In the Ballast practice exam question 16 says that the contractor is technically responsible for additional cost incurred for unknown site conditions. It states because the contractor is supposed to become familiar with the site before execution of the contract this is why they are responsible. The question indicates the Contractor was given a soils report of the site. In A201, 3.7.4 it says " Concealed or Unknown Conditions.
If the Contractor encounters conditions at the site that are (1) subsurface or otherwise concealed physical conditions that differ materially from those indicated in the Contract Documents or (2) unknown physical conditions of an unusual nature that differ materially from those ordinarily found to exist and generally recognized as inherent in construction activities of the character provided for in the Contract Documents, the Contractor shall promptly provide notice to the Owner and the Architect before conditions are disturbed and in no event later than 21 days after first observance of the conditions. The Architect will promptly investigate such conditions and, if the Architect determines that they differ materially and cause an increase or decrease in the Contractor’s cost of, or time required for, performance of any part of the Work, will recommend an equitable adjustment in the Contract Sum or Contract Time, or both. If the Architect determines that the conditions at the site are not materially different from those indicated in the Contract Documents and that no change in the terms of the Contract is justified, the Architect shall promptly notify the Owner and Contractor in writing, stating the reasons. If either party disputes the Architect’s determination or recommendation, that party may proceed as provided in Article 15.
**Is it the contractor's responsibility because they were given a soils report of the site and should have visited the site so they could anticipate some extra excavation/ground work? Where is the line drawn on when a Contractor is responsible because they should visit the site vs when they are supposed to be able to rely on the accuracy of the information supplied by the owner??