Building work disputes cover disagreements arising during the design, development or completion of building projects, including defective work, delay, cost overruns, defects, variations to the contract, and payment disputes under construction contracts such as JCT and NEC. A solicitor in this area will advise on contract interpretation, pursue or defend claims for money or performance, prepare and serve notices, draft and respond to adjudication demands, liaise with engineers and surveyors, prepare court or arbitral proceedings, and negotiate settlements or interim solutions while protecting the client’s position in the project timeline and budget.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
These matters hinge on contract terms, statutory rights to payment, and the interplay between design responsibility and site duties. A solicitor handles the drafting and assessment of contract clauses, manages adjudication under the Construction Act, prepares and responds to payment notices, arranges expert evidence, and navigates court or arbitration stages if disputes escalate, preserving leverage over time-critical milestones and financial exposure.