REALWorld Law

Construction

Delay

Is it possible for the parties to a construction contract to agree that the time/date for completion of the works is to be fixed? How would delay be dealt with?

Germany

Germany

In principle, the tender documents contain the deadlines in respect of which observance is of major importance to the principal. Once engaged the contractor is in most cases obliged to provide the principal with a detailed time schedule for execution and control management in accordance with the deadlines set out by the principal.

The contracting rules for the Construction Contract Procedures Part B (VOB/B) draw a distinction between binding and non-binding deadlines. Generally, a binding deadline must be expressly indicated as a contractual deadline in the construction contract. However, the start and finishing dates for the performance of the works are always contractual deadlines. On the other hand, non-binding deadlines only facilitate the principal in control the building work and monitoring progress.

Whereas a culpable failure to meet a contractual deadline may entitle the principal to claim against the contractor for damages and/or a penalty, failing to observe non-binding deadlines will only give the principal a claim for damages or even a termination right in certain cases. The principal may first ask the contractor to take immediate action if there is a shortage of labour, equipment, scaffolding, materials or elements which are endangering the contractor's ability to observe the performance deadlines.

From a practical standpoint, it is important to note that contractors normally try to find justifications for extending the applicable deadlines. They have a right to do so if they can prove that the principal issued instructions which delayed the works or withheld decisions or failed to supply plans in time, etc.