How Schedules Play a Role in Liability and Construction Claims

Updating and maintaining a schedule is crucial for both owners and contractors.

construction-contractThe construction process involves numerous parties such as the contractors, owners, suppliers, etc. Each of them plays a pivotal role that they must fill to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Most often, the number one problem that construction sites face is delays – not to mention the most commonly litigated problem in the construction field today.

Today’s Construction Issues

Now, construction projects require a tremendous amount of expenses, equipment, manpower, and payrolls for both the owner and the contractor. The larger the scale of the site, the longer it will take for the building to be completed. Also, the length of time also increases the potential for litigation as well. This is why many owners seek the advice of construction advisory services to minimize the risk of these claims from occurring. However, it should be noted that in today’s day and age it’s nearly impossible to stop claims from being brought up. The only strategy that owners can take is to help minimize damages.

How Claims Are Usually Brought Up

The complexity of building plans and schedules also play a role in why there are so many delays. The schedule serves as a vehicle for both the planning and execution of the project. It’s an extremely important factor when it comes to liability for delay costs. It’ll also point to which party is responsible for the delay. As an owner, it goes to say that keeping a rigid and updated construction schedule will go a long way. Schedules should always be monitored and updated. Furthermore, any failure when it comes to performance can result in liability.

Schedule Accuracy Holds Each Party Responsible

Now, contractors tend to use various types of completion schedules to track the progress of the current project, coordinate the subcontractors, as well as monitor any delays. The owners on the other hand, require a more sophisticated type of schedule that involves numerous aspects like program evaluation, diagrams, critical path methods, etc. These schedules aren’t just mandatory, but are also important for liability reasons. Ask any construction claims expert and he or she will tell you that maintaining a detailed schedule at all times is one of the keys to minimizing claims and delays. It has become a crucial aspect to the construction industry and also plays a pivotal role in legal issues as well.


Lyle Charles is a seasoned steel fabrication expert and construction mediator that has all the tools necessary to help you with your construction case. For more information, visit Lyle Charles online today.