Contractors

Many contractprs have well-organised systems for dealing with claims no construction projects and the recovery of monies that are rightly due under the terms of the contract . They are likely to maintain good record of most events , but particularly those where difficulties have occurred in the execution of the work . However , some of the difficulties may be due to the manner in which the contractor has sought to carry out the works and thus remain the entire responsibility of the contractor .

   CLaims that are notified or submitted late will inevitably create problems in their approval . In these circumstances the architect might not have the oppportunity to check the details of the contractor's submission . Such occurrences will not be favourably looked upon by the architect or the employer .

  The contractor must prepare a report on why a particular aspect of the work has cost more than expected , substantiate this with appropriate calculations and support it with reference to architect's instructions , drwaings , details , specifications , letters , etc . The contrator must also be able to show that as an experienced contractor they could not have foreseen the difficulties that occurred . They will also need to show that the work has carried ot in an efficient , effective and economic manner .

  Claims are for additional payments that cannot be recouped in the normal way simply through measurement and valuation . They are based on the assumption that the works constructed differed considerably from the works for which the contractor orginally submitted a tender . The differences may have changed the contractpreferred method of working and this in turn may have altered or influenced the costs involved . The rates inserted by the contractor in the contract bills are not now a true reflection of the work that has been executed .