Contract & Claims Advisory

Contract and claims advisory covers the evaluation, interpretation and administration of construction contracts so that each party’s rights, obligations and commercial interests are properly managed. It includes contract compliance, risk assessment, variation orders, extension of time (EOT) claims, delay costs, payment disputes, contractual notices and claims resolution. Through our Commercial & Engineering Services (CES), JCVA combines engineering, project management, quantity surveying and contract expertise to give owners independent, evidence-based advice, including under FIDIC-based conditions.

An extension of time (EOT) claim is a contractor’s formal request to extend the completion date because of delays that may qualify under the contract, such as employer variations, late site access or instructions, or exceptional weather. Assessment considers entitlement, notices, records, critical-path impact and concurrent delays; extra time does not automatically mean extra payment. JCVA assesses EOT claims through contract review, programme analysis and verification of project records, giving a fair, defensible recommendation.

Variation claims are assessed by checking whether the works are a genuine change to the contract scope and whether the cost and time claimed are justified. This involves reviewing the contract, drawings, specifications, instructions, Bills of Quantities, rates, quotations and site conditions, and separating true additional works from the contractor’s original obligations. JCVA verifies quantities and rates, identifies duplicated or unsupported costs, and documents each recommendation to protect the client’s approved budget.

Disputes are best prevented through clearly defined contract obligations, complete tender documents, appropriate risk allocation, timely decisions and consistent contract procedures. Keeping proper records of instructions, variations, delays, payments and notices helps resolve issues before they escalate. JCVA supports owners with proactive contract administration and commercial governance from project inception to final account, with early identification of risks, objective evaluation of claims and transparent communication.

Yes. JCVA has experience administering construction projects under FIDIC Conditions of Contract, including the Red Book and Yellow Book, and consultant appointments under the FIDIC White Book. Our services cover compliance, variations, extension of time and delay claims, payment assessments, notices, risk allocation and dispute avoidance, subject to the applicable edition and Particular Conditions. Our Commercial & Engineering Services team is led by a FIDIC Certified Consulting Professional and applies FIDIC principles within the Philippine legal environment.