Not Worth It: 7 Tips for Overcoming Construction Disputes

You can’t turn your head in Australia without seeing construction in the works. From the big city’s endless builds to the country’s grand agriculture projects, Australia is a land that is constantly on the move, on the up and building for the future.

But you can’t build for the future without breaking a few stones, and this inevitably means one thing: construction disputes. Yes, whether it be a problem of scope or an issue on budget, we Aussies love a good building biff, but the truth is they only lead to frustration for everyone involved.

The best property lawyer Sydney has will provide sage advice on avoiding such disputes before they arise, including the following information on what kind of disputes to avoid and how to avoid them:

What kind of Property Disputes Arise?

If you can imagine the scope of a new build then you can imagine the variety of reasons there are construction disputes. The main reasons, however, are typically due to problems with alterations, budget, hurdles and variations that can inhibit the work being done.

Regardless of whether it’s a budget problem, a lack of communication or materials, or a timing issue, it’s important for all parties involved (owners, contractors and subcontractors) to try and reach a happy medium before the problem escalates and ends up in court.

The best property lawyer Sydney has will tell you one thing: no one wants these issues to end up in court, so here are some tips on how to avoid them:

1. Be sure to communicate with all involved parties

Whether you’re the owner, a contractor or subcontractor, it is imperative to keep an open line of communication between working pirates. This ensures everyone knows exactly what is being done and nothing unpleasant will come as a future surprise.

2. Be open to changes

As an owner, you no doubt had the perfect vision of how your dream property would look. But nothing is set in construction, and alterations occur all the time. It is best to keep an open mind and be open to potential changes, just so that no disputes arise if the alterations physically have to go forward.

3. Ensure everyone is aware of such alterations

One of the worst things a property builder or subcontractor can do is make alterations without notifying the owner. Obviously, such alterations could throw out the owner’s budget or design ideal, so it is important that they are aware of and approve of the alteration before it goes ahead.

4. Keep documentation throughout the building process

All vested interests must have written documentation of the building process, including notifications of alterations that may occur.

5. Contracts are pivotal to the process

Contracts are an essential part of any new build, especially as they protect all involved parties from any unwanted discrepancies that may occur throughout the building process.

6. Ensure the contract is well-written 

A poorly written contract can truly be of your detriment regardless of whether you’re the property owner, builder or a subcontractor. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the contract is well-written and does not contain any potential loopholes for the other party to leverage further down the track.

7. Make sure everyone understands that contract

Ensure that all involved parties have read and fully understand the contract, including their obligations and those of the other parties. If you haven’t fully understood the contract you could be leaving yourself liable to problems down the track, so be sure you fully understand the agreement and what’s required of everyone throughout the process.