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Home / Glossary / Price Escalation Clause
Glossary

What is a price escalation clause?

A price escalation clause is a contract term that adjusts the contract price when the cost of materials, labour or fuel rises or falls beyond an agreed limit during the contract period, usually by reference to published price indices.

Price Escalation Clause explained

Without one, a fixed-price contractor carries the risk of rising costs, which matters on long projects. With one, the contract states which inputs are covered, the base date, how the change is measured and when it applies.

Many contracts exclude the first stretch of the contract period or limit escalation to a share of the contract value. The clause as written is what counts, so read it before bidding.

Keeping a record of the rates paid month by month gives the evidence needed to support an escalation claim.

How ARC PEM helps

Every vendor bill and wage entry keeps its date and rate, with a change history for each ledger entry, which gives you the record to support a claim. See all features.

Frequently asked questions

Does every construction contract have price escalation?
No. Many private contracts are fixed price and leave cost risk with the contractor. Long-duration and government contracts more often include an escalation clause.
How is escalation calculated?
As the clause states, typically by comparing a published price index for the covered inputs at the base date and at the date of the work.

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