What constitutes a breach of contract in construction?

Breach of contract in construction occurs when a party fails to fulfill any of the obligations specified in the signed contract. A contract lays out the duties, responsibilities, and specific terms that both parties are required to adhere to. When one party does not meet those terms—whether it pertains to construction deadlines, quality of materials, specifications, or other required actions—it constitutes a breach.

In this context, failing to meet any of the agreed-upon terms can include a wide range of issues, from not completing work on time to not providing work that meets the specified standards. This holds regardless of the reasons behind the failure, highlighting the importance of contractual adherence in the construction process.

The other options, although they describe situations that may cause dissatisfaction or complications in a project, do not encompass the broader definition of breach as defined by failing to meet any contract terms. For example, adhering to deadlines despite challenging circumstances is often viewed positively, and submitting plans may be a procedural step that does not inherently signify a contractual violation if those plans are still reviewed and accepted. Changing materials without informing the client might lead to disputes but would be a breach only if it conflicts directly with the terms of the contract.