Construction Law

Getting into the right contract

To achieve a successful project outcome, we understand the importance of meeting the employer’s needs and implementing appropriate contracts that enable the project to be delivered within the designated time and budget requirements. 

The contractual arrangements play a pivotal role, regardless of whether the project involves constructing a residential building, a commercial development, or even a football stadium. We have experience advising on different types of contracts, including bespoke contracts and large engineering projects, and are confident in advising regardless of requirement size. 

Project management

Many construction projects come with risks. It is how these risks are addressed that determines the outcome. While striving for amicable and commercial resolutions is advisable, parties must also possess a clear understanding of their rights and available solutions to achieve them. 

Our expert construction lawyers has a proven track record in assisting parties to recognise the difficulties they may encounter in advance, and to ensure that they comply with the contractual requirements in terms of issuing the correct documents. 

Disputes and how to avoid them

Given the size of the UK construction industry, it is not surprising that it has been at the forefront of developments in both principles of contract law and methods of resolving disputes. 

Nearly every construction dispute arises out of delays to the project, cost overruns, or workmanship, and often a combination of all three. However, it is rare that one party is solely liable, which is what makes construction disputes both complicated and expensive. Typical disputes may involve defective materials and building work, faulty workmanship, and allegations of professional negligence against one or more of the professional team. 

Setfords’ construction lawyers have a proven track record when it comes to advising disputing parties on various available options, such as alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and adjudication, in order to settle disputes without resorting to litigation. 

If litigation is inevitable, we have ample experience at all levels, especially in the Technology and Construction Court in London and the Pre-Action Protocol for engineering and construction cases.