If you are in need of a construction dispute lawyer, we are here to help. Our specialist team of construction dispute lawyers prioritises the early, commercial resolution of construction disputes, enabling our clients to focus on preserving important commercial relationships, completing their project, and saving time and money.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
How can a Construction Dispute Lawyer help?
A construction dispute lawyer possesses a unique skill set. Not only do we have a deep understanding of the UK legal system and the laws governing construction disputes, but we also understand the nuances of the construction industry and the challenges faced by businesses operating within it. As a result, we offer not only legal support but also commercially focused and pragmatic advice aimed at achieving our clients’ desired outcomes as swiftly as possible.
Due to the complexities of the construction industry, in which multiple stakeholders work to tight timelines and budgets, it is prone to disputes. These disputes can arise at any stage of a project and, if not handled properly, can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even the failure of a project.
Just a few of the disputes that commonly arise in the construction industry and with which a construction dispute lawyer will be familiar include the following:
- Payment Disputes
Payment issues are among the most common types of disputes in the UK construction industry. Delayed payments, underpayments, or non-payments can arise for a variety of reasons, including disagreements over the scope of the work, quality issues, cash flow problems, or a business going insolvent.
- Delay Disputes
Delays in construction projects can cause significant tension between stakeholders and have severe cost implications. Some common causes of delays in the construction industry include the late delivery of materials or equipment, labour shortages, unexpected site conditions, weather conditions, and poor project management or coordination.
- Defective Work and Quality Issues
Another frequent source of disputes in the construction industry is defective work or the use of substandard materials. These disputes can surface during a project or following its completion.
- Contractual disputes
The contractual documentation governing stakeholder relationships can be incredibly complex, and disputes frequently arise due to issues such as ambiguous contract terms, differing interpretations, and lack of clarity over risk allocation.
- Disputes over changes in the scope of works.
Changes in the scope of work are part and parcel of construction projects. However, disagreements about the necessity, cost, and implementation of variations are a major source of conflict. For example, when a contractor carries out work outside of the original scope and then demands payment for the additional work, disputes can arise.
How does a Construction Dispute Lawyer resolve disputes?
A construction dispute lawyer should always seek the quickest and most cost-efficient way of resolving a dispute. This usually means avoiding litigation and instead utilising alternative dispute resolution methods, such as negotiation or mediation. These methods allow the parties to get back to work and complete the project and can help to preserve important business relationships.
The Construction Act 1996 gives the parties to a construction contract the statutory right to refer a dispute to adjudication. Adjudication is quick – an adjudicator must decide the issue within 28 days – so it can facilitate a quick, practical resolution to a dispute and minimise any disruption to a project.
While the adjudicator’s decision is binding on the parties, meaning there is no right to appeal, the process is intended to be a temporary solution until the parties have time to resolve the dispute permanently, for example, through litigation. However, in reality, most parties accept the adjudicator’s decision and move on.
However, the expedited nature of arbitration means that it may be unsuitable for more complex construction disputes. In these cases, your construction dispute lawyer may advise initiating court proceedings, but usually only if other, less formal dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, have failed to resolve the matter.
How much does a Construction Lawyer charge?
Most construction dispute lawyers charge on an hourly basis, meaning your legal costs will depend on how long your case takes to resolve. At Altion Law, we are entirely transparent about our billing processes and will ensure you understand how we charge from the outset. We will provide regular costs estimates and breakdowns, so you can see the work we are undertaking on your behalf, and we will answer questions you have about fees promptly and comprehensively.
Our construction dispute lawyers are committed to offering high-quality legal advice at competitive rates. Our involvement at an early stage of a dispute will ensure its swift, effective resolution, thereby saving you money in the long run.
For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990, alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.
