Common refusals of extensions of time
Construction contracts generally allow the construction period to be extended where there is a delay that is not the contractor's fault. This is described as an extension of time (EOT).
When it becomes reasonably apparent that there is, or that there is likely to be, a delay that could merit an extension of time, the contractor should give written notice to the contract administrator identifying the relevant event that has caused the delay. If the contract administrator accepts that the delay was caused by a relevant event, then they may grant an extension of time and the completion date is adjusted.
Common reasons for the refusal of an application for extensions of time include:
- Where the contractor has underperformed, for example, as a result of insufficient workforce or failure to obtain plant, goods or service.
- When there has been poor, but not exceptionally adverse weather.
- When the evidence or other information presented to demonstrate that the contractor has suffered irrecoverable delays is insufficient.
- If an extension of time has already been given for that event.
- Where more than one event occurs at the same time. See Concurrent delay for more information.
- The event cited does not constitute a relevant event.
- An event does not constitute force majeure.
- An event does not constitute a specified peril.
- The contractor has not taken steps to mitigate the delay
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Acceleration of construction works.
- Change order.
- Compensation event.
- Contract administrator.
- Contract claims.
- Culpable delay.
- Delay damages.
- Extension of time.
- Extension of time - approval letter example.
- How to prepare a claim for an extension of time.
- Practical completion.
- Project programme.
- Time certainty.
- Time extension.
- Time Risk Allowance TRA.
- Variations.
Featured articles and news
Notes of key roles and their differences.
Retrofit 25 – What's Stopping Us?
Exhibition Opens at The Building Centre.
Types of work to existing buildings
A simple circular economy wiki breakdown with further links.
A threat to the creativity that makes London special.
How can digital twins boost profitability within construction?
The smart construction dashboard, as-built data and site changes forming an accurate digital twin.
Unlocking surplus public defence land and more to speed up the delivery of housing.
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill
An outline of the bill with a mix of reactions on potential impacts from IHBC, CIEEM, CIC, ACE and EIC.
Farnborough College Unveils its Half-house for Sustainable Construction Training.
Spring Statement 2025 with reactions from industry
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.