Constructing a Mock-Up
When constructing a mock-up for the owners/architects approval, you must get written approval of the accepted final product. The final mock-up shall be saved in a safe place until the project is 100% closed out. If the mock up is part of the building, the approved section will be photographed and the photos will be incorporated into the owners/architects approval documents.
When closing out your project; go to the contract provisions for “substantial completion”and requirements to release “retainage” and follow them to the “T” or we can't get interest on our retainage or change orders outstanding. I lost $40k because we didn't follow the contract close out requirements.
When you have a conflict between plans & specs etc. it is called a “Patented Ambiguity.” The onus is on the contractor to ask for clarity if you do not you are at risk. In reality estimating should be our first level of defense with this issue. Something specific always “trumps” something general.