Contemporaneous records are crucial to the success of construction claims but why do they help and why we need them?

What are contemporaneous records?

Contemporaneous records are records of events, which can be daily or hourly, that can be critical when proving a delay. They are kept by the project team at the time when the event occurs.

The main goal of the record is to evidence, cause and effect. Well organised records can reduce the likelihood of contentious claims further down the track.

Four Key Points to Capture

1. What happened

2. Why the event is a change

3. What is the quantum of any cost change and how do further records support this

4. What is the quantum of any time or delay change and why the event caused a delay to the critical path

Now remember, the whole point of keeping contemporaneous records is to prove cause and effect.

Traditionally, keeping these types of records can be a burden to a project team. However, advancements in technology make it easier and more reliable than before.

Four Tips to Keep Contemporaneous Records

1. Live feed digital cameras

2. Real time digital diaries

3. Electronic sign in and sign out registers

4. Date stamped digital images

Now these are just a few things that help create a pre picture and support your claim.

If you are facing a dispute, you may still require expert advice, but with organised records, you have a better chance of success.

At Accura Consulting, our team of experts work with clients to create a tailored solution to problems.

To find out how we can help, get in touch.