Building disputes refer to conflicts or disagreements that arise between parties involved in construction projects.
These disputes can occur at various stages of a building project, involving different parties such as homeowners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, and other professionals in the construction industry.
At David W Harris & Co Solicitors, our experienced team can help you resolve building disputes in South Wales. Our emphasis is on a practical approach to resolving disputes as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Our solicitors specialising in building disputes in Swansea, Pontypridd and Talbot Green can help with matters including:
- Negligence by engineers, including during planning stages
- Building contract errors
- Negligence by the contractors carrying out the work
- Dispute over contractor payments
- Substandard work or poor-quality materials used by contractors
Our building disputes solicitors regularly help clients to successfully resolve building disputes and reach an amicable resolution.
Discuss your requirements with our building disputes solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd and Talbot Green
To book your free initial consultation in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea, please get in touch.
Simply use our short online enquiry form to tell us you would like to speak to a member of our dispute resolution team and we will be in touch promptly.
Why use David W Harris as your building disputes solicitors?
Established in 1946 in Pontypridd, David W Harris & Co Solicitors is one of the oldest firms in South Wales.
With offices in Pontypridd, Talbot Green, and Swansea, our experienced team of over 20 legally qualified experts offers a comprehensive range of legal services.
We take pride in our friendly and bespoke approach, providing clients with high-quality, straightforward legal advice.
Our specialist solicitors handle a wide range of legal matters, ensuring a personalised service where clients work with the same experienced lawyer throughout their case.
Contact us now for a consultation with our team at David W Harris & Co Solicitors.
Our building disputes expertise
Negligence by engineers, including during planning stages
Our building dispute solicitors can assist with negligence by engineers by providing legal guidance and representation.
We can assess the situation, gather evidence, and evaluate the engineer's actions or omissions.
Our solicitors can then advise on potential claims, negotiate settlements, or pursue litigation to seek compensation for the damages caused by the engineer's negligence.
Our expertise in construction and professional negligence law ensures that our clients receive appropriate legal support in addressing issues related to engineer negligence.
Building contract errors
Our building dispute solicitors can analyse contract terms, identify errors or ambiguities, and advise you on your rights and legal options.
We can the help negotiate contract amendments, mediate between parties, or pursue legal action to rectify the errors and seek appropriate remedies.
Our knowledge of construction and contract law ensures that our clients receive effective guidance in addressing building contract errors.
Negligence by the contractors carrying out the work
Our building dispute solicitors can assist with negligence by contractors carrying out work by providing legal counsel and representation.
We can assess the situation, gather evidence, and evaluate the contractor's actions or omissions.
Our solicitors can advise on potential claims, negotiate settlements, or pursue litigation to seek compensation for the damages caused by the contractor's negligence.
Our expertise in construction and professional negligence law ensures that our clients receive the necessary legal support in addressing issues related to contractor negligence.
Dispute over contractor payments
Our building dispute solicitors can review payment terms and contracts, assess the validity of claims or disputes, and negotiate on behalf of our clients.
We can then pursue legal action if necessary to ensure fair and timely payment to contractors or resolve payment disputes through mediation or arbitration.
Our expertise in construction and contract law allows us to navigate the complexities of payment disputes and protect our clients' rights and interests.
Substandard work or poor-quality materials used by contractors
Our building dispute solicitors can assist with substandard work or poor-quality materials used by contractors by providing legal guidance and representation.
We can assess the situation, gather evidence of the substandard work or materials, and advise our clients on their legal options.
Our solicitors can negotiate with the contractor for rectification or compensation, pursue legal action if needed, and ensure that our clients' rights are protected in addressing issues related to substandard work or poor-quality materials.
Our expertise in construction and contract law helps our clients seek appropriate remedies in such situations.
Common questions about building disputes
What is a building dispute?
A building dispute in the UK refers to conflicts or disagreements that arise during construction projects. These disputes involve various parties, such as homeowners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, and other professionals.
They can arise due to construction defects, delays, contractual disagreements, cost disputes, or professional negligence. Issues such as faulty workmanship, schedule interruptions, breaches of contract, disagreements over project costs, and professional misconduct can lead to disputes. Resolving building disputes often involves negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or, in more severe cases, litigation.
What should you do if you’re involved in a building dispute?
If you find yourself involved in a building dispute, there are several steps you can take to address the situation.
First, it is crucial to gather all relevant documentation, including contracts, invoices, and correspondence, to support your case.
Consider engaging with the other party involved in the dispute to explore the possibility of resolving the matter through negotiation or mediation. You should seek legal advice from a building disputes solicitor who can provide guidance on your rights and options.
They can help you understand the strength of your case and advise on the best course of action, whether it involves pursuing litigation or alternative dispute resolution methods. Keep detailed records of any communication, events, or additional damages that occur during the dispute.
Remember to act promptly, as there may be time limitations for filing a claim. Overall, seeking professional advice such as our solicitors for building disputes and maintaining clear documentation will help you navigate the complexities of a building dispute.
How long does it take to resolve a building dispute in South Wales?
The duration to resolve a building dispute in South Wales can vary depending on several factors. The complexity of the dispute, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, the availability of evidence, and the chosen method of dispute resolution all play a role.
In general, building work disputes in South Wales can take several months to a year or longer to reach a resolution. Negotiation and mediation processes can expedite the resolution, typically taking a few weeks to a few months.
However, if the dispute proceeds to litigation, it can significantly extend the timeline, often taking a year or more, depending on the court's schedule and the complexity of the case. It's important to note that alternative methods of dispute resolution, such as arbitration or expert determination, can offer more efficient and timely resolutions.
The specific circumstances of each building dispute will influence the duration, and seeking legal advice for building disputes in South Wales will help in assessing the potential timeline for your case.
Are there any time limits for filing a building dispute claim in South Wales?
In South Wales, there are certain time limits, known as limitation periods, that apply to filing a building dispute claim.
The time limits can vary depending on the nature of the claim and the specific legal cause of action. Generally, for most building dispute claims, the limitation period is six years from the date when the cause of action arose.
This means that legal proceedings must be initiated within six years of the issue or breach giving rise to the dispute. However, it is essential to note that there can be exceptions and variations based on the circumstances of each case.
For instance, in cases involving personal injury or damage to property, the limitation period may differ. It is crucial to consult with a building disputes solicitor in South Wales to determine the precise time limits applicable to your specific claim and to ensure that you take appropriate legal action within the prescribed timeframe.
Failing to comply with the limitation periods may result in the loss of your right to pursue a claim.
Our building dispute fees
Our emphasis is on a practical approach to resolving disputes over building work as quickly and as cheaply as possible.
It is important to consider from the outset how you are going to fund any legal action and decide whether it is worth pursuing the matter in Court.
We can explain our available funding options and if the building dispute cannot be resolved without Court intervention, then we will ensure that we work to obtain the best possible outcome for you.
Speak to our building disputes solicitors in Swansea, Pontypridd and Talbot Green
To book your free initial consultation in Pontypridd, Talbot Green or Swansea, please get in touch.
Simply use our short online enquiry form to tell us you would like to speak to a member of our dispute resolution team and we will be in touch promptly.