Category: Contracts & management
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
A time bar requires the contractor to give notice of a claim within a set period of becoming aware of the event, 28 days under FIDIC contracts, or risk losing the right to extension or payment. Its actual effect depends on the governing law and the contract wording.
Why it matters on a project
Most claims are lost on procedure before merit. A daily event log and a prompt notice preserve the right even if the details follow later.
Common mistake
Waiting for the event to end to assemble the full claim, so the period passes without a notice.
Frequently asked questions
When does the period start?
From when the contractor became aware, or should have become aware, of the event, per the contract wording.
Is a mention in meeting minutes enough?
The safe route is a separate formal notice citing the contract clause.
Related terms
- Contractual claimA formal request for money or time under the contract.
- Extension of time (EOT)The contractor’s entitlement to additional time for delay not of its making, subject to timely notice.
- FIDIC contractsInternational standard forms of engineering contract defining rights, notices, claims and change management.
- Minutes of meeting (MOM)A written record of what was discussed and decided, with the owner and due date of each action.
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