Dispute Resolution in Building Projects

Many building or construction projects run smoothly, with both the builders and property owners very happy with the completed job. However we all know the horror stories of unfinished work or sloppy standards in construction leaving the property in a dreadful state, yet claiming the work is finished to the agreed standards. Sadly this happens all too often, and usually there is very little in terms of a contract for what can be very expensive projects. If you’re in this situation, Ashworth Law can help – we have a specialist team who can advise on both your legal rights, and can bring in surveyors to confirm any sub-standard works.

More often than not, the best course of action is to resolve the matter with your original builder – bringing in a new contractor to remedy the more final details of a project will cost far more than to get the original contractor to do this. This will always be the first course of action, however in some cases such a remedy is not possible. Rest assured however that our specialist building and construction disputes solicitors will always work with you to find the most cost-effective solution.

Issues with sub-standard builders or rogue traders

Dealing with a sub standard builder can be very stressful for many home-owners. Often ‘blinded with science’ by the builder, home owners can feel very uncomfortable challenging the builder, never mind issuing a demand that works are completed within a certain time and to a certain standard. Our team can advise on how best to do this, or how to get the builders to return after they feel the work is complete to address minor ‘snags’ or more major defects they have left behind.

Issues with dishonest property owners

In some cases the issues lie with the property owner, not the builder, who has done a good job to the agreed standard, only to find the property owner disputes payment. In such cases, both our construction disputes solicitors and our debt recovery team can act on your behalf to ensure dishonest home owners do not get away with such practises.

The importance of contracts in building projects

Many of the disputes we deal with every day could have been avoided altogether had even the most basic contract been in place from the start. All too often at the outset of a project both builder and home owner believe the relationship alone is sufficient, and agree the works without any contract in place. We strongly recommend that for even modest projects, the preparation of a simple contract detailing the scope of work, quality standards, cost and payment details gives all parties the reassurance needed to make the project run smoothly from the outset. Typically a very small investment in the overall scheme of the project, our team can prepare such a document quickly and cost effectively, minimising the risk of problems later in the project.