main contractor selected

Selection of the leading contractor on a structure occurs when a contract is signed between the appointed contractor and the owner, developer, or other controller of the project. This event may occur during the planning or early construction phases of a structure, if it occurs at all.

The signed contract establishes this event. Consideration of bids or identification of a preferred contractor does not satisfy the stated contract requirement.

Appointment can occur during planning or early construction. The contractor-selection date is therefore distinct from foundation work begins and need not come before it.