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
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.