Responsibility for delays depends on the cause. Owner-caused delays — such as design changes, late approvals, or site access issues — can support contractor claims for additional time and compensation. Contractor-caused delays may entitle the owner to liquidated damages. Concurrent delays can complicate the analysis significantly.

A time extension claim is a contractor's request to extend the contractual completion date due to circumstances beyond the contractor's control — such as owner-caused delays, differing site conditions, permit delays, or force majeure events. Properly documented and timely submitted extension claims are critical to avoiding liquidated damages exposure.

An acceleration claim arises when a contractor is required to complete work faster than originally planned — either expressly, when the owner orders it, or constructively, when the owner denies a legitimate time extension, effectively forcing the contractor to spend more to finish on schedule. Both types of acceleration can entitle the contractor to additional compensation.

A constructive change order refers to additional work or costs imposed on a contractor by the owner's conduct — such as owner interference, differing site conditions, defective specifications, or unreasonable rejection of acceptable work — even without a formal written change order. Contractors can seek compensation for constructive changes through the claims process.

Change orders should be documented in writing, signed by both parties, and agreed to before the work is performed whenever possible. The change order should clearly describe the scope of work, the price adjustment, and any schedule impact. A clear change order process in the original contract is the best way to minimize change order disputes.

A notice to proceed (NTP) is the owner's written directive authorizing the contractor to begin work, typically triggering the start of the contract schedule. Changes to the project start can affect completion milestones, float calculations, and delay analyses. Contractors should not start work without written confirmation of the NTP date.

Float (or "slack") is the amount of time a non-critical activity can be delayed without delaying the project's completion. Whether the contractor or the owner is entitled to consume project float — and the consequences of doing so — depends on the contract language and is frequently disputed in delay claims.

You should consult an attorney early — before responding to delay notices, before submitting or denying delay claims, and before signing any change order that includes a release of delay claims. Early legal involvement helps ensure that required notices are timely given and that your position is preserved for potential litigation.