What are "liquidated damages" in construction contracts?

Liquidated damages refer to a specific provision in construction contracts that stipulates a predetermined amount of money that one party will owe to the other if certain obligations, particularly the timely completion of the project, are not met. In this context, if a contractor fails to complete a project by the agreed-upon deadline, they will be required to pay these liquidated damages. This amount is typically specified in the contract and is intended to provide a clear expectation of the financial consequences of delay, serving as a deterrent against late completion.

This concept is crucial in construction contracts because it allows both parties to have a mutual understanding of the potential financial liabilities involved in delays, thus encouraging compliance with timelines and minimizing disputes. Liquidated damages are often seen as a reasonable way to compensate the owner for potential losses due to delays in project completion, such as loss of income or additional operational costs.

The other choices describe different aspects of construction contracts that do not specifically align with the definition of liquidated damages. Financial penalties for project overruns may cover a broader range of issues and are not necessarily predetermined. Costs incurred due to late payments from clients refer to the financial impact of payment delays rather than project completion timelines. Additional costs to expedite construction relate to the expenses associated with speeding