glossary Glossary 1 min read

EOT (Extension of Time)

An EOT is a formal written claim that extends the contracted building period when a qualifying delay beyond the builder's control occurs. Prevents liquidated damages.

Ask Chalkline about this →

An EOT (Extension of Time) is a formal written claim a builder submits under a building contract to add days to the contracted building period when a qualifying delay event occurs beyond the builder’s control. Common qualifying events include adverse weather, client-requested variations, authority approval delays, and material or labour unavailability.

Serving a valid EOT notice within the contract’s required timeframe (typically 5 to 10 working days of becoming aware of the delay, depending on the contract suite) protects the builder from liquidated damages for the extended period. If no EOT is claimed, LDs can run from the original contracted completion date even for delays that were not the builder’s fault.

Also known as: extension of time

Category: Contracts & commercial

See also


Last updated: 2026-05-07. Verified: 2026-05-07. Quarterly review for currency.