Direct Answer
When the GC requests schedule acceleration, evaluate whether it's technically achievable, quantify the cost premium (overtime, additional shifts, expedited material), and submit a Change Order Proposal before agreeing to the acceleration. Do not agree to accelerate for free — overtime and second-shift premiums are real costs that are rightfully passed to the party that created the delay requiring acceleration.
Full Explanation
Acceleration options and their costs: (1) Overtime — typically 1.5× labor rate for hours over 40/week, with diminishing returns above 50 hours/week. (2) Second shift — adds crew overhead (supervision, setup time) and a shift differential premium. (3) Expedited material — mill premium for priority scheduling or service center premium for immediate availability. (4) Adding capacity from another shop — adds coordination complexity and quality control burden. Quantify each option with actual costs before presenting to the GC.
What This Means for Your Shop
Acceleration without compensation is a transfer of risk from the party who caused the delay (GC, engineer, owner) to you. Never absorb acceleration costs without a written Change Order.
Common Mistakes
Agreeing verbally to 'push' on the schedule without pricing the cost. Three weeks of second-shift overtime on a 10-person crew can cost $150,000+ — money you won't recover without documentation.
Recommended Process
When acceleration is requested, respond within 48 hours with: (1) the achievable revised milestone dates, (2) the cost premium per the breakdown above, and (3) the conditions required (design freeze, RFI response commitments from the engineer). Get sign-off before proceeding.