In an "emergency" job contracted between the owner and a contractor, if the owner decides to cancel, who is responsible for the materials?

In the context of an emergency job contracted between an owner and a contractor, when the owner decides to cancel the job, responsibility for the materials typically falls to the owner. This is because, in emergency situations, the contract is often based on immediate needs and the owner's decision to halt work reflects their control over the project. Since the owner initiated the contract, they generally assume responsibility for the costs associated with materials ordered for the job up to the point of cancellation.

The contractor has a duty to procure materials as per the terms of the contract but once the owner opts to cancel, their obligation toward those materials is often limited. The contractor might have incurred costs, but the materials ultimately remain in the domain of the owner, especially if they have been specifically ordered or set aside for the project. Hence, in emergency circumstances, the owner's decision directly impacts their liability for the materials involved.