Resolving a construction dispute as a homeowner

Maybe you’re in the process of building your dream home from the ground up. Or maybe you hired a contractor to take on a large home improvement project, such as adding a second story addition.

You hope everything goes as planned, but in the back of your mind you realize that many things could go wrong along the way.

You can resolve most construction disputes by having an open and honest conversation with the homebuilder or contractor. This gives you both the opportunity to tell your side of the story, thus clearing the air and moving forward.

However, what seems simple doesn’t always work out that way.

Here are some strategies to consider:

• Talk to the right person: It doesn’t do you any good to talk to the people carrying out the work at your home. You need to speak with the appropriate individual, such as the project manager if you’re building a home or perhaps the company owner if you’re working with a contractor. This is the person who can hear you out, provide potential solutions and work with you to make things right.
• Review your contract: Upon doing so, share your concerns with your homebuilder or contractor. You can use the terms and conditions of the contract to back up your claim.
• Consider a more formal approach: If conversing with the other party continues to result in a dead end, it’s time to look into a more formal approach to solving the issue, such as mediation. This gives both parties the opportunity to share their side of the story, with a mediator helping move you toward a resolution.

You’re looking forward to building your home or tackling a renovation project. However, if things take a turn for the worse, your good time can turn into a nightmare.

If this happens, it’s best to take immediate action. Waiting around and hoping that things work out is a mistake, as it could result in your problem getting worse.

Once you review your contract and understand your legal rights, you can decide which steps to take next. It’s your hope that you can devise a strategy that helps put your project back on the right track.