Application and Assessment of Extension of Time Claim: Findings of Case Studies Conducted in Malaysia

Abstract

It is a common phenomenon for construction projects to have applications for extension of time. Many problems are encountered in practice in the application and preparetion of extension of time claims. A study was conducted to identify the main problems encountered in the application and assessment of extension of time claim in selected construction projects in Malaysia. Three (3) case studies have been used to investigate the extension of time issues. Finding from the study revealed that local contractors usually fail to comply with the contract procedural requirements to submit timely notification of delay and have difficulty in demonstrating their entitilement for extension of time.  The main problem faced by contract administrators is that contractors tend to "inflate" their extension of time entitlement with the intention to maximise their claims. Adherence to the agreed procedure in preparing and evaluating of delay claims and the implementation of a set of agreed standardised delay analysis may help to minimize the frequency and impact of such problems.

Key words: construction claims, assessment, contractors, extension of time, validity