If you are undertaking a construction project, you may be aware of the many risks which are involved and problems which can arise.
Prior to any construction project, you should ensure that you have a well-drafted contract in place which can help to protect you against any risks or complications which may arise in the duration of the development.
Delays
Delays are not ideal but are very common in construction work and can occur in many areas of your project.
There may be delays due to bad weather conditions which may reduce productivity due to being unable to build.
There also could be delays due to waiting for paperwork to go through – this admin is crucial in ensuring your project is completed properly but can also cause delays.
Through your construction contract, if there are delays such as poor weather, this may class as a compensation event. This means you may be able to cover your loss and expenses.
Changes in pricing
This is especially important during the cost of living crisis as prices of materials have increased due to inflation.
This can often mean disruption to a project due to financial difficulty.
To mitigate the impact of this, you should contact a solicitor who will be able to help you check your contract for information regarding changes in prices throughout your project.
If you are concerned about experiencing problems due to price fluctuations, we can ensure you have a contract which takes into account variations in prices of raw materials, imported goods and any other materials necessary.
Payment disputes
Due to the nature of construction work, it can be a long time before contractors are paid.
Naturally, this can lead to disputes. To avoid this, contractors can aim to issue payment notices on time and a contract should also have a defined payment schedule.
It is important to stick to payment timeframes as late payments can lead to insolvency.
With the advice of a solicitor, you will be able to resolve payment disputes ensuring your contract is used to its full capacity. Payment disputes can be resolved through adjudication.
Errors in paperwork
Completing a construction project means lots of paperwork. There are a range of aspects of your project which may need approval, permission and licenses.
Large projects may have many subcontractors which can lead to complications in filling out paperwork.
You must have suitable licences and insurance documentation in order to begin construction, without this you may encounter legal issues if this is the case, you should contact a solicitor to rectify these problems.
Labour
You may be having difficulty finding a fully qualified or suitable builder for your project.
These labour shortages can mean you may be unable to start construction.
It is important to ensure your contractor has the right builders for the type of project you are completing.
Many construction contracts do not include fluctuation clauses which allow the price of works to change when labour costs increase. You should contact a solicitor who will be able to help you analyse your contract and provide legal advice.
For advice on related matters, contact us today.