Australia is a land of endless construction. It only takes a walk through one of our city centres or a drive through a rural plain to know that construction is big industry Down Under. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that construction disputes arise on a regular basis. Whether it’s a problem of scope, a budgeting issue or a contract discrepancy, there are many reasons why builders, clients and suppliers often end up squabbling over something they perceive didn’t go their way.
But there are ways to avoid an exacerbating construction dispute, something which the best building lawyer Melbourne has can assist you with.
They will provide you the following advice and more to ensure you can avoid any ongoing dramas and keep the works in motion:
What kind of construction disputes arise in construction?
The reasons why disputes arise in construction are wide and varied, especially if a work has numerous alterations, budgetary problems, holdups and added variations that can inhibit the work being completed.
These issues can cause problems with contract stipulations as well as irritate subcontractors, with the problems often ending up in court, something in which everyone should want to avoid!
Regardless of whether it’s a timing problem, budget issue or a lack of communication between builder and property owner, supplier and builder etc. you are going to want to deal with the issue before it can end up in court, as this can be a real pain for all parties involved (not to mention slow down the process of completing the works!).
The best building lawyer Melbourne has available will be able to help you navigate this unfortunate situation, but here are some extra pieces of advice to carry with you to avoid a dispute arising in the first place:
Communicate with the other party
Whether you’re a builder or property owner, it’s imperative that you are in regular contact with one another. This ensures that you’re both aware of where the work is at and that you’re both sticking to your obligations.
Be open to discuss any changes
It’s important that you keep an open mind when it comes to the building’s construction. We would all love the home to be built exactly to our desired ideal, but there are inevitable, unavoidable changes in construction, and so it’s important to talk with your builder and their subcontractors if there are any changes that need to be made.
Keep all parties updated regarding alterations
There are always going to be construction alterations, but the main thing is ensuring that all vested interests are aware of their occurrence and have no problems with them going ahead.
Maintain documents throughout the whole process
It is essential to maintain documentation throughout the construction process to ensure that no alterations go unwritten.
Contracts are at the heart of any construction process
Legally binding contracts are imperative to the construction process, as they protect all parties involved so that unfortunate discrepancies don’t occur and largely derail the process.
Ensure the contract is clear & well-written
The last thing you want is a confusing contract that makes little sense to either party. Therefore, ensure that the contract is well-written to avoid any disputes or loopholes that could be used against you further into the construction process.
Ensure that everyone has read & understood the contract
This is imperative as you don’t want one party reading the contract only to not understand it and make a costly mistake. It’s imperative that everyone has read and fully understands their obligations so as to avoid a really frustrating dispute down the track.