Start of construction contractually regulated, but not adhered to

Dear members,

At the beginning of September, we received our long-awaited building permit and immediately sent it to our construction company/architect. According to the construction contract, it was agreed that construction would begin no later than 4 weeks after the building permit was granted. Now 5 weeks have passed and nothing has happened. After repeated inquiries, we finally received a message from the site manager today: "... your foundation slab has not yet been scheduled, we will get in touch when it starts...". What are we supposed to make of this? Since we are also subject to certain deadlines (rent, loan, etc.), we naturally want the work to start soon.

What can we do now? We have already sent reminders by email. Can we take further steps?

I am really hoping for your support.

Thank you

Much more interesting is when the completion date is supposed to be. If it is not until 2021, then they can take their time. If it is exceeded, you can claim costs.
And what exactly the start of construction is supposed to be, does the contract say anything about that? Theoretically, they can simply say that they are processing some forms or handling other matters.

By the way, I wouldn’t bother the site manager like that already now. Otherwise, you will never get an answer later.

After repeated inquiries, we finally received a message from the site manager today: "... Your foundation slab is not yet scheduled, we will get in touch when it starts...". What are we supposed to make of that?

PS: It always takes a bit with them. You could kindly ask how many projects he is managing at the same time.

Welcome to the real world!

With my old neighbors over the garden fence, it wasn’t the only delay. They had something about a penalty clause if the house was not ready to move in after 12 months. Delays were documented and after 12 months pressure was applied so that the general contractor actually had to pay.

Currently, except for asking and begging, you won’t be able to do anything if it already starts like this. Please beg in writing by mail. Everything else does not count.

If it already bothers you for a week, you will get stomach ulcers during the further course of your construction.

What are we supposed to make of this now?

That they have full order books and are very busy.

What can we do now? We have already sent reminders by email

For one, a week of "delay" is too early to send a reminder, secondly, it is generally too early to send a reminder before construction begins. Thirdly: trying to enforce something by email is absolutely the wrong way.

Since we are also subject to certain deadlines (rent, loan, etc.), we obviously want it to finally get started.

Yes, almost everyone knows that problem. That is why it is wise to include such costs in the calculation. You should get used by now to the idea that you are not the only ones building, nor that everything will proceed according to your schedule.

When is completion scheduled?