The start of construction keeps getting postponed

Hello,

we have signed a contract with a construction company stating that construction begins in spring 2020. Originally, it was planned for early March, then mid-March, then early April, and now rather mid to late April. The problem is that the company is carrying out the earthworks and the shell construction. That means all the other trades depend on this and, of course, also our moving date (which has already been postponed by 2 months).

What options do we have here against the construction company? The problem is also that if they completely back out, we certainly will not find another company on short notice, because they all currently have enough work.

Thanks & regards!

What is regulated in the contract regarding the completion? If the deadline is met, then there are no problems. If there is no completion date, the contractor could come to you, break ground, call it "Baubeginn," and come back at Halloween 2021. A few more details, please.

Hi

Scheduling the move date before construction even begins is definitely... very bold.

Olli

Let's be honest, it doesn't matter at all what the contract says. Either the construction company is currently overwhelmed but is trying its best to start now in April and make up for lost time, then keep asking politely and pushing and hoping that everything works out. Or you're just unlucky with your construction company, then good luck.

That means all the other trades are affected, of course, as well as our moving date (which has already been postponed by 2 months).

Mentally postpone it by another half year (at least). And just google Corona, then you’ll know what’s currently going on in Germany – also with craftsmen or suppliers (I have several construction projects that are now on hold for three months because the Italian tiles chosen by the buyers of the apartments cannot be delivered for that long).

Hi,
which construction start date is stated in the contract is completely irrelevant, the only important thing is the guaranteed completion date. What does it say there?
If something like that is not included, you have a serious problem. Then I wouldn’t expect a move before spring/summer 2021 in your place.
Best regards,
Andreas