UT General Contractor cheat sheet

Critical path = the longest-duration chain of dependent activities; its length sets the minimum project duration.

Total float = LS − ES = LF − EF; free float = ES of the successor − EF of the activity.

Earned value: CV = EV − AC; SV = EV − PV; CPI = EV ÷ AC; SPI = EV ÷ PV; EAC ≈ BAC ÷ CPI.

Utah requires a contractor license from DOPL for construction projects totaling $3,000 or more in labor and materials.

Utah contractor classifications include General Engineering, General Building, Residential/Small Commercial, and Specialty.

Crashing reduces duration by adding resources and cost; fast-tracking overlaps activities and adds coordination risk.

Labor burden (payroll taxes, workers' comp, insurance, benefits) commonly runs 25–40% of base wage; apply it before markup.

Margin on price versus markup on cost: margin = markup ÷ (1 + markup); a 10% markup is only about 9.1% margin.

Contract types: lump sum (fixed price), unit price (paid per measured unit), cost-plus with or without a guaranteed maximum price, and time and materials.

Notice provisions are usually enforced strictly - a claim can be waived if written notice is not delivered within the stated period.

Utah mechanics lien: record a Notice of Lien within 90 days after last furnishing labor, materials, or equipment.

Utah lien enforcement: suit must be filed within 180 days after the Notice of Lien is recorded, or the lien expires.

Utah subcontractors and suppliers generally give preliminary notice within 20 days after first furnishing to preserve lien rights.

Substantial completion starts the warranty period, allows retainage release, and begins the clock on defect claim periods.

Pay-if-paid makes owner payment a condition precedent to the subcontractor being paid; pay-when-paid is only a timing mechanism.

Differing site conditions: Type I differs materially from the contract documents; Type II is unusual and unknown despite a reasonable site investigation.

Crew cost = sum of wages × (1 + labor burden) + equipment + small tools + applicable taxes.

Unit conversion: CY = (length × width × depth in feet) ÷ 27; SF = length × width; add a 5–10% waste factor for most materials.

Bid bond on Utah public work is typically 5% of the bid; performance and payment bonds are typically 100% of the contract price.

When a unit price conflicts with the extension, the unit price governs and the extension is corrected.

Bidders must acknowledge every addendum; failure to acknowledge can render the bid nonresponsive.

Typical ranges: overhead 5–15% of direct cost, profit 5–10%, contingency 5–10% of the base estimate.

Unbalanced bidding front-loads early work items to improve cash flow; materially unbalanced bids may be rejected.

Only a contractor holding a valid Utah license may bid or contract for public work; status is checked as of bid opening.

Estimate review: compare cost per square foot and per unit against historical data before finalizing the bid.

Fall protection is required at 6 feet in general construction; guardrails run 38–45 inches with midrail and toeboard.

Excavations 5 feet or deeper require a protective system (slope, shore, or shield) unless a competent person documents no hazard.

Spoil piles and equipment must be kept at least 2 feet back from the edge of an excavation.

Trenches 4 feet or deeper need a ladder, stair, or ramp within 25 feet of lateral travel for workers.

Crane clearance from power lines: 10 feet minimum up to 50 kV, plus 0.4 inch per kV above 50 kV.

Report to OSHA a fatality within 8 hours; an in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye within 24 hours.

Record a recordable injury on the OSHA 300 log within 7 calendar days; post the annual summary February 1 through April 30.

Hazard Communication requires an SDS for each hazardous chemical, labeled containers, and trained exposed employees.

Utah has no state OSHA plan; federal OSHA enforces the construction standards in 29 CFR 1926.