How to Effectively Resolve Building Disputes
A building disputes can be a stressful event for both the builder and homeowner. When it gets worse, it could be emotionally and financially draining for both parties.
Solving your building disputes effectively will prevent your problem from escalating to a worst-case scenario. The sooner you get the solve your dispute, the faster it takes to resume construction or get compensation.
Here are some tips to help solve and prevent a building dispute that applies from contract signing to actual construction:
- Know your contract.
Before signing the contract, know its terms and conditions well. Better involve designers, builders, other people you need to work with as early as possible to construct a good contract.
A well- crafted building contract can save you from trouble, so better state your terms and conditions clearly and completely.
2. Ask for samples of their past works or products.
This can help you assess if you should continue to transact with your builder. You can also ask for reviews from the people they have work in the past.
This can help you check if they are dodgy builders or not. If they are, then you should not even consider signing a contract with them.
3. Be responsive to your Builder.
Speak to your Builder throughout the construction phase. Talk about your visions for the house, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if there’s anything you don’t understand.
This will keep you and your builder on the same page, turning your envisioned house into a reality.
4. Record all happenings in the construction site.
Better, keep a diary of all events happening including the time and date of each. It will keep track if construction is happening on schedule.
Also, it will help you pinpoint the events that led to the dispute. It can be a solid proof of what really happened in the construction site.
5. Keep your cool.
Once you get to spot a building mistake, you might want to control your emotions first. Mistakes can always happen a place with a lot of moving parts.
The best thing that you can do is keep a clear head when approaching your builder. Then, go talk together about what action they can do next to make up for the mistake.
6. Listen and try to understand the other party.
Try to exercise empathy when talking to your builder. Know and understand their side while keeping your rights and their obligations in mind on the construction project.
Know to enforce your rights but remember that your builder is a human too.
The best ways to effectively resolve a dispute is to exercise proper communication. Miscommunication is a common reason for a dispute so always keep your communication lines open.
If you can, avoid a dispute. Constant communication can help here, as well as following a good contract faithfully.
Avoiding a dispute to escalate can also save you from the stress of carrying out legal action on your builder.
