How do I prevent a construction dispute before it happens?

Aug 7 2018      On Behalf of  David M. Duree & Associates, P.C.      Construction And Engineering Disputes

Entering into a construction contract is an exciting time, especially when you are building your dream home or are constructing your new office. Things can quickly turn sour when you and the contractor get into a dispute. So, how do you prevent a construction dispute before it happens?

One of the best ways to avoid a construction dispute before it happens is to read the contract. Don’t skim the contract. Read it word for word from beginning to end. This will help you find mistakes in the agreement or omissions that could wind up leading to disputes down the road.

Both you and the contractor hired for the project need to agree to realistic completion dates. Set a schedule that has different dates along the way for every section of the project. Set realistic dates for these deadlines, so you are not disappointed when there are setbacks, or you are not seeing progress by the time noted in the contract.

If any issues arise with the project, make sure you document them immediately. You can then bring them to the attention of the foreman or the contractor. When problems are addressed in real-time, they can be fixed in a reasonable amount of time.

Review the disputes clause in the contract before signing it. Know what it says and what you are required to do in the event a dispute arises. If you wait to read this clause until there is a dispute, you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

Construction disputes can be as minor as a disagreement over the choice of material used or as large as an issue with actual work performed. You can work to avoid these disputes by following the tips outlined in this post. If you are involved in a dispute, it’s best to have your attorney review the contract.