Contracts & ExecutionQuestion 829 of 1605
In the absence of a 'time is of the essence' clause or a specified completion date, a contractor is generally obligated to complete the work:
a.Only after full payment is received
b.Within exactly 30 days by law
c.Within a reasonable time under the circumstances
d.Whenever the contractor eventually chooses, with no limit
Explanation
When a contract does not specify a completion date or make time essential, the law implies that performance must occur within a reasonable time given the nature and circumstances of the work. The contractor cannot delay indefinitely, but a minor delay is not automatically a material breach. There is no automatic 30-day rule, and completion is generally not conditioned on receiving full payment in advance.
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Reviewed by Abraham Chen — Licensed California General Contractor (CSLB License #1101856 — verify)