Establish what was agreed
Quotations, specifications, drawings and messages can show the work promised and how changes were agreed. We look at payment stages, variations and the explanation for any delay.
Disputes Affecting You
Building Disputes
Unfinished work, defects and disputed invoices can turn a building project into a continuing expense. We can help you assess the agreement, the evidence and the practical options for resolving the dispute.
Understanding your next steps
How we can help
Document the problem
Photographs, inspection reports and a record of dates can be useful. Independent expert evidence may be needed to distinguish a defect from a difference of opinion about the finish.
Choose a proportionate response
The next step may be a written complaint, a formal letter or negotiations. The relevant pre-action process and any specialist route need to be considered before court proceedings.
A clear way forward
What happens next
What to have ready
Gather the quote or contract, invoices, payment records, photographs, plans and correspondence. Make a short list of unfinished or disputed items and what you want put right.
Your next step
Tell us whether work is continuing and whether a payment or response is due. We can review the papers and discuss how to preserve evidence before major remedial work.
Planning ahead
Fees and timescales
01 / Fees
What the costs cover
We can quote for an initial review of the contract and correspondence. A surveyor’s report, further negotiations or proceedings may add costs. Before starting, we explain our fees, VAT and any likely expert or court charges, bearing in mind the value of the work disputed.
02 / Timescales
Timing and deadlines
The applicable deadline depends on the agreement and the claim. Urgent safety work may be necessary, but legal advice on evidence and notification should be sought promptly where possible.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Your questions, answered
Can I withhold payment?
That depends on the contract and circumstances. Withholding the wrong amount or missing a required notice can create a separate problem. Take advice before deciding.
Do I need an expert report?
Sometimes. A surveyor or other suitable expert may be needed to assess the work and the cost of putting it right. We can discuss whether that expense is proportionate.
Can I use another builder to finish the work?
You may need to consider contractual rights, notice and evidence first. Tell us about any urgent safety issue and keep records of the condition and costs.
Will the dispute have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Correspondence, negotiation or mediation may resolve it. We can discuss the available process and costs before you decide.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham