Useful Links
In This Section
Overruns In Construction Projects
There are various legal factors that have to be considered when it comes to a development running behind schedule. It is therefore advisable to make sure you have an experienced law firm on your side to ensure you are covered in every area. At Blackstone Solicitors, we are able to advise many different types of client, no matter the complexity of the circumstances surrounding a time overrun in your construction project.
For more information about how our team of construction solicitors can help you, contact us on 0345 901 0445 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will call you back at a convenient time.
“Very professional and helpful. Nick provides a super service. Thank you.”
– Mark 
How we can help
If a construction project or refurbishment begins to fall behind its original and projected schedule, it can have serious consequences for cash flow and financing requirements. Further, it isn’t always clear where the responsibility lies.
We are here to help address the implications of overruns on your development project. Be it a single local plot or a site on a much larger scale, we will work with you to make sure everything goes to plan.
Friendly yet direct, our team is passionate about every case we take on, and we believe the entire process requires constant communication. We will therefore guide you through the technicalities involved, offering expert advice from start to finish.
Why legal help is important
The first port of call is to look at the contract between the employer and contractor and identify the parties involved and also the terms of the agreement. The contract will set out the risk associated with the scheme between the employer and contractor. If a JCT contract is used, this will stipulate that the contractor must finish the project within the specified time and contract sum. Additionally, the contractor is responsible for deficiencies in the quality of its work and its delivery.
In certain circumstances, delays can occur due to reasons beyond the control of the contractor. These can include national pandemics, adverse weather, government action etc. If this is the case, a time extension will be allowed but no additional payment to the contractor will be due.
However, if the contractor is delayed by events caused by the employer eg. requests for additional work or changes from the agreed original specification, then it receives both an extension of time and additional payment.
An agreement allocating costs may also set out duties and obligations, and there will generally also be implied terms to the effect that the parties will co-operate and will act reasonably in order to progress the project.
Although the contract sets out terms and obligations, there is often room to negotiate as contractors’ claims are sometimes inflated. Commercial awareness is important in these discussions and the use of a firm of solicitors well versed in these types of negotiations is vital.
Our Services
Our team prides itself on being able to meet every need of each of our clients. We are willing to go the extra mile when other firms are not, ensuring our clients are given the very best opportunity of getting the outcome they are after. Get in touch to see how our specialist team can help you with time overruns in your construction project.
Contact us
Speaking to one of our solicitors is easy, simply call us on 0345 901 0445 or allow us to get in touch with you by filling in our online enquiry form. Our services are available to clients throughout the UK, including Manchester, London, Cheshire and Chester, as well as to those living abroad.
