Contracts & ExecutionQuestion 814 of 1605
A contractor performs extra work at the owner's oral request but has no written change order. When the owner refuses to pay, the contractor's recovery may still be possible under which theory?
a.Specific performance
b.Punitive damages
c.Quantum meruit (reasonable value of services actually rendered and accepted)
d.Liquidated damages
Explanation
Quantum meruit allows recovery of the reasonable value of services or materials that were actually provided and accepted, even without an enforceable express agreement on price, to prevent unjust enrichment. While a signed change order is far safer, an owner who requested and accepted the benefit of extra work may owe its reasonable value. Punitive damages, liquidated damages, and specific performance are unrelated to this measure of restitution-based recovery.
Practice all 1605 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- Rescission as a contract remedy means:
- A written change order in construction is best described as:
- During a remodel, the owner asks the contractor to add a skylight not in the original plans. The BEST practice before performing this extra work is to:
- Which statement about oral change orders on a construction project is most accurate?
- An express warranty in a construction contract is:
- The implied warranty that construction work will be performed in a competent, workmanlike manner is best described as:
Last reviewed: · editorial process
Sen Lin, PrepPass Founder · Verified against California CSLB Contractor License Law & Business Exam · How we review
Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)