HouseChalkForce majeure
Force majeure is a contract clause that excuses a party from fulfilling their obligations due to an extraordinary, unforeseeable event beyond their control (an 'Act of God').
Why it matters
It protects builders from being penalized for delays caused by extreme weather, pandemics, or massive supply chain strikes.
Where people get this wrong
A sub-contractor failing to show up or normal rain is not force majeure. It has to be an exceptional, unavoidable event.
Real-world example
A once-in-a-century hurricane hits the coast and halts all work for three weeks. The builder invokes force majeure, so those three weeks don't count against their deadline.
Where this hits your build
This comes up early, before construction starts. It affects your contract, your budget, or both. Misunderstanding it can cost you money or leverage.
Most people do not just struggle with terms. They struggle with the decisions tied to them.
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