EOT Claims in Real Estate: Your 28-Day Rights

Extension of Time (EOT) claims are a contractor's mechanism for obtaining additional time to complete work when delays occur due to events beyond their control.

Most standard AEC contracts require EOT notices to be submitted within a specific timeframe – often 28 days from when the delay event occurred or was first known.

Proper documentation is critical. Maintain detailed daily logs, photographs, correspondence, and any other evidence that demonstrates the cause and impact of the delay.

An EOT claim should clearly identify the delay event, reference the relevant contract clause, explain the impact on the critical path, and request a specific number of additional days.

Even if you miss the contractual deadline, don't give up. Some jurisdictions recognize the principle of 'prevention' – that a party cannot benefit from their own wrongdoing.