Builder delays start of construction – is that just allowed?

No, you old Serb, I'm not angry, I just want the OP to enrich his feelings with reason and think the matter through to the end.

For this reason, I am writing here instead of running to a lawyer after all, it is a house building forum where people exchange ideas with each other. It could have been that someone has already had similar experiences.

Hello

I can already understand the thread starter.
He has signed a contract with a company. It states that he orders a turnkey house for a certain amount. This fixed price is valid for exactly 12 months.
Now everything is ready to start, but the contractor does nothing. The start of construction must be within the 12 months, otherwise it could become more expensive.
Now let's say that the 12 months end on July 31, 2018. And the contractor waits until August 1 and then says: 12 months are over, now it will be 5% more expensive. Who wants to risk that. Especially since the delay is the contractor’s fault.

Steven

Hello everyone, last year we signed a contract with a developer for a turnkey house. The contract is from August. It took 4 months until they finally had time for our planning meeting, so it was the beginning of December. .....

Now our question: how long are they allowed to delay this and can you claim damages?
Thanks to you

Hmm, I don’t think they are deliberately missing the appointment just to annoy you.
Therefore, I will correct the last sentence:

“How long can....”

The timeline from August until now is understandable and not unusual. Neither is a postponement of the start of construction unusual.

Your concern regarding the costs that may arise due to the delay is nevertheless understandable.
Unfortunately, you signed a construction contract too hastily. That should be postponed.
The second mistake was not to include a deadline for the latest start of construction or handover.

Nevertheless, I believe that if it is a legally binding contract, somewhere in the fine print it states how the start of construction is handled in terms of delays, construction stoppages, or other reasons besides the weather. You have to tolerate a few weeks, a few months are annoying but covered. And a negligent delay of over a year is certainly contestable and can be subject to recourse.

The tone you use concerning your general contractor does not sound like there is a trusting relationship between you.
If no other negative and incomprehensible experiences have occurred, you should change your attitude toward the company that is supposed to build your house – you are responsible for your own mistakes.
Incidentally, the company collects money after each construction phase: therefore, they themselves have an interest in a quick start of construction. After all, the company does not just pocket a 5% increase as profit. Unless, of course, that is their scheme... but you certainly chose the company after careful consideration.