Construction projects help our cities and towns grow. If you are a construction company owner and are involved in a dispute, it can put those projects on hold.
Construction disputes
One of the most common construction disputes involves non-payment or a delayed payment. Once the work is finished, the other party may claim that the work was incomplete or that it didn’t meet their standards. Then, they may refuse to pay in violation of the construction contract.
The other party may also request changes or additions to the work during the project and then dispute that the work was completed. If the other party believes there is a defect with the work, they may dispute who is responsible for fixing it or who must pay for the repair.
Resolving a dispute
There are several options to resolve a dispute. The parties involved may choose to meet and discuss the issue through an informal negotiation with the goal of finding a mutually acceptable resolution.
Sometimes, they can decide the outcome through mediation or arbitration, where a neutral third party helps the parties resolve their concerns. The parties can also file a lawsuit and go to court. This may involve hiring an expert who is familiar with the construction industry and can make a recommendation about the outcome.
It’s common that the parties may choose to start with informal methods and move to a more formal setting if necessary. If the dispute resolution is addressed correctly, the parties can maintain a good working relationship which may be useful for future projects.