The root of many disputes in respect of delays and extensions of time result from over optimistic construction schedules demanded by Employers or proposed by Consultants advising Employers and subsequently encompassed in construction contracts. Some may also blame Contractors for accepting such time frames, however many either lack expertise in the specific project type or choose to take on the project seeing opportunity to obtain extensions to the construction period in the same way many see opportunities in contract documents and bills of quantities to under price selected work items on the basis of anticipated changes or re-measurement and subsequent correction. Either way it is a dangerous game and the Employer maybe the unwilling beneficiary of the inaccurate advise or commercial gamble taken by the Contractor.
This exposure can be greatly reduced by Employer being informed at the earliest possible stage of the anticipated and attainable schedule under which the project can be executed. In this article we discuss this subject matter and look at the factors which should be considered in proposing a time schedule for the construction of a project.
