What is the difference between a delay claim and a disruption claim?
A delay claim is about time: the job finishes later. A disruption claim is about productivity: the work costs more to do, even if the finish date stays the same. They need different proof and recover different costs.
Delay
Delay moves the completion date. You prove it with a programme analysis of the critical path. You can recover more time, and often time related costs such as site overheads.
Disruption
Disruption makes crews less efficient. Stop start work, changed sequences, congested areas and late information all cut output. You prove it by comparing the productivity you planned with the productivity you got.
Why people mix them up
One event can cause both. A late drawing may delay the finish and also force the crew to work out of sequence. Claim each effect once and keep the two calculations apart, so you do not claim the same cost twice.
Related answers
Questions
Can I claim disruption if the job finished on time?
Yes, if the contract allows it and you can prove the lost productivity.
Which is harder to prove?
Disruption usually is. It needs good cost and output records.
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