One potential reason for a construction dispute is that there are mismatched expectations. When this happens, clients may continuously change their minds.
For example, perhaps the client has hired a contractor to build them a new home, but they keep choosing different flooring materials. First they want wood, then they want tile, then they want a type of tile that looks like wood, etc. When the home is finally finished, the client walks into the house and expresses disapproval, saying there’s an aesthetic defect because the wrong flooring has been installed.
This can be a very expensive issue. So how should contractors address it?
Contracts and other documentation
A good way to help prevent this is clear communication. Both sides need to be able to talk and go over all the details before any steps are taken. This can also help prevent disputes entirely.
If a contractor has a problematic client who is likely to change their mind repeatedly, it’s very important to have proper documentation. They may even want to include specifics of what a client is asking for in the contract.
Not only does this help the contractor know precisely what type of work to do on the project, but they also have a paper trail. If the client is demanding that they spend tens of thousands of dollars to tear out all of the tile and replace it, the contractor can point out that this is specifically the tile that was approved and that it is not a construction defect. No mistakes were made, even if the client is now unhappy with the finished product.
These types of disputes can be very complicated. Those who find themselves involved in one must know what steps to take. Having experienced legal guidance can help.
