The last thing you want to happen during your current construction project is a contract dispute. After all, it can only lead to a delay in the project and extra money spent trying to fix any issues. There are several reasons why a dispute might arise. Knowing some of them may help you avoid the complications of a contract dispute altogether.
Omissions and errors
An error in the terms and conditions is one of the leading problems that can cause a contract dispute. You may not have noticed the error until after a worker or contractor unwittingly makes a construction mistake you thought went against the contract.
Likewise, the omission of any important conditions can leave room for miscommunication and misinterpretation. Carefully combing through every element of a contract is crucial if you want to avoid a contract dispute.
Failure to comply
Other times, a worker, contractor or subcontractor may simply fail to follow through on the conditions of the contract. Whether it’s due to a misunderstanding, mistake or disagreement, failure to comply with a contract can cause serious — and expensive — problems during construction.
Differing site conditions
A differing site condition — also sometimes called a changed condition — happens when a worker or contractor encounters an unanticipated obstacle on the construction site. Whether it’s the discovery of hazardous waste, excessive rock or buried debris, it can make it more difficult to follow through with the terms of the contract or stay on budget.
Often, a changed condition can prompt a contractor to attempt to change the terms of the contract or ask for more money, which can trigger a contract dispute.
Take the necessary precautions
A clear contract is key to a successful construction job. To ensure that your contract is complete and precise, you could benefit from a knowledgeable legal team. They can help you draft a thorough contract or review your current one so that you can avoid the headache of a dispute later down the line.