Domestic building contracts & disputes

At a time when more and more homeowners are altering their properties, rather than moving, Holmes & Hills can assist with the contracts relating to these building works.

The law relating to construction contracts differs where one party is a residential occupier. It is important to understand how this alters the parties’ rights and obligations.

Despite the importance and relative value of the project to the homeowner, domestic building contracts often proceed with very little in the way of written terms, or where a written contract is used, the homeowner often accepts a form of contract which is inadequate and/or inappropriate. Where written contracts are used, often they have been varied, either in writing or verbally, during the build project. It can be just as problematic where contracts have not been amended but where they perhaps should have been.

This frequently leads to expensive residential building disputes, which are all the more complex and difficult to resolve due to the inadequacy of or ambiguities within the contract.

Holmes & Hills’ specialist Division of Construction Solicitors believe that prevention is better than cure. To this end, they are able to advise parties entering into domestic building contracts with the intention of avoiding disputes by providing training and contract reviews/drafting for both homeowners and builders/tradespeople.

Common types of domestic building dispute:

  • Incomplete works
  • Defective works
  • Demands for additional monies
  • Delays
  • Damage to property or assets
  • Works not meeting specification

Common areas of dispute for domestic building work are:

  • Building of extensions
  • Building of conservatories
  • Construction of loft extensions
  • Replacement of windows and doors
  • Building of annexes, garages and outbuildings
  • Roofing works
  • Kitchen fitting
  • Bathroom fitting
  • Internal reconfigurations
  • Building of a bespoke new-build property
  • Electrical wiring
  • Plumbing and heating

Resolving domestic building disputes

Disputes surrounding building and construction works is a specialist area of Law and it is important advice and representation is sought from a Construction Law solicitor with previous experience dealing with such matters. Many law firms will not have a Construction Division as Holmes & Hills does.

Resolution of a building dispute can mean a defect is rectified by the party that undertook the work, or that monies are returned or not paid, providing for another party to undertake work that is required. Your solicitor at Holmes & Hills will discuss with you what your objectives are and advise on the full or part remedy based on the specific facts and circumstances of the case.

If you are considering entering into a contract for domestic building work, contact Holmes & Hills specialist team of construction solicitors to ensure your contract provides your with protection in the event of any disputes.

Get Specialist Construction Law Advice

Call us on 01206 593933 and speak to the specialist Construction Team. Or complete the form below.

Advice & representation for builders and trades people

Advice for trades people, sub-contractor or main contractor in dispute with another contractor, a developer, a professional service provider or a business.

Advice & representation for professional advisors

Advice for providers of professional services within the construction industry (surveyor, architect, engineer, consultant) in a building dispute with a contractor, developer or another professional.

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