Early warning: definition and example
In an NEC contract, a notice either side gives as soon as it sees something that could raise the cost or delay the job.
By Jack Butler-Kettle · Updated
Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job.
What it means in practice
Read this alongside the NEC Dictionary of Terms.
An early warning identifies a developing risk so the parties can consider measures to reduce its effects. Under NEC it has a management purpose distinct from compensation-event notification. Giving one does not automatically satisfy every other notice requirement or establish an entitlement to extra payment.
Record the risk, possible effects and proposed response. Compensation event loss prevention helps keep risk notices and entitlement notices distinct.
Worked example
The facts
A subcontractor learns that a specified component may arrive later than expected.
What happens
It gives the required warning and identifies the installation activities at risk.
It separately checks whether the facts require another contractual notice.
What this shows
The warning supports mitigation, while the payment and time consequences remain separate contractual questions.
Sources
- NEC Dictionary of Terms. NEC Contracts.