Building Dispute Resolution & Contract Advice

OGP Consulting has extensive experience in resolving building disputes as RICS party advisors and dispute resolvers. Common disputes OGP have successfully resolved include:

Contractual Issues

  • Ambiguities in Contract Terms: Vague or unclear contract terms can lead to different interpretations by the involved parties.
  • Breach of Contract: One party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, such as not completing work on time or not adhering to agreed-upon specifications.

Payment Disputes

  • Non-Payment or Delayed Payment: Disagreements over payment schedules, withheld payments, or non-payment for completed work.
  • Cost Overruns: Unexpected increases in project costs, leading to disputes over who is responsible for covering the additional expenses.

Quality of Work

  • Defective Workmanship: Poor quality work that does not meet the agreed-upon standards or specifications.
  • Use of Substandard Materials: Contractors using materials that are inferior to what was specified in the contract.

Time Delays

  • Project Delays: Delays in the construction timeline, often leading to additional costs and contractual penalties.
  • Extension of Time Claims: Disputes over whether delays are justified and if extensions should be granted.

Variations and Change Orders

  • Scope Changes: Disagreements over changes to the original scope of work, whether they were authorized, and how they should be compensated.
  • Extra Work Claims: Claims for additional payment due to extra work not covered in the original contract.

Site Conditions

  • Unforeseen Conditions: Discovery of unexpected site conditions such as soil issues or environmental contamination, leading to additional work and costs.
  • Access Issues: Problems with site access that hinder the progress of construction.

Design Issues

  • Design Errors or Omissions: Flaws in architectural or engineering designs that cause construction issues or require redesigns.
  • Non-Compliance with Regulations: Designs that do not meet local building codes or regulations, necessitating changes.

Health and Safety Concerns

  • Unsafe Working Conditions: Disputes arising from unsafe construction practices or environments.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with health and safety regulations, leading to legal and financial repercussions.

Communication Breakdowns

  • Poor Communication: Lack of clear, consistent communication between parties, leading to misunderstandings and errors.
  • Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Ineffective mechanisms for resolving disputes when they arise, prolonging conflicts.

Warranty and Maintenance Issues

  • Post-Completion Problems: Disputes over issues that arise after the completion of construction, such as defects covered by warranty.
  • Maintenance Responsibilities: Disagreements over who is responsible for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
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