Construction Delay Disputes

How to resolve a construction delay dispute.

Delays in the delivery of a construction project or part of a project can be costly to investors and clients.  

If a project is not completed by the contracted date or within a reasonable timeframe as defined by the contract, then this may give rise to a claim for damages. The first step is to consider what caused the delay. Was it weather related, late delivery of material, late payment or lack of skilled workmanship?

Whatever the cause, it is important to take a proactive project management approach during the works in order to reduce risks of delays in delivery of the project. You should consider whether you have a contractual obligation to notify your client of any delays and make sure this has been complied with. It is advisable to notify your client in writing in view of keeping clear record of evidence of proactive management. You should also consider whether there are available options to remedy the delay and notify the client of how this will impact the budget and agree on a way forward.

To resolve a construction delay dispute, there are a couple of different options:

1.      Negotiations with the other side. A solicitor can assist you in taking an amicable approach to resolve any disputes in a cost-efficient manner to preserve your commercial relationship.

2.      Arbitration. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution where parties out the disputed issued out of course. An impartial third party listens to their case and makes a decision. This may be provided for in the contract as the resolution method.

3.      Adjudication. This may also be provided in the contract as the resolution method for any disputes. A third party will usually make an enforceable decision within a set period of time. It can assist you in resolving construction projects disputes.

4.      Litigation. A dispute can also be resolved through the English courts. Our specialist team at Stefani Solicitors can advise and represent you in construction disputes.

Stefani Solicitors assists international clients with their cross-border construction disputes.

Italian speaking construction disputes solicitor: Fernanda Stefani Araujo on hello@stefanisolicitors.com or 020 8161 0518

Tamil speaking construction disputes solicitor Rajah Thavalou rajaht@stefanisolicitors.com or 020 8161 0518

Portuguese speaking construction disputes solicitor Fernanda Stefani Araujo on hello@stefanisolicitors.com or 020 8161 0518

Hindi speaking construction disputes solicitor Rajah Thavalou rajaht@stefanisolicitors.com or 020 8161 0518