Construction Dispute Resolution
The Wedlake Bell construction team offers a complete legal service through all stages of the project life cycle. We advise on procurement and construction documentation from project inception through to disputes when they arise during and after completion of a construction project. Whilst we place emphasis on early resolution though negotiation and settlement, where appropriate the team has experience of all aspects of formal dispute resolution proceedings covering adjudication, arbitration, litigation, expert determination and alternative dispute resolution. The team are experienced and adept at assisting clients to find solutions to their often complex problems.
Experience
- Advising a household name employer on a series of adjudications on final account claims relating to their new HQ building.
- Advising a contractor in defending winding up proceedings wrongfully instigated by a subcontractor.
- Advising a care home operator in a professional negligence claim against its contractor and designers.
- Advising a housing developer defending extension of time and loss and expense claims by its contractor.
- Advising a property investment company with significant defects in their completed building.
- Advising a prestigious hotel owner in relation to delays and defects claims against their contractor and contract administrator.
- Advising a heritage building owner on delay and defects claims against its contractor.
- Advising a high net worth private client in relation to a complex tripartite dispute between architect and building contractor relating to high end residential development involving issues as to extensions of time, loss and expense, defects and professional negligence.
- Advising a building owner in a claim in the Technology and Construction Court against contractor and parent company in relation to defects dispute at new build office park.
- Advising a student accommodation developer in relation to remediation of cladding issues in a student accommodation complex.
- Advising an international property developer in relation to adjudication with national contractor regarding construction issues at high end luxury residential development.
- Advising an international pipeline contractor in respect of ICC arbitration in relation to final account dispute.
- Advising a mechanical and electrical subcontractor in relation to final account dispute with main contractor.
- Advising an international commodity manufacturer in relation to performance issues with EPCM contractor under IChemE book.
- Advising a global architectural practice in relation to allegations of professional negligence in respect of project management issues.
- Advising an international wind turbine manufacturer in relation multi-million claim from employer in relation to defective blades on turbines at large wind farm.
- Advising a retail operator in relation to dispute with building contractor as to acoustic issues in new HQ.
- Advising a private airport in an adjudication brought by building contractor in relation to payment dispute.
Contacts
Natalie Pilagos
‐Partner
Natalie Pilagos - 23/02/2023
Compliance with Building Regulations - absolute or subject to reasonable skill and care?
Following the important decision in Martlet Homes Ltd v Mulalley & Co Ltd [2022] (see our summary here), LDC (Portfolio One) Ltd v George Downing Construction Ltd and European Sheeting Ltd [2022] EWHC 3356 (TCC) … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 13/10/2022
Government signals first use of new powers under the Building Safety Act 2022
The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced new powers in relation to building remediation which came into force on 28 June 2022. These powers can be used to require landlords, developers and their associated entities … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 28/06/2022
Adjudication: Part 5 - What is a construction contract?
In the last of our series on adjudication, we will look at when the right to adjudication arises. When does the right to adjudication apply? Whether adjudication is mentioned in the contract or not, the … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 10/05/2022
Adjudication: Part 4 - The Decision
In this five part series, we examine the primary dispute resolution forum for construction disputes - adjudication. We will answer some frequently asked questions in relation to adjudication. Last time we discussed the appointment and powers … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 08/04/2022
Adjudication: Part 3 - The Adjudicator
In this five part series, we examine the primary dispute resolution forum for construction disputes - adjudication. We will answer some frequently asked questions in relation to adjudication. Last time we explained the process. This … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 10/03/2022
Adjudication: Part 2 - The Process
In this five part series, we examine the primary dispute resolution forum for construction disputes in England and Wales for those who are unfamiliar, namely, adjudication. We will answer some frequently asked questions from clients … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 04/02/2022
Adjudication: Part 1 -The Basics
In this series, we will answer some frequently asked questions in relation to adjudication, which is in practice, the primary forum of dispute resolution for construction disputes.Where did adjudication come from?By the 80's, unfair payment … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 06/12/2021
Building Safety Bill - Update on changes to help leaseholders with cladding issues
The Building Safety Bill is at Report Stage in the House of Commons. It is expected to become law in 2022. It contains provisions which will be important to those with an interest in high … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 16/11/2021
Adjudication Alert: Adjudication in vain? Insolvent company fails to enforce adjudication decision
The Court of Appeal in John Doyle Construction Ltd v Erith Contractors Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 1452 has recently cast significant doubt on the right of a company in liquidation to enforce an adjudication decision … Read more →
Natalie Pilagos - 04/11/2021
Adjudication Alert: To enforce or not to enforce– usually yes but sometimes no!
To kick off our new Adjudication Alert series, I have reviewed the recent case of Downs Road Development LLP v Laxmanbhai Construction (UK) Ltd [2021] EWHC 2441 (TCC) - a classic case of a party … Read more →
News
30 YEAR LIMITATION PERIOD INTRODUCED INTO BUILDING SAFETY BILL
In the House of Commons a very significant amendment was made to the Building Safety Bill in January whereby, if it remains in the Bill, claimants will be able to… Read more →
News
Adjudication: Part 2 – The Process
In this five part series, we examine the primary dispute resolution forum for construction disputes in England and Wales for those who are unfamiliar, namely, adjudication. We will answer some… Read more →
News
Adjudication Alert: Adjudication in vain? Insolvent company fails to enforce adjudication decision
The Court of Appeal in John Doyle Construction Ltd v Erith Contractors Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 1452 has recently cast significant doubt on the right of a company in liquidation to enforce… Read more →
News
Adjudication: Part 1 – The Basics
In this series, Natalie Pilagos answers some frequently asked questions in relation to adjudication, which is in practice, the primary forum of dispute resolution for construction disputes. Where did adjudication… Read more →
Bulletins
QIA Winter 2022
Quarterly In Advance is published by Wedlake Bell’s Real Estate Team for our clients and contacts in the property world. Please click here to read the digital flipbook of the… Read more →
News
Building Safety Bill – Update on changes to help leaseholders with cladding issues
The Building Safety Bill is at Report Stage in the House of Commons. It is expected to become law in 2022. It contains provisions which will be important to those with an… Read more →
News
Adjudication Alert: To enforce or not to enforce– usually yes but sometimes no!
To kick off our new Adjudication Alert series, I have reviewed the recent case of Downs Road Development LLP v Laxmanbhai Construction (UK) Ltd [2021] EWHC 2441 (TCC) – a classic… Read more →
News
Adjudicator’s jurisdiction – just how narrow is too narrow?
In the recent decision of Downs Road Development LLP v Laxmanbhai Construction (UK) Ltd [2021] EWHC 2441 (TCC), the court considered whether there had been a breach of natural justice… Read more →