Building Dispute Solicitors

A building dispute is a disagreement between parties involved in a construction or renovation project. This can involve homeowners, developers, contractors, subcontractors or building professionals such as architects and surveyors.

Common causes include defective workmanship, unpaid invoices, project delays, breaches of contract and disagreements over the scope of works. Disputes can arise at any stage of a project, from initial groundworks through to issues discovered after practical completion.

Getting early legal advice is important. Acting quickly can help you preserve evidence, protect your legal position and avoid steps that could complicate or weaken your claim.

Yes. If a builder has carried out work to a substandard level, you may have a claim for breach of contract and/or negligence. This could cover the cost of remedying the defective work, losses arising from the defects and any associated costs.

To bring a successful claim, you will generally need to demonstrate that the work fell below the contractual or common law standard, which typically requires an independent expert report. Time limits also apply. Under the Limitation Act 1980, claims for breach of contract must usually be brought within six years of the breach.

Our building dispute solicitors and building dispute lawyers can assess your position, advise on the strength of your claim and guide you through the process from start to finish.

Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process available to parties under a construction contract. It is governed by the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and provides a binding decision, usually within 28 days of the dispute being referred.

Adjudication is commonly used in payment disputes, claims for unpaid invoices and disputes over defects or delays. It is often quicker and more cost-effective than court proceedings, and the decision is temporarily binding while the parties retain the right to have the matter determined finally by court or arbitration.

Our team advises on and represents clients in adjudication proceedings, ensuring your case is properly prepared and effectively presented within the tight timeframes involved.

In most cases, claims for breach of contract must be brought within six years of the date of the breach, under the Limitation Act 1980. For claims in negligence, the limitation period is generally six years from when the damage occurred, though in some cases it runs from when the defect was or should reasonably have been discovered.

Where defects only emerge some time after completion, the position can be more complex and specialist advice is important. Acting early is always advisable to preserve your options.

Our building dispute solicitors can advise on the limitation position in your specific case and ensure you take the right steps within the relevant time limits.

Strong evidence is essential in any building dispute. Relevant documentation typically includes the original contract or written agreement, correspondence with the builder, invoices and payment records, photographs of the works and any defects, and estimates from other contractors to remedy defective or incomplete work.

An independent expert report from a suitably qualified surveyor or engineer is often critical, particularly where defective workmanship is alleged. Expert evidence helps establish whether the standard of work fell below what was contractually or legally required.

Our solicitors can advise on the evidence needed in your specific case and help you gather and present it effectively.

Yes, many building disputes are resolved without formal court proceedings. Options include direct negotiation, mediation, expert determination and adjudication, all of which can provide quicker and more cost-effective outcomes than litigation.

The most appropriate route will depend on the nature of the dispute, the amount at stake and the relationship between the parties. Our solicitors will advise you on the best approach for your circumstances and seek early resolution wherever it is practical to do so.

Where court proceedings do become necessary, we will prepare your case thoroughly and provide strong representation throughout.

The cost will depend on the nature and complexity of your dispute, the method of resolution and whether expert evidence is required. At Osbourne Pinner, we are committed to transparent pricing and will explain our fee structure clearly from the outset.

Fixed fee arrangements are available for certain stages of a matter, giving you greater certainty over costs. During your free 30-minute consultation, we will provide an initial assessment of likely costs and discuss the most cost-effective approach to resolving your dispute.

Yes. If you’re looking for solicitors specialising in building disputes, we offer a free initial 30-minute consultation to discuss your situation and provide clear, practical guidance on your options. During this consultation, our building dispute solicitors will assess the key issues in your case, outline your legal position and explain the next steps without any obligation.

You can speak with us in person at our offices in Harrow, Canary Wharf, Piccadilly Circus or Manchester, or arrange a consultation via video call at a time that suits you.