Delay of the move-in date already before the start of construction

I wouldn't immediately bring in a lawyer. Ultimately, you still want a lot from the general contractor, so I would first talk things through and then bring out the big guns. Legal advice is absolutely OK, but you only send the lawyer if there really are problems

Absolutely, I will just get advice. Legally, I don't think the letter has any effect on the contract; it's just unfortunate if I don't respond now and they only start building four months before the contractual date. Then I will have the problem afterwards.

It doesn’t have to refer to Corona. The WP’s Ukrainian adventure has significantly complicated trade flows.

Well, after Easter comes Pentecost, ... - whoever looks for a reason to speculate on the customer’s ignorance regarding "force majeure" or to start later for any other reason will find one. Otto Reutter already sang about that in "der gewissenhafte Maurer" in 1920.

Are you currently also experiencing scheduling problems/delays with the construction?

In our contract from Nov. 2020, it was also stated that pandemic-related delays would not be counted towards the construction time.

Construction start for us was August 21, planned acceptance on 8.4.22 (contractually, the handover is set for 11.5.)

We are building with solid construction and regarding the material, we had zero problems. Everything was there and some materials were even already on site, but the craftsmen were too busy (for example, when roofing).

Currently, two things caused delays (delay in installation of water and electricity meters and 3 days downtime of the construction dryer), but whether these will also lead to the handover date not being met… so far we have received no information in that direction.

In our contract from Nov. 2020 it was also stated that pandemic-related delays would not be counted towards the construction time.

Construction start for us was August 21, planned handover 8.4.22 (the contractually agreed handover is on 11.5.)

We are building solidly and regarding the materials, we had zero problems. Everything was there and in some cases the material was already on site, but the craftsmen were too busy (for example with roofing).

Currently, two things caused delays (delay in installing the water and electric meters and 3 days downtime of the construction dryer) but whether these will also lead to the handover date not being met… So far we have not received any information in that direction.

Sounds quite smooth, thanks for the feedback and above all continued all the best for the last months!

Sounds pretty smooth, thanks for the feedback and above all, all the best for the last few months!

Apart from minor issues, it somehow went surprisingly well… :D

I would definitely consult a lawyer beforehand. The letter can indeed have an impact. Namely, that the contractor has timely pointed out the delay and is therefore released from the obligations in this regard. Especially since he speaks of force majeure, the fault then does not lie with him. So consult a lawyer and prepare a document. Call the contractor and seek a conversation. If he does not agree to set an acceptable delivery date, send the letter in proper form and within the deadline.