February 2020 was one of the wettest Februarys on record for England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, and the second wettest for Scotland. As Brits, we’re used to unpredictable weather, but in recent years adverse conditions seem to be becoming more frequent — and more disruptive. It often feels like every week there’s a new storm warning for rain, sleet, snow, or high winds.

This raises an important question for homeowners planning projects: can your builder blame the weather for delays? If you are considering hiring Builders London for an extension, loft conversion, or major renovation, it’s useful to know how weather impacts construction timelines.

How Weather Affects Construction Projects

For many indoor renovation works, weather rarely causes issues. However, for larger projects such as roof replacements, extensions, or groundwork, poor weather can play havoc with plans.

• Strong winds may halt roof works, crane operations, or even damage scaffolding.

• Rain, snow, or hail can stop electrical work, delay concrete pours, and cause unsafe site conditions.

• Flooding or icy conditions can make sites inaccessible or unsafe for workers.

• Road disruptions can slow down deliveries or prevent staff reaching site.

These unexpected conditions may lead to delays, which then cause knock-on effects across the rest of the project schedule.

What Happens When Weather Delays Occur?

Professional contractors, like KT5 Construction, plan for potential delays with safety measures, contingency allowances, and realistic timelines. But exceptionally bad weather may still justify a formal request for more time, known as an Extension of Time (EOT).

Under the JCT Standard Building Contract 2011, exceptionally adverse weather is listed as a “Relevant Event” — along with variations, site access issues, and strikes. When this clause applies, the contractor or Builders London can request an EOT, extending the project without penalty.

The Role of Contracts in Weather Delays

If your building contract doesn’t mention weather delays, they often fall under the contractor’s responsibility. To protect both parties, many contracts include provisions that classify extreme weather as an employer risk event.

In plain terms, this means you accept at the outset that certain weather events could affect the schedule and possibly lead to additional costs.

Both the 2011 and 2016 JCT Design & Build Contracts define exceptionally adverse weather as a Relevant Event. This entitles your contractor or builder to claim a fair and reasonable extension of time.

What Should Builders in London Do?

Experienced Builders London follow three key steps when dealing with bad weather:

• Planning Ahead
  Anticipating the risks of working during stormy seasons and implementing protective measures.

• Providing Notices
  Issuing formal EOT notices if exceptionally adverse weather causes genuine delays.

• Keeping Records
  Documenting the impact with photos, videos, and site reports to justify why work was delayed.

For example, heavy snowfall in December should be anticipated and planned for. But if the same event occurred in June, it would reasonably qualify as unforeseen and justify an EOT request.

Why Choose KT5 Construction?

At KT5 Construction, we know that the British weather is unpredictable. That’s why we build contingency into every plan, ensuring safety, transparency, and efficiency no matter the season. Our clients receive clear communication throughout the process, so even if the weather isn’t on your side, you’ll always know what to expect.

If you’re planning your next home extension, loft conversion, or refurbishment, get in touch with our trusted team of experts today. Contact Us to discuss your project.