When an architect or engineer is incompetent to prepare plumbing plans and write the specification so as to cover fully all the materials to be furnished and the work he wants done, he covers his incompetency at the expense of the contractor by inserting a clause giving himself unlimited power. That is a salvation clause. Usually while unable to write a specification, that type of architect or engineer is quite proficient at the wording of salvation clauses, so that the most innocent seeming statement leaves it in his power to decide how much work and what material are to be furnished according to the plans and specifications. A usual form of salvation clause is the statement: "The work shall be under the general supervision of the architect, whose decision as to the true intent and meaning of the drawings and specifications will be final and conclusive." At some other part of the specification the clause: "All work and material must be first class in every respect, and to the satisfaction of the architect." Combining these two conditions gives the architect such power, together with what he may usurp, that in operation they generally insist that anything they wish done, no matter how whimsical and unreasonable, is part of the contract, because without it, in their opinion, the work would not be first class, and they are the ones to decide the point.

Such a clause is a dangerous power to place in the hands of an unscrupulous man, and generally those who resort to such unreasonable subterfuges are not overburdened with scruples. It is well to beware of the terms "first class" in a specification. It is an unnecessary term, at best, for if the plans are properly prepared, and the specifications properly worded, the two combined will show conclusively the quality of materials and class of work to be furnished and the combined salvation clauses can be omitted.

The salvation clause is simplicity itself in operation. If for any reason the designer does not like the work as laid out, if he conceives of a way the work can be made more costly without adding one bit to its appearance or efficiency, if, in short, any way presents itself so the contractor can be harried into additional expenses which will use up all of the profit figured on, and some of his own money, depend on it that that type or architect or engineer will insist on the work being done; for it is the boast of that class of individuals that no contractor ever makes a profit on their work. To enforce their orders payment is refused until their dishonest demands are complied with. It is gratifying to say, however, that the salvation-clause architect is the exception. Most architects insist on good work, but are willing to have the contractor make a fair profit on their contracts.

When salvation clauses are found in a specification the estimator has the alternative of two safe courses. He can either refuse to estimate on the work, thus saving loss of time, worry and loss of money should he secure the contract at his usual price, or he can follow the example of those who have learned by experience and, after finding his cost, double it and add from 50 to 100 per cent. to his bid, indifferent whether he is awarded the contract or not.