Building Dispute Solicitors - Expert Resolution of Construction Conflicts

Building disputes can derail construction projects, damage business relationships, and result in significant financial losses. Whether you're dealing with defective work, payment disputes, or contract breaches, specialist building dispute solicitors provide the expertise needed for swift and effective resolution.

What Our Building Dispute Solicitors Can Help With

• Defective Work Claims: Pursuing compensation for poor workmanship and building defects
• Payment Disputes: Recovering unpaid invoices and challenging payment deductions
• Contract Disputes: Breaches of construction contracts and warranty claims
• Delay Claims: Compensation for project delays and extension of time disputes
• Variation Disputes: Disagreements over additional work and cost variations
• Professional Negligence: Claims against architects, engineers, and surveyors
• Final Account Disputes: Resolution of disagreements over project costs
• Retention Money Claims: Recovering withheld retention funds

Common Building Dispute Scenarios

Property Owner Disputes:

• Contractor abandoning work before completion
• Poor quality workmanship requiring expensive remedial work
• Significant delays causing financial loss and inconvenience
• Contractors demanding payment for disputed variations
• Health and safety breaches on construction sites
• Planning and building regulation non-compliance

Contractor Disputes:

• Clients refusing to pay invoices or final accounts
• Unfair deductions from payments and retention money
• Disputes over the value of additional work
• Claims for extensions of time due to client delays
• Set-off claims and contra-charges by clients
• Insolvency of clients or main contractors

Construction Dispute Resolution Methods

Construction Adjudication:

• Fast Track Process: Decisions within 28 days
• Statutory Right: Available for all construction contracts
• Interim Binding: Decisions binding until final resolution
• Cost Effective: Lower costs than court litigation
• Specialist Adjudicators: Construction industry experts
• Payment Disputes: Particularly effective for payment claims

Alternative Dispute Resolution:

• Mediation: Facilitated negotiations with neutral mediator
• Expert Determination: Technical experts deciding specific issues
• Arbitration: Private tribunal with binding decision
• Early Neutral Evaluation: Independent assessment of case merits

Court Litigation:

• Technology and Construction Court (TCC)
• County Court for smaller value claims
• Enforcement of adjudication decisions
• Final determination of complex disputes

Types of Building Defects

Structural Defects:

• Foundation problems and subsidence
• Structural cracking and movement
• Roof and wall structural failures
• Load-bearing element defects

Weather Protection Defects:

• Water ingress and damp problems
• Roof leaks and gutter failures
• Window and door defects
• Cavity wall insulation problems

Services and Systems:

• Electrical installation defects
• Plumbing and heating system failures
• Ventilation and air conditioning problems
• Fire safety system defects

Building Dispute Costs and Timescales

Construction Adjudication:

• Adjudicator fees: £1,000-£5,000
• Legal costs: £5,000-£25,000
• Expert fees: £2,000-£10,000
• Timescale: 28 days from notice

Court Litigation:

• Legal costs: £10,000-£100,000+
• Court fees: £154-£10,000 (depending on claim value)
• Expert witness fees: £5,000-£25,000
• Timescale: 12-24 months to trial

Mediation:

• Mediator fees: £1,000-£3,000 per day
• Legal costs: £2,000-£10,000
• Timescale: 1-3 days
• Success rate: 75-85% of cases settle

Why Choose SolicitorConnect for Building Disputes

• Construction Dispute Specialists: Solicitors focusing on building and construction disputes
• Adjudication Expertise: Experienced in fast-track adjudication procedures
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of construction processes and building defects
• Commercial Approach: Focusing on practical solutions and business objectives
• Court Experience: Proven track record in Technology and Construction Court
• Cost Management: Transparent fee arrangements and cost budgeting

Early legal intervention in building disputes can often resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively, protecting both your project and business relationships.

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.