Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

What characterizes the single prime contracting method?

1. The project owner hires multiple contractors for different tasks

2. The contractor is responsible for the costs of all materials

3. The owner typically hires an architectural firm for the design

4. The contractor oversees all subcontractor activities

The correct answer is: The owner typically hires an architectural firm for the design

The single prime contracting method is characterized by the contractor overseeing all subcontractor activities. In this approach, the project owner enters into one primary contract with a single contractor, who then assumes the responsibility for managing the entire construction process. This includes hiring and coordinating subcontractors for various specialized tasks, such as plumbing, electrical work, and other trades. This method simplifies communication and accountability since the owner only deals with one primary entity instead of numerous contractors. The contractor acts as the central point of contact, ensuring that all aspects of the project are well-coordinated. In contrast, hiring multiple contractors for different tasks is indicative of a multi-prime contracting approach, and the responsibility for material costs typically resides with the contractor rather than just the owner. While hiring an architectural firm for the design is common in various contracting methods, it is not specific to the single prime method, making the key characteristic the contractor's oversight of subcontractor activities.