Disputes hub
Know your rights before you sign anything else.
A plain-English guide to construction disputes in England & Wales — the law that protects you, the routes to resolution, and the evidence that wins cases.
What counts as a construction dispute?
A construction dispute arises whenever the work, the cost, or the time differs materially from what was agreed — whether the contract was a 60-page JCT document or a one-line WhatsApp quote.
Common triggers include defective workmanship, unauthorised variations, late or non-completion, refusal to honour warranties, payment disputes, and damage to neighbouring property. The good news: you do not need a written contract to have legal rights. The Consumer Rights Act 2015, the Defective Premises Act 1972 and the common law of negligence all provide protection.
Your rights as a property owner
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Services must be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time, and at a reasonable price where unspecified.
Defective Premises Act 1972
Anyone taking on work for or in connection with a dwelling owes a duty that the dwelling is fit for habitation. Limitation extended to 30 years (BSA 2022) for pre-2022 work.
Building Safety Act 2022
Remediation Orders, Remediation Contribution Orders and Building Liability Orders against developers and associated entities.
Common Law Negligence
A duty of care to avoid causing reasonably foreseeable damage to property and persons — separate from any contract.
Routes to resolution
01
Pre-action correspondence
A structured letter of claim under the TCC pre-action protocol gives the contractor 14–28 days to respond and often produces an early settlement.
02
Adjudication (28 days)
Available for any 'construction operation'. A binding decision in 28 days, enforced by the TCC. Cost-effective for crystallised payment and defects disputes.
03
Mediation
A facilitated negotiation with an independent mediator. Confidential, without prejudice, and resolves around 80% of construction disputes referred to it.
04
Technology & Construction Court
Specialist division of the High Court for complex construction litigation. Used where adjudication is unsuitable or a definitive judgment is required.
Evidence checklist
Gather these before your first call.
- › Signed contract, quotes, and any emails amending the scope
- › All invoices, receipts and bank transfer records
- › Programme of works, milestones and any agreed completion dates
- › Photographs and video — dated, with locations noted
- › Correspondence: emails, WhatsApp, text messages, voicenotes
- › Any expert, surveyor or building control reports already obtained
- › Building regulations approvals, planning permissions, party wall awards
- › Insurance policies (legal expenses, structural warranty)
Time limits matter
Breach of contract (simple): 6 years from the breach.
Breach of contract (deed): 12 years from the breach.
Negligence: 6 years from damage, or 3 years from knowledge (latent damage).
Defective Premises Act 1972 (post-28 June 2022 work): 15 years.
Defective Premises Act 1972 (pre-28 June 2022 work): 30 years (retrospective extension under the Building Safety Act 2022).
If you are close to a limitation date, contact us immediately — proceedings can be issued protectively.
Frequently asked
Still uncertain whether you have a claim?
Tell us what happened — we'll tell you, honestly, where you stand.
Raise a Dispute