Contractor Obligations & Delays- A Case Study of Honeywell Control Systems Ltd. v Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd (2007)
Contents
Introduction4
Research Question5
Background5
Honeywell Control Systems Ltd. v Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd (2007)6
Gaymark Principle & Multiplex Constructions Vs. Honeywell Control Systems 20077
Breach of Contract9
Concurrent Delays9
Assessing Delays10
Relevant Case Law- Concurrent Delays10
Prevention Principle11
Case Precedent on Prevention Principle11
Implications of Delays & Legal Consequences11
Methodology14
Research Design14
Meta-Analysis14
Results16
Case16
Facts of the Dispute16
Principal Elements of Enforceable Liquidated Damages17
Standard Contracts on Issues of Prevention, Time Extension & Notices17
Case & JCT Standard Building Sub-Contract SBCSub/D/C 201117
Contractor18
Evidence of Information20
Evaluation of Issues from the Case21
The Delay Claim22
Disruption Claim23
Acceleration Claim24
The Claim Presentation24
Major Court Precedents25
Conclusion25
Exceptions in Liability of Contractor in case of Time Delays29
When the Contractor does not have to pay LADS on Completing Late30
Failure by Contractor to Complete On Time30
Liquidated Damages30
Recommendations31
References33
Contractor Obligations & Delays- A Case Study of Control Systems Ltd. v Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd
Introduction
In the present study, we would attempt to answer our research question “When is a contractor legally obliged according to the law in England and Wales to pay for any delay he or she has caused to the progress or completion of the construction?”. The contractor's obligations, construction delays would be highlighted and discussed with respect to our chosen case study Honeywell Control Systems Ltd. v Multiplex Constructions (UK) Ltd (2007).
The case would be examined in the light of existing legislation, rules and framework applicable in England and Wales. The elements involved in construction delays would be thoroughly addressed and their relevance to the case study would be discussed. In order to attain a better understanding of the construction laws in England & Wales and to adequately answer our research question; a detailed evidence of information, evaluation of core issues and argumentation would be presented to enhance our knowledge on the topic.
The acts of an employer or the contractor could be perfectly legitimate under the given construction contract. However, any delays in the construction might give rise to a number of legal consequences. Such issues could lead to financial losses for both parties involved. Often, in cases of delays in construction or project completion time; the suffering party is often subjected to damages under the relevant laws. Delays are often construed in favour of the client if the contractor is not granted an extension on the completion time (AER, 2007, pp. 1).
Research Question
In the given case study; our research question is:
“When is a contractor legally obliged according to the law in England and Wales to pay for any delay he or she has caused to the progress or completion of the construction?”
Background
The main duty of the contractors in a construction project is to adequately plan, coordinate and manage the construction work and ensure that all the major risks in its completion are taken care of. The contractor must also comply with all the duties delegated to the construction team under the applicable regulations (Sinclair, 2005, pp. 3). The Contractor is the driving force of the project. The written plans only serve as a legal requirement in projects and ...