FREE TOOLS / CONSTRUCTION

French Construction Delay Penalty Calculator

Contract amount and days late: calculate the delay penalty using the CCAG Travaux default formula (V × R / 3000), with an optional cap and a day-by-day progression.

Override only if your CCAP sets a different rate.

Leave blank if your contract sets no cap.

FAQ
How are delay penalties calculated on a French construction site?

By default on a French public works contract, the CCAG Travaux (article 19.2) applies a daily penalty equal to the contract's amount excl. VAT divided by 3000, multiplied by the number of days late: P = V × R / 3000. This rate only applies if the CCAP (the contract's specific administrative clauses) doesn't set a different one — this calculator lets you override the divisor if yours does.

Does the 1/3000 rate apply to every contract?

It's the default rate under the CCAG Travaux for public works contracts. On a private contract, whatever penalty clause is written into the contract applies — it often follows the same formula by convention, but nothing requires it. Always check the CCAP or the signed contract.

Is there a cap on delay penalties?

The CCAP can set a cap, often around 10% of the contract amount, but this isn't automatic. This calculator lets you enter your own cap percentage to see exactly when it would be reached — leave it blank to see the uncapped formula result.

Does the client have to issue formal notice before applying the penalty?

No — under the CCAG Travaux regime, penalties are incurred automatically as soon as the project supervisor (maître d'œuvre) records the delay, with no formal notice required beforehand. A private contract may set a different procedure — check its specific clauses.

TRACK SCHEDULE RISK BEFORE IT BECOMES A PENALTY

A delay penalty means a schedule already slipped. Mirage helps construction companies bidding on French projects track progress and contractual deadlines before delay turns into a bill.

See Construction Intelligence