Frustration in construction contracts
Frustration occurs when circumstances that are not the fault of either party to a contract mean it is impossible to continue with the contract. As a result, the contract comes to an end without either party being considered to be in breach. However, the parties must be certain that a frustration event has occurred so as not to be in breach of contract.
Frustration is a common legal principle, but it is applied as narrowly as possible by the courts - it does not cover contracts that were always going to be impossible to perform. For example, it would not apply in the case of a contract to construct a tall building that could not be fulfilled because the ground conditions were completely unsuitable.
Identifying the contractual obligations of the parties at the date of the contract is key to being able to establish the conditions for frustration.
Some events that may lead to a frustrated contract include:
- The government imposing unforeseen restrictions on building.
- Laws being passed that make it illegal to undertake what was promised under the contract
- The building where works were to be carried out being destroyed.
- An event that was crucial for the contractual obligations being cancelled.
Sometimes a party may try to claim a contract is frustrated when they are obligated to make payments in a different currencies which then fluctuates. However, this does not necessarily amount to frustration.
Events that do not alter the obligations but instead delay performance, such as a workforce strike, don’t necessarily amount to frustration. However, it might do should the events have a particularly serious effect on the obligations or if the delay is particularly long.
Force majeure provisions might provide for circumstances that could otherwise be considered frustration events, and so result in termination of the contract. However, generally, force majeure (for example, exceptionally adverse weather conditions) is considered a relevant event which construction contracts allow for by an extension of time rather than termination.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A call for prevention and sensitive re-use.
The CIAT principal designer register
Providing assurance and verification of the capability and competence of registered ATs.
Building Safety recommendations and Northern Ireland
The NI roadmap to improving safety in high rise residential.
BSA residential sector competence standards guidance
BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard - Competence Assurance.
Specifying rendered external wall insulation for fire safety
How to interrogate the evidence provided to the specifier.
The benefits of writing articles for your organisation
How to create a profile for your organisation and publish for free.
No Falls Week. The importance of safe working at height
What to expect and what is on offer to avoid accidents.
Scottish Government action to reach net-zero targets
Retrofit expert group highlight critical actions needed.
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.