Adverse events that cannot be blamed on the parties can, and do, occur on construction projects. Where the events are predictable (rain, snow, cold weather, etc.), the contractor is usually presumed to have accounted for them in its bid and schedule. No additional time or money will be given. For major, somewhat unpredictable events (tornado, earthquakes, strikes), often referred to as "acts of God," there is the force majeure clause. The clause originally was designed to help equalize the harm to the owner and the contractor, but the result usually is that both sides are hurt. The contractor is entitled to a time extension, but not to delay damages. The owner has no right of recovery against the contractor.
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