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- Chapter 11 - Time
CHAPTER 11TIME |
Time in construction contracts |
Completion |
Completion of construction works usually involves final adjustments and rectification of defects which may make it difficult to determine the exact time when the works are complete. To manage this situation, the concept of practical completion was developed, which reflects the reality that completion is not generally defect-free and occupation can take place while minor matters are attended to. The contract definition of practical completion may be quite simply and generally described. Alternatively, it may involve the listing of a number of prescriptive requirements to identify exactly the status of the work that is required before it is considered to be practically complete. |
Date for practical completion and date of practical completion |
The date when practical completion is required to occur is the date for practical completion, while the date when practical completion in fact occurs, is the date of practical completion. |
The date for practical completion is: |
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Practical completion, and hence the date of practical completion, occurs when the contractual requirements for practical completion have been met. |
Progress of the works |
A contractor is generally required to achieve practical completion by the date for practical completion and to proceed with the works with due diligence. Various Australian standard form contracts reflect these obligations. For example: |
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