In DBB, the Owner has a '_____ relationship' with the Contractor.

In DBB, the Owner has a '_____ relationship' with the Contractor.

• A. Collaborative Relationship
• B. Spearing Relationship
• C. Advisory Relationship
• D. Fiduciary Relationship

Answer: (B)

In a traditional design-bid-build arrangement the owner provides the design and specifications, and the contractor is hired to build to those plans. The relationship this creates is anchored by the Spearin principle: the owner warrants that the design documents are complete and adequate, and the contractor may bid and construct based on those documents. If the project is impacted by design defects or omissions, the risk sits with the owner, not the contractor. That’s why this relationship is described using the Spearin concept—it emphasizes the owner’s responsibility for the design and the contractor’s reliance on those owner-supplied plans. It’s not a collaborative or advisory arrangement, and it doesn’t place the broader fiduciary duties on the contractor beyond the contract terms.

In a traditional design-bid-build arrangement the owner provides the design and specifications, and the contractor is hired to build to those plans. The relationship this creates is anchored by the Spearin principle: the owner warrants that the design documents are complete and adequate, and the contractor may bid and construct based on those documents. If the project is impacted by design defects or omissions, the risk sits with the owner, not the contractor. That’s why this relationship is described using the Spearin concept—it emphasizes the owner’s responsibility for the design and the contractor’s reliance on those owner-supplied plans. It’s not a collaborative or advisory arrangement, and it doesn’t place the broader fiduciary duties on the contractor beyond the contract terms.