Construction Disputes

Construction disputes are often complex, involving significant investment, numerous parties and tight project-completion deadlines.  

The sector is renowned for its potential to unleash the unexpected – whichever part of the project you manage.

Undisputed legal expertise in construction-related disputes

Whether it’s deciding who’s responsible for re-specifications, or dealing with unmet payment terms, unforeseen defects or insolvency issues, we apply profound industry knowledge and experience to help you find the most practical and favourable solution.

Highly respected and recommended for construction-related disputes

Legal 500 (2025) describes our Construction team as follows: “Without a doubt Stephens Scown are my go-to practice for construction legal matters. They provide clear, honest and expert advice without all the ifs, buts and maybes.”

Meanwhile, Chambers and Partners (2025) describe our team as always providing “competent and clear advice and they’re very accessible to clients.”

Insight and experience for every size and scale of construction issue

However large your business or scale of challenge, we commit to providing the best support. We work with contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, project managers, quantity surveyors and business owners, and act for clients in adjudication, arbitration and court proceedings.

Straightforward and cost-effective construction advice 

We understand that construction businesses face ever-higher client expectations and lower profit margins, so we work closely with you to provide strong strategic advice at the earliest stages possible, and always aim to secure you value for money.

Our recent construction disputes experience includes:

• acting for a world-class builder of superyachts in a dispute regarding their construction and refurbishment facility, involving numerous adjudications on different issues that have since been referred to the Technology and Construction Court
• advising a regional contractor in relation to an adjudication dispute involving a final account for work to refurbish a high-profile art studio facility
• working with several housing associations in relation to contracts and disputes concerning social housing
• representing a brickwork contractor on a dispute with the main contractor relating to their final account and issues of workmanship
• acting for a contractor in relation to a dispute over EPC and O+M contracts for a solar development.

We always aim to resolve disputes in a constructive and cost-effective way. It is nearly always best to seek advice at the earliest possible stage to avoid matters escalating unnecessarily.

We can also provide advice on the procurement of all types of building projects and can assist with the drafting of documents such as building contracts, collateral warranties and professional appointments. Please click here to find out more.