Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

What aspect of construction projects is affected by schedule acceleration?

1. The contractor pays for delays

2. The owner is responsible for costs incurred

3. Progress payments are increased

4. The project completion time decreases

The correct answer is: The owner is responsible for costs incurred

Schedule acceleration is a process that may be implemented in construction projects to shorten the duration of the project timeline deliberately. This typically occurs when a project is behind schedule or an owner wishes to expedite the completion for various reasons, such as financial incentives or meeting a market demand. When a construction project is accelerated, the completion time decreases, which is the primary effect of this approach. This means that the contractor, typically, must find ways to expedite their work, often leading to increased labor or more resources being dedicated to the project. Schedule acceleration can incur additional costs that may not have been part of the original budget or timeline. While it’s true that the owner can be responsible for additional costs incurred during acceleration, the direct effect of acceleration itself is a decrease in the overall project duration. This often results from tasks being done simultaneously that were initially planned to be completed sequentially, increased crews, extended work hours, or using more resources and equipment. Understanding this dynamic is vital for both contractors and owners, as it emphasizes the need for clear communication regarding costs, timelines, and responsibilities in a project’s contract, especially when changes to the schedule occur. The implications of schedule acceleration can vary based on the contract terms and the circumstances surrounding the project.