Avoiding Delays
Managing Extensions of Time in Building Projects
Delays Don’t Have to Derail Your Build
“An extension of time request can feel complicated, but with the right approach you can keep control of both your programme and your budget.”
If you’ve engaged one main contractor, they are responsible for delivering your project on time and to the agreed programme. If they request an extension of time (EOT), you’ll need to review the reasons carefully before agreeing. In Build It, we show you how to do this step by step so you can be confident about whether the claim is justified.
Traditional Procurement (Main Contractor Led)
Self Build Programmes
For self-builds, things are different. You’re often coordinating multiple specialists: groundworks, timber frame, roofing, glazing, and more. Each may work to their own mini-programme, which means delays can appear at several points. Any request for more time needs to be documented and your programme updated, otherwise later trades will clash or costs will rise.
That’s why in Build It, we provide pre-built programme templates you can adapt, helping you track progress across all suppliers.
Avoiding Delays from the Start
Some delays are unavoidable, but many can be reduced with good preparation. At the Plan It stage, surveys (such as ground investigations) give designers the information to create accurate foundation and structure designs. For specialist suppliers like windows, joinery, or stairs, you’ll need to factor in not just the manufacturing lead time, but also the period for surveys, shop drawings, approvals, and revisions. If these steps aren’t planned early, your project can stall before production even begins.
This may sound technical, but it’s all about de-risking. Knowing where delays can arise, and who is responsible, puts you in control. And when extensions of time do crop up, you’ll know how to respond with confidence.
Quick Answers
What is an EOT / Extension of Time?
It’s a formal request for more time to complete works due to delays. These requests can affect both programme and costs, so they need careful review.
How do EOTs affect my budget?
Extra time usually means extra preliminaries (site management, welfare, insurance, security). Even one week’s delay can add significantly to running costs.
How can I avoid unncessary delays?
Start early: commission surveys, check supplier lead times, and allow time for drawings and approvals. Planning ahead reduces the risk of costly extensions later.
Time is money on site. Extra weeks can increase site management, welfare, scaffolding, insurance and security (see our Preliminaries Insight).
A live, accurate programme lets you see risks early, make decisions quickly, and protect your budget. Extensions of Time handled well keep relationships constructive and the build moving; handled poorly, they can easily become a delay and additional cost.
Turning Time into Control - Why it Matters
Guided Support with Build It
A clear programme and a simple review process turn EOTs from stress into structure. In Build It, you get editable programme templates, step-by-step guidance for reviewing Extensions of Time, and live fortnightly Q&As so you can manage time and cost with confidence.
Guided Pathways
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Plan It
Plan It equips you with the knowledge, tools, and structured processes to confidently design, budget, and prepare your homebuilding project, ensuring a smooth and well-managed build.
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Build It
Build It equips you with the expertise, guidance, and step-by-step processes to manage your construction project effectively, ensuring quality, cost control, and timely completion.
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Certify It
Certify It equips you with the knowledge and processes to navigate final inspections, compliance, and certification, ensuring your project is completed with the documentation needed to validate your investment.