The construction industry functions on tight deadlines and detailed, exacting work. Any delay hurts progress, but none more so than a dispute between the crew and the client, a vendor or sub-contractor. Regardless of the situation, quick, amiable closure benefits all involved. Turning to construction mediation can quickly build a solution and means work resumes, especially important for smaller construction firms says Lyle Charles Consulting.
Use of construction consulting services, specifically a construction arbitrator, jumpstarts resolution. Arbitration, also known as mediation, lets the parties avoid court. Court cases can take months to years. Either a judge or a jury decides the fate of the case. In mediation, an independent arbitrator fosters an exploratory and communicative process in which both sides are heard. Unlike court, the disputants maintain control of the situation. The mediation process ends when both parties agree to a solution.
Mediation Explained
Although mediation uses some personnel common to court appearances, such as an attorney and a construction expert witness, its proceedings remain private. In some areas, the mediator files a Statement of Agreement/Non-Agreement with the court at the conclusion of arbitration. Use of mediation avoids court costs and usually results in a quicker settlement which reduces attorney fees.
A construction claims consultant may use a construction claim analysis to aid the mediator in identifying creative solutions that result in the crew resuming work and in project completion. Although participation remains voluntary, mediation results in a legally binding solution.
For a small construction crew, mediation can provide a quick and agreeable solution. Take the first step by contacting a construction arbitrator.
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