A Stark Reminder Why We Shouldn’t Ignore The Contract Or Delays…
A stark reminder…
I’m just back from representing a Specialist Contractor at a meeting with a national Main Contractor.
And it’s a stark reminder of all that is bad about some Main Contractors!
A £60,000 set off
No warning, no discussion, just a £60,000 set off.
And guess what it’s from the last payment, because now the works are finished.
Don’t Ignore The Contract Or Delays
Let’s face it delay and disruption is a common occurrence within the construction industry.
To protect yourself properly from the outset you need to know a certain amount of time related information, and make sure you not only agree with this, but also that it is properly incorporated in the contract.
This information should include:
…the dates of possession and completion of the main contract works
…the period required to approve drawings after submission.
…the period you require for submissions of your drawings
…the period required for off site work prior to commencement
…the dates between which the Sub-Contract Works should start on site
…the notice which you require to commence work on site
…the time required for the execution of works on site
…the order or sequence of the works
…any other relevant time related information
It is essential that these items are completed carefully; taking into account all the factors which you consider will affect your works.
By including such items in the contract you will be identifying the factors outside your control (such as preceding works by other trades) that need to be in place to enable you to complete your works.
If these factors change when you subsequently come to do the work, then it will be easier to demonstrate that you have been prevented from completing your works in the way that you envisaged.
And believe me you will need to have a grip on all of this if you are being accused of delaying the job, and facing a £60,000 set off…
As always, I hope you enjoyed my Wise Up Wednesday email and that it gave you some food for thought, and if you need any help tackling the problems arising from delay and disruption, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call, especially if you are being clobbered for delay!
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