Early‐Completion Schedules: The Promise and Pitfalls

The general perception of construction projects is that they are more likely to be completed late than early or on‐time. In truth, some projects are delivered early due to unusually favorable weather, contractor‐suggested redesigns, the use of innovative construction methods, and contractor efforts to meet incentive clauses. Early competition is usually considered a benefit to all parties, however there are some negative aspects, which need to be carefully considered. Owners have received these early completion schedules with delight only to find that the may then become subject to claims for delay for any action deemed to be detrimental to the contractor's early‐completion schedule. The results for some have been to receive their projects on or about the time the contract originally required but with the added costs of delay claims. Owners and construction managers need to be aware of the potential problems involved with early completion. This article looks at the costs and benefits of early completion for the contractor, the owner and other parties.