Construction

Construction projects move quickly and the legal risks can escalate just as fast, particularly where responsibilities are unclear, payment mechanisms are poorly drafted, or variations and delays are not managed properly. Our construction solicitors provide clear, commercially focused advice to help you reduce risk, protect cashflow and keep your project on track.

Whether you are starting a new project, negotiating terms, or dealing with a live issue or construction dispute, we focus on practical solutions that support your commercial objectives.

Construction law advice that keeps projects moving

Construction matters often require decisions to be made under pressure. We support you and give you the guidance you need to make those decisions with confidence.

Our aim is to prevent problems where possible, and where issues arise, to resolve them efficiently so you can maintain momentum and protect your position.

Our construction law services

We advise clients at every stage of the project lifecycle, from contract negotiation through to dispute strategy and enforcement. Our work is tailored to the realities of construction projects including tight programmes, multiple parties, and the need to protect cashflow.

We advise on:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating construction documentation
• Risk allocation, payment terms and programme obligations
• Contract administration issues, including variations, delay and termination
• Claims strategy and construction dispute management 
• Construction Adjudication support

We advise on construction contracts, including drafting, negotiation and amendments to standard and bespoke terms to reduce project risk.

Where your project uses standard forms, we can also advise on JCT contracts and schedules of amendments that reflect your commercial objectives.

Claims, disputes and project issues

Even well-run projects can encounter issues such as non-payment, defective work allegations, scope changes, or disputes over delay and extension of time. Early advice can materially improve the outcome by strengthening your position before costs escalate.

If a project starts to go off track, our team provides strategic support on construction claims and disputes to protect cashflow and outcomes.
For time-sensitive disputes, we can guide you through construction adjudication and the steps needed to act quickly and effectively.

Who we act for

We act for a wide range of businesses, organisations and key industry stakeholders, including:

• Landowners and developers
• Main contractors and sub-contractors
• Funders and employers
• Professional consultants and project teams
• Schools and charities

This breadth of experience helps us understand how different parties approach risk and negotiation, and what is required to reach workable outcomes.

Speak to our construction solicitors

If you need advice on a construction project, contract documentation, or a dispute that is affecting delivery or payment, we can help. Contact our construction solicitors to arrange an initial discussion and we will provide a clear view of your options and next steps.

Contact our Construction Solicitors

Do I need a solicitor to review a construction contract?

A review can identify risk areas early, particularly around payment, variations, delay, termination and dispute provisions, particularly before you commit to terms that may be difficult to manage.

For the vast majority of commercial construction projects, the cost of a legal review is a modest investment relative to the risk and commercial exposure involved in construction projects.

Can standard form contracts be amended?

Yes. Standard forms are often amended to reflect the commercial realities of a project, but amendments should be approached carefully to avoid shifting risk in ways that create disputes later.

Standard forms are usually amended by the Employer to transfer more risk onto the Contractor and whilst this might seem like an attractive option to the Employer, the Contractor will usually charge more for taking on bespoke risks and will generally require longer to review the bespoke amendments, so it might not always be to the Employer’s advantage to amend a standard form where speed and cost are preferred.

When should I take advice on a construction dispute?

As early as possible. The steps you take at the start, particularly around notices, evidence and contract administration, often shape the outcome and can help prevent adverse outcomes which sometimes arise from failing to adhere to strict timescales.

What is adjudication in construction disputes?

Adjudication is a dispute process commonly used in construction. It can provide a quick decision, which is often important where cashflow is at stake.

Whereas Court proceedings may take years to reach trial, adjudication can often resolve a dispute in a matter of weeks or months.

Do you advise both employers and contractors?

Yes. We act for funders, employers, developers, contractors, sub-contractors and consultants, and tailor our advice to each party’s commercial priorities.

We also work with other law firms who don’t specialise in construction to support their clients on construction related matters where needed.