Delay and disruption

Delay or disruption affecting the progress of the works on a construction project is dealt with in different ways, depending on the cause of it and its impact on the contractor’s ability to complete the works in accordance with the contractual programme. It is important to understand that delay and disruption are different concepts: see Practice Note: Delay and disruption in construction projects.

It is in both parties’ best interests to ensure that there is a full mechanism for dealing with delay and disruption in their building contract, and that the mechanism is implemented correctly and followed to the letter.

The contractor's programme

The programme is an important document in any construction project. It assists the contractor to organise the project and plan the execution of the works, but it also helps the employer and contract administrator to monitor the progress of the works and to assess delays to the works, especially by reference to the 'critical path' (see Q&A: What is the critical path?).

Standard form construction contracts approach the programme in different ways, and give it differing levels of importance. See Practice

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