Construction contracts contain very specific terms that must be complied with, some of which are deadlines that must be met. When those deadlines aren’t met as required, it can lead to pressure across every aspect of the construction project.
A missed deadline can affect labor scheduling, material delivery, financing, inspections, equipment availability and other timing points. Even if the original delay isn’t causing immediate concerns, it can eventually lead to financial effects.
Determining the root cause of the delay
Determining the root cause of the construction delay may help both parties determine how they should proceed. Some reasons may be covered under a force majeure clause, which covers unavoidable situations like catastrophic weather events. Others might not be discussed at all.
The cause of the delay is something that’s often debated between parties. One party may point to preventable or foreseeable factors, while the other party doesn’t see the situation in the same way. Contracts often distinguish between types of delays and set specific terms for how to handle the situation.
Preventing delay problems from becoming more serious
Clear communication can reduce confusion about what’s going on, but these discussions need more than just informal conversation. Written updates can clarify these points and provide a plan for moving forward. If there are significant changes to the scope of the project, those should be documented and a new schedule should be set.
Not all delays become legal disputes, but they can be significant when they aren’t resolved amicably. Determining how to proceed when the dispute isn’t reconcilable between the parties is critical. This may be easier with assistance from someone familiar with these matters.
