ICC General Requirements Practice Exam

Who ultimately holds responsibility for ensuring construction integrity?

1. The building official

2. The RDP

3. The owner

4. The contractor

The correct answer is: The owner

The owner ultimately holds responsibility for ensuring construction integrity because they are the one who incurs the risk associated with the project. While all parties involved, such as the building official, Registered Design Professional (RDP), and contractor, have specific roles and duties that contribute to the overall integrity of the construction, the owner is responsible for making decisions, providing necessary funding, and ensuring that proper practices and standards are adhered to throughout the project. The owner's responsibility encompasses understanding the importance of compliance with applicable codes and regulations, selecting qualified professionals to manage the project, and maintaining oversight during the construction process. This holistic view of responsibility illustrates the owner's critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the construction project from inception to completion. While the building official ensures that construction meets code requirements, the RDP designs the project within those codes, and the contractor executes the work, these roles function under the broader authority and responsibility of the owner, highlighting the interconnectedness of the construction process under the owner's ultimate vision and expectations.