An owner or GC needs a building built. A budget is made. Some (not all or even most) owners are in construction for the quick profit—that is, they will not occupy or lease the space but simply turn it over upon completion. This type of owner is obviously most concerned with the bottom line. Since these owners do not have to deal with the down-the-road consequences of hiring the low bidder, it makes the most financial sense to choose this species—especially when one considers that a low bid may be tens of thousands of dollars lower than the next bid.
The low bidder gets the job and may well be completely unqualified to perform the work contracted. We are all well aware of the disastrous installations that have resulted in court action and the near “uninsurability” of certain segments of the market.