Avoid construction disputes

Eight ways to prevent war
[via BuilderNews] Construction projects are among the most complicated of human enterprises. High levels of art and craft are required to translate an owner’s vision into plans and specifications, then into a real building—one that fits the needs of the people who live or work there. In addition to technical skills, the ability to coordinate the diverse efforts of many individuals is crucial to success. The players on any significant project include the owner, architect, engineer, project manager, prime contractor, several subcontractors, suppliers of materials and equipment, materials manufacturers, insurance companies, bonding companies and the owner’s lender. In most instances, these players arrive at the project as a member of a staff or crew of distinctly different companies. Problems crop up during construction projects—delay, unexpected additional or extra work, defective work, cost overruns, structural failure and accidents involving personal injury and even death. Inevitably so, too, do disputes.

When disputes arise among such a large cast, they are rarely simple or easy to resolve. Emotions are one barrier to quick and rational resolutions of disputes. People become both emotionally and financially invested in securing particular outcomes.

What can anyone do to prevent disputes from arising? The short answer is probably not that much. But an owner or contractor can do several things to reduce the number of disputes and to manage disputes that do arise so that they do not become protracted and drain time and money.

• 1- Only deal with good people.
• 2- Have a clear idea of what you are building.
• 3- Tailor the contract to the parties and the job
• 4- Plan for the worst to happen.
• 5- Make sure everyone gets paid.
• 6-Do not ignore problems.
• 7- Try to be reasonable.
• 8- Develop a theme.