ABSTRACT
Most building contracts include provisions that require the contractor to complete by a specific date or set of dates as this is often a matter of great importance to the client. Late completion may well result in losses to the client, in particular the costs of alternative accommodation and additional consultants’ fees. This chapter examines the contractor’s obligations regarding time, programming and completion under the Royal Institute of British Architects Building Contracts, including the mechanisms for monitoring progress and the sanctions for non-completion. The requirement to start on a particular date is useful, as it is often crucial that work actually starts on the defined date. The contract administrator will not normally intervene in matters concerning the day-to-day programming.
