Delay notice
Delay Notice Letter for EPC and Construction Contracts
Learn when to issue a delay notice, what information to include, and how to preserve time-related rights without over-admitting liability.
Last reviewed:Contract Copilot editorial team
Short answer
A delay notice should notify the employer or engineer of a delaying event, connect it to the contract notice mechanism, describe known time impacts, and reserve the contractor's rights to extension of time and related relief.
When to use it
- Access, drawings, approvals, instructions, weather, force majeure, or employer acts may affect the time for completion.
- The contract requires notice within a specified number of days after the contractor became aware of the event.
- The contractor needs to preserve entitlement before full particulars are available.
What to include
- The event, date of awareness, affected activities, and likely programme impact.
- Relevant contract clauses and notice requirements.
- Mitigation steps and a reservation that particulars will follow.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until the delay is fully quantified before giving notice.
- Using language that accepts responsibility for the delay.
- Claiming impacts that are not supported by the current record.
Sample opening wording
The Contractor hereby gives notice that the matters described below may delay the execution of the Works and may affect the Time for Completion. This notice is issued without waiver of any right, remedy, claim, defence, or entitlement available under the Contract or otherwise.
Educational sample only. Contract Copilot is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice; users should review every letter against the contract and governing law.
Related contract terms
Extension of timeCritical pathNotice period
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