CAREERTIPS: Things Construction Professionals should know when instructed to accelerate the works

Acceleration of the works - lets understand when acceleration can occur and any entitlements that may follow from an instruction to accelerate.

Acceleration is the process of completing the works at a faster pace than originally anticipated. Usually, acceleration occurs after delays have been encountered. However, acceleration could also become necessary if:

• the scope of work increases during the project; or
• if the completion date is moved up for some reason.

It is usually the Employer who requests an acceleration of the works.  This may be for the following reasons:

•       earlier handover of the building to a potential buyer;

•       obligations to investors; or

•       moving onto the next project earlier than expected.

If the Employer gives an instruction to the Contractor to accelerate the works, the Contractor might be entitled to claim for any additional costs incurred.   It is important to read your contract to understand if you are entitled to claim for these additional costs. 

The Contractor may also be entitled to request an acceleration of the works.  However, if the Contractor falls behind on the programme due to his own fault and has accelerated the works to get back on programme, he will not be entitled to claim the cost of the acceleration.   

There are different ways to increase the speed of the works and to accelerate the overall progress of a construction project.  This may include the following:

•       procuring long lead items as early as possible;

•       alternative methods of construction, such as off-site manufacturing;

•       additional labour resources;  or

•       additional shifts and/or overtime.

Also read: How to claim for additional time and money due to the suspension of the constructions works.