Construction Dispute Lawyers
Expert dispute resolution services for the construction industry
Disputes are a reality for those operating in the construction industry. Whatever your professional role, the specialist construction team at Osbornes can assist you in resolving them favourably.
Experienced construction disputes solicitors
Whether you are a contractor, developer, investor, property owner, or specialist subcontractor, the construction team at Osbornes can help you overcome whatever problems you might face. Our team comprises specialist solicitors with many years of experience, advising on everything from straightforward subcontractor payment issues to complex, multi-party development projects. We draw on our deep sector knowledge to resolve your dispute quickly, collect money owed, and get your project back on track with minimum disruption.
Our commercial approach
Formal litigation should always be a last resort in construction. That is why we support you from the earliest stages of a construction dispute, minimising contractual risks from the very start of a project. When a dispute arises, we will discuss the various Alternative Dispute Resolution options with you, such as negotiation, mediation, adjudication or arbitration to avoid lengthy and expensive litigation.
Specific issues we regularly advise on include:
- Breach of contract claims
- Damages claims for substandard workmanship
- Professional negligence claims
- Claims for remedial works
- Claims for delays and disruption where the work is not completed within agreed timescales
- Recovering retention payments and unpaid debts
- Insurance-related issues
We work with all the standard form contracts such as JCT, ACA, NEC and FIDIC, as well as bespoke contracts. We have the experience to get you the best results, whatever your issue or claim.
To learn more about our services, or for a confidential discussion about your situation, please call our construction dispute solicitors today.
Shilpa really helped us take charge of the situation and helped resolve this property dispute. I would not hesitate to recommend her or the team to anyone in a similar situation.
On first meeting Shilpa I was sure that she understood immediately my requirements, and was sympathetic both to my financial restraints and my emotional state. She achieved everything I asked of her and proved to be invaluable, professional and efficient
At every step Shilpa alleviated any concerns and stresses we had. Always fast to respond, always professional and super knowledgeable.
Shilpa has helped us through some key property litigation matters (residential and commercial) since 2014 and has delivered on every occasion. One particular issue had kept us in a state of stress and tension for almost a decade and after getting in touch with Shilpa she was able to help us bring the matter to a peaceful and successful conclusion.
I received a call from Shilpa Mathuradas a couple of hours after filling the enquiry form for a callback. She actively listened to my party wall concerns responding with gentle professionalism, answering my concerns, letting me know what is and is not possible and when best to bring in a solicitor. All this within 10 minutes. Excellent.
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
Excellent in every aspect.
If I had another reason to have to seek legal advice again, I wouldn’t hesitate to use Shilpa, and would recommend her to anybody who needed legal advice.
Shilpa was professional, realistic, and unflappable. Shilpa managed to persuade a reluctant witness to come forward to support my case. She obviously knows her subject very well.
I always had full confidence in Shilpa keeping my best interests at heart. I often didn’t understand the legal language, and she would follow this up with a phone call and patiently explain.
Construction dispute FAQs
What are some common types of construction disputes?
Most construction activities involve a number of parties including building contractors, architects, engineers, site supervisors and specialist subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, plasterers, roofers, steelwork experts and so on). All of these people work together to deliver the construction project for the client.
Disputes can arise between any of those people over just about anything. Common issues include:
- Payment problems
- Delays in completion
- Work not completed to quality standards
- Unsafe or defective work
- Damage to third-party properties
- Failure to get the proper building consents
- Disputes relating to variations
- Problems with the design
Osbornes’ extensive experience means we can advise you on any type of dispute, and help you find the most efficient and cost-effective way to resolve it.
Who is to blame for the construction dispute?
Because so many people are involved in a construction project, you may end up going round in circles not knowing who is responsible for the problem. Usually, parties to construction contracts will try to include provisions that limit their duties and liabilities, and it is not unusual for people to try and shift the blame.
This is where the right legal support can help.
We will review your situation thoroughly to determine who has suffered loss, who is responsible for causing or contributing to the loss, and what the best strategy is for making (or defending) a claim. As a first step, contact us to discuss your matter. A specialist lawyer from our construction team will discuss the circumstances of your dispute and advise you of the next steps.
What is the best method for resolving my construction dispute?
This will depend on your goals, time constraints, budget, risk tolerance, and the unique facts of your case. Sometimes it may only take a single letter to get the issue resolved. Other times, we may suggest some form of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration or having a third-party expert make a decision about your dispute.
Where necessary, we will fight your case in court.
Are there any time limits for bringing a construction dispute claim?
Generally, a construction claim will either be:
- For breach of contract, where someone breached any of the agreed-upon conditions of a written or oral contract
- For negligence, where the construction professional did not do their job with reasonable care, skill and diligence
Claims for breach of contract and negligence must be issued within 6 years.
For latent defects, where the problem is hidden and could not reasonably have been discovered within the 6-year time limit, you have an extra 3 years to bring a claim.
Limitation periods are incredibly complex. It’s best to consult a solicitor as soon as possible to make sure that you are not out of time.
What is the process for making or defending a construction claim?
The process for making or defending a claim will depend on the nature of the dispute and the exact terms of your construction contract. However, the standard forms of contract rarely give all the answers, so we almost certainly will need to collect additional evidence and documents to ensure a successful claim or defence.
This might include contractor’s records, correspondence, chronologies and witness evidence. Often, we will seek advice from independent experts to support your case.
Osbornes specialise in the preparation and defence of construction claims. Please call us to find out how we can assist you.
Why choose Osbornes’ construction team?
Construction projects involve complex work, contracts and relationships. When a dispute occurs, you will need expert advice from a specialist team on the myriad of legal, technical and factual issues that arise, as well as the best strategy for resolving the dispute in your favour. Here’s why we’re that team:
- 40+ years of experience resolving construction disputes
- Residential and commercial construction projects, of all values and complexity
- Well-established track record handling cases through Alternative Dispute Resolution, as well as litigation
Property News & InsightsVIEW ALL
27.10.2023The Building Safety Act 2022
This much awaited Act was introduced into Parliament on 5th May 2021 as a consequence of the Hackitt Report on Building...
Read more- 22.8.2023
“Reasonableness” of Service Charges
It is well known that the relevant costs that a landlord incurs in the provision of services, repairs improvements, maintenance...
Read more - 5.2.2023
Japanese Knotweed: Knot in my backyard again!
Many will have read the recent case in which a furniture designer pursued his seller successfully after he moved into...
Read more 
9.6.2022TOLATA Claims
What are trusts of land? Property ownership is not always a straightforward legal issue, particularly where the parties are cohabitees...
Read more- 8.6.2022
Right to Light Explained
Right to Light Law in the UK Property owners have a legal right to light as set out in the...
Read more 
8.6.2022Landlords and the Dangers of Rent-to-Rent
Rent-to-Rent refers to the practice of landlords letting a whole property to a tenant (usually a limited company), which is...
Read more- 9.11.2021
Can I still claim adverse possession?
The principle of “adverse possession” commonly known as “squatters rights” is a principle which allows a person who does not...
Read more 
5.10.2021Buying a property where a Party Wall Award...
Buying a house with a party wall agreement Buying a property can already be a stressful process but finding out...
Read more- 26.6.2021
The Risks Of Buying Properties Off Plan!
The Daily Mail reported that 300 families a week have to move into shoddy newly built homes. Not all will have...
Read more 
7.5.2021Costly clauses missed by lawyers in leasehold contracts
A mum has been left facing a bill of millions of pounds a year for the ground rent of her...
Read more- 8.5.2020
Easements – Five Questions Answered
What is an easement? An easement is a right benefitting a piece of land (known as the dominant land) that...
Read more 
6.2.2020‘Glass in Hand’ Lecture – Should we be nervous...
Hampstead residents will be able to find out about their legal rights when trees damage or overhang their property, next...
Read more- 11.10.2019
Government eviction reforms “risk increasing delays”
Government plans to end so-called ‘no fault’ evictions – and at the same time expand what amounts to a good reason...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Squatting-will the new law provide homeowners with increased...
On Saturday 1 September 2012 a new law came into force which makes squatting in a residential building an offence punishable by...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Osbornes win 5 day trial in property dispute at...
In 1985 clients of Osbornes, Mr and Mrs Ali-Khan, purchased a house. For various reasons they were not able to obtain...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Canary Wharf v EMA
EMA Decision: Brexit Does Not Frustrate Commercial Property Lease The largely anticipated decision in the case of Canary Wharf v...
Read more - 13.8.2019
Rogue landlord ordered to pay tenant over £20,000 in...
A team of our housing solicitors were successful in a longstanding claim against a rogue landlord concerning a conduct of...
Read more - 12.8.2019
Basement developments- How to fight back
Basement developments are growing ever more popular, particularly in wealthy London boroughs, leaving homeowners fearful that neighbours’ excavation projects will...
Read more - 18.7.2019
New Builds, Poor Standards!
This week’s Dispatches programme examined allegations of shoddy standards, poor customer care and excessive profits from one of Britain’...
Read more - 10.4.2019
Tenant Fees Act 2019 – Landlords & Letting Agents be Warned
On 12 February 2019, the Tenant Fees Bill received Royal Assent and comes into effect on the 1 June 2019 The Act prevents landlord...
Read more 
23.9.2018Licensing for Houses in Multiple Occupation to be...
In an attempt to raise standards for all relevant Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), changes are afoot and come into...
Read more
The Property Litigation Team View the whole team
William Ford
Partner
Housing and Social CareShilpa Mathuradas
Partner
Property LitigationMuna Adam
Solicitor
Property LitigationRory Matheson
Solicitor
Housing and Social CareJames Mayall
Solicitor
Property LitigationEllie McEvoy
Paralegal
Property LitigationAlex McMahon
Senior Associate
Housing and Social CareAlex Panayi
Solicitor
Property LitigationEdward Taylor
Senior Associate
Housing and Social CareAnna Van-Haute
Paralegal
Property LitigationJoanne Wong
Associate Solicitor
Housing and Social CareView the
whole team
