JCT Mini Series: Don’t Let Delays Derail Your Profits: Mastering Extensions of Time (EOT) and Claims

Описание: In episode 128 of The Subcontractors Blueprint podcast, host Jacob Austin continues his JCT Subcontract mini-series offering practical guidance on managing JCT subcontracts, focusing on programs and extensions of time (EOT). He explains how EOT provisions protect subcontractors from unfair delay risks, highlights the importance of timely notices and thorough documentation, and distinguishes between time extensions and loss and expense claims. Jacob shares actionable tips for handling delays, acceleration, and disruption costs, empowering subcontractors to safeguard their profit margins and ensure fair compensation under JCT terms. The episode aims to help subcontractors protect their commercial interests and avoid common contractual pitfalls.



KEY TAKEAWAYS:




• The episode explores the importance of program clauses and extensions of time (EOT) in JCT subcontracts, highlighting how they protect subcontractors' margins and manage delay risks.


• Jacob explains that delays must be formally notified and evidenced; otherwise, subcontractors risk being unfairly blamed and incurring costs for delays outside their control.


• Time (EOT) and money (loss and expense) are separate contractual tracks—securing more time doesn’t automatically entitle you to compensation for disruption.


• Common pitfalls include vague or late notices, relying on flawed recovery programs, and failing to keep clear records of delays and their impacts.


• Jacob emphasises the need for consistent administration: keeping simple logs, issuing timely notices, and substantiating claims with clear evidence.


• The episode concludes that good record-keeping and proactive communication are key to safeguarding both time and cost entitlements under JCT subcontracts.




BEST MOMENTS:



"Contracts don't run on what people can see. They run on black and white—what's been notified, evidenced and complied with."



"You can be busy on site, work till you're blue in the face and still lose the job commercially."



"The extension of time protects the program and your margin, and prevents main contractors from pushing delay risk down to you quietly when you don't expect it."



"If your paperwork doesn't answer those two questions and do it clearly, then the contractor can keep arguing about entitlement forever and delay the only thing that you really want, which is commercial closure."



"Acceleration costs money… If the contractor isn’t willing to do that, then that tells you they want the benefit of the acceleration without putting their hand in their pocket."



"These kind of documents—they’re not just paperwork. These are records. These are leverage."



HOST BIO: Meet Jacob Austin, a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a rich background at construction industry giants Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Vistry Group. With extensive involvement in education, health, and residential projects spanning various scales, from £1000s to over £100M in concurrent developments, Jacob brings a unique perspective. Having collaborated with numerous small businesses, he's now committed to sharing his expertise to drive their success. Join Jacob on his podcast, where he blends his profound insights and personable approach to offer guidance, industry secrets, and inspirational stories.



LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-austin/ (  / jacob-austin  )



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