Construction projects are always ambitious. The act of creating something out of nothing is understandably complicated. Because of this, construction contracts are also complicated and prone to dispute. Legal proceedings are expensive and time consuming, according to construction consultant Lyle Charles, which is why it is beneficial for all parties to keep the issue out of court. Here are a few tips to settle your construction dispute faster.
- Communication
Construction projects hinge on a contract between the person paying for the project and the company providing construction & turnaround services. The contract spells out when, where and how the work should be completed. Even the most explicit contracts, however, are subject to change. This is why constant communication between all parties is essential. All parties should discuss changes as they occur in order to minimize conflict.
- Consultants
A construction consultant is a third party who is hired to facilitate communication between the person paying for the project and the builder. These consultants know how to streamline communication, which can provide a buffer that prevents conflict. Consultants can settle disputes before legal proceedings are necessary.
- Mediation
When legal disputes seem inevitable, private mediation is the best solution. With mediation, legal issues are aired in a professional setting with a third party. This third party can then guide the discussion and ultimately resolve the conflict. The process is flexible and voluntary, and it often settles disputes faster than actual court dates. This not only saves time but money as well, making mediation an excellent tool.