Contractor delay
Contractor delay (sometimes referred to as culpable delay) is an expression commonly used to describe any delay caused by a Contractor Risk Event (an event or cause of delay or disruption which under the contract is at the risk and responsibility of the Contractor).
The Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol distinguishes between:
- Contractor Delay to Progress, which is a delay which will merely cause delay to the Contractor’s progress without causing a contract completion date not to be met.
- Contractor Delay to Completion, which is a delay which will cause a contract completion date not to be met.
It is sometimes referred to as non-excusable delay.
Ref Society of Construction Law Delay and Disruption Protocol, 2nd edition, February 2017, published by the Society of Construction Law (UK). https://www.scl.org.uk/resources/delay-disruption-protocol
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
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.