Substantiation and assessment of claims for extensions of time

Abstract Standard forms of contract provide for extensions of time (EOT) due to excusable delays, and EOT claims are common in many construction projects. The contractor and the supervising engineer often spend considerable time on substantiating and assessing such claims. However, a variety of diverse techniques have been employed for such evaluations. A study was undertaken to analyse different EOT evaluation techniques in Hong Kong, which continues to be a hotbed of construction activity attracting international organisations. Reasons for delays in the submission and assessment of EOT were also probed. Conclusions on the suitability of different techniques are drawn from an analysis of both the literature reviewed and a consolidation of practitioner perceptions, as derived from a questionnaire survey and subsequent in-depth interviews. This leads to recommendations for explicit policies, clear guidelines, tool-kits and improved contractual procedures that will upgrade the management of this crucial area.