
C) Stop work and ensure proper permits are obtained before proceeding
Michigan law requires that work stop until proper permits are obtained. The general contractor is responsible for ensuring all work is properly permitted before proceeding.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under Michigan law, the general contractor bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring all work is properly permitted before proceeding. When unpermitted work is discovered, the required action is to immediately stop work and secure the necessary permits before any further construction occurs. Proceeding without permits exposes the GC to license suspension, fines, and liability. The GC cannot pass this responsibility to the subcontractor or homeowner.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Document the issue but let the homeowner handle permits
Documenting the issue and letting the homeowner handle permits is an abdication of the general contractor's legal responsibility. In Michigan, the licensed contractor — not the homeowner — is accountable for ensuring proper permits are obtained. Delegating this to the homeowner does not relieve the GC of liability.
Option B: Replace the subcontractor immediately
Replacing the subcontractor immediately does not solve the permit violation. The unpermitted work still exists and must be addressed regardless of who performed it. Personnel decisions are secondary to resolving the code compliance issue.
Option D: Continue work and address permits at final inspection
Continuing work and addressing permits at final inspection is explicitly prohibited by Michigan law. Inspectors cannot retroactively approve work that was covered or completed without inspection. Proceeding without permits risks having to tear open walls, redo work, and face license disciplinary action.
Memory Technique
Think 'STOP before you drop.' When you find unpermitted work: STOP work immediately. No permits = no progress. The GC is the permit guardian — if there's no permit, there's no green light. Permit first, then proceed.
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