Mediation, arbitration and adjudication are the main options. Each works differently and can be chosen depending on the problem.
Few construction projects go entirely to plan. Costs increase, deadlines move, and quality concerns can arise at any stage.
When this happens, disagreements between contractors, consultants, developers, or clients can quickly escalate.
Left unresolved, these issues can stall projects, damage professional relationships, and impact cash flow or future work.
Taking a dispute to Court is not always the best option. Litigation is slow, costly, and adds uncertainty. Many in the construction and engineering sector now use a range of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) options to resolve issues more quickly and privately.
Depending on the situation, mediation, arbitration, expert determination, or adjudication can provide a faster, more efficient route to resolution, often helping projects get back on track without further disruption.
Trinity ADR offers the full range of ADR options:
- Mediation – for negotiated settlements that preserve business relationships.
- Arbitration – for binding and private decisions on complex or technical claims.
- Expert Determination – ideal for valuation or technical issues.
- Adjudication – for fast, decisive outcomes in payment and contractual disputes.
- Drafting & Settlement Agreements – to formalise outcomes and prevent future disagreements.
As experienced litigation barristers, some of whom sit as part-time judges, members of the Trinity ADR team have dealt with property owners, main contractors, and subcontractors to architects, engineers, surveyors, and developers. They can explore dispute resolution options under Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), New Engineering Contracts (NEC), and bespoke contract forms, bringing a clear understanding of how the industry operates in practice. This combination of expertise means we can quickly identify the real issues and focus on practical, commercially viable outcomes.
Some disputes require urgent action, for example, payment or interim valuation issues that threaten cash flow or the risk of the delayed completion of projects. Others involve complex claims about delay, design, or professional negligence. Whatever the situation, our role is to bring clarity, independence, and practical solutions so work can continue and professional relationships remain intact.
Construction Disputes — FAQs
What ADR methods are used in construction disputes?
Yes. An adjudicator usually has to give a decision within 28 days. That speed makes it particularly popular for payment disputes.
Is an adjudicator’s decision final?
It is binding straight away, though it can later be challenged in arbitration or Court. In practice, most parties accept the decision and move on.
When is arbitration more suitable?
For bigger or more technical cases, such as defects, delay claims or multi-party disputes, arbitration offers a structured but private process.
Get in touch with us at Trinity ADR. We’ll talk through your dispute and help you decide which option is best for your particular circumstances.
Trinity ADR
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your options and determine whether ADR is appropriate for resolving your dispute, with the option to meet remotely via video conference.