It takes many moving parts to get a construction project up and running. Everyone from suppliers to contractors to property owners and subcontractors works together to see a project through from its planning stages to the final days of construction.
However, with so many different parties involved, disputes are inevitable. Thus, it is important to understand the most common sources of disputes and what you can potentially do to avoid them.
Workmanship disputes
Jobsite discusses some of the most common forms of dispute in the construction industry. They include disputes over workmanship, disputes over building materials, disputes over overpayment, and disputes over the timeline of the job or unexpected delays in meeting the deadline.
Workmanship disputes will center around the quality of the work done. Construction contracts should always specify the level to which a person expects a job to reach, but shoddy workmanship can happen regardless of your contract. Address all issues with the quality of work as fast as possible so you do not run into payment issues.
Building material disputes
Building material disputes often center around the use of substandard materials or a failure to adhere to the language in a contract. Always use the materials requested unless it poses a safety concern or the materials are not available. If they are not, always discuss it with the contractor immediately.
Payment and timeline disputes
Next, payment disputes happen if one party fails to pay the other. You can use a Mechanics’ lien to get your money, or turn to litigation if you must, but it is a frustrating experience either way.
Finally, you have timeline disputes. Try to aim to finish projects promptly and avoid small issues that can snowball into larger, deadline-interrupting problems.