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Building Disputes

ON YOUR SIDE IN BUILDING DISPUTES

Hiring the right builder to work on your home is an important decision. When everything goes well, all the inevitable dust and disruption are soon forgotten as you settle into your newly-improved home. But when building works go wrong – on an extension, a loft conversion, a conservatory, or a new kitchen or bathroom – they often go very wrong, and very quickly stress and frustration, as well as costs, can spiral out of control.

HAVING A CONTRACT CAN HELP

Ideally, your written contract will clearly set out the significant conditions of the work to be done, such as dates, costs, and materials – if not, as a starting point, the terms of your original agreement must be established in detail.

With or without a watertight contract, if you find yourself facing a potential building dispute, whether your job is big or small it is best to tackle the problem head-on – and fast. The earlier you flag a problem, the more easily it can usually be resolved.

RESOLVING DISPUTES WITH YOUR BUILDER

Your first step should be to speak with your builder directly but, if your discussions fail to find a solution, you can rely on us for whatever help you require in order to resolve the situation. In some cases, it takes nothing more than a carefully-crafted solicitor’s letter to remind your builder of the contractual obligations governing the work.

However, if a more robust approach is called for, our experienced dispute resolution legal team will be on your side throughout. We will strive to resolve your dispute swiftly and efficiently through negotiation, mediation and arbitration as alternatives to a court application. However, if it proves impossible to reach an out-of-court agreement, our team will seek redress in court, representing your best interests as cost-effectively as possible.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION SPECIALISTS AT YOUR SERVICE

Whatever the nature of your building dispute, we are on your side.

From start to finish, our knowledgeable team will advise you on the most appropriate and cost-effective course of action – we are passionate about preserving your best interests and striving to achieve your best-possible outcome.

Whenever possible, we will seek to resolve your case without the distress and expense of going to court and, by communicating regularly and in plain English, we will make sure you remain firmly in control of the process every step of the way.

George Ide LLP. We're on your side

WHY CHOOSE US?

Our dispute resolution lawyers have a wealth of experience in all manner of disputed matters. We pride ourselves on getting to know our clients personally and forging the strong relationships we believe are essential in order to represent your best interests in everything we do.

You can count on us for consistently excellent top-quality advice and support at all times and, as a valued client of our leading full-service law firm, you will have access to extensive and dependable legal and financial expertise from professionals you already know you can trust.

GETTING STARTED

If you anticipate a disagreement with your builder or your building project has already hit problems – or if you need legal advice and support in an ongoing dispute – contact us as soon as possible.

Our residential property department also offers comprehensive conveyancing services for clients buying or selling their home; our top-flight commercial property lawyers offer a wide range of commercial property services encompassing business advice and commercial landlord and tenant dispute resolution; in addition, you can count on George Ide’s fully-qualified financial advisors for high-quality and dependable investment advice.

To find out how our expert dispute resolution team can help, call us on 01243 786668 or click here. Alternatively, you can email us at info@georgeide.co.uk or contact us directly using the details shown.

Contact our dispute resolution team

For further information about any of our services or to book a no-obligation consultation, call us on 01243 786668, email the dispute resolution team at info@georgeide.co.uk, click here, or contact us directly using the details shown.

Mark Robertson | Head of Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution

01243 971549 mark.robertson@georgeide.co.uk

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Paul Lewis | Partner

Dispute Resolution

01243 812408 paul.lewis@georgeide.co.uk

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Ian Oliver | Partner

Dispute Resolution, Compliance Officer, Legal Practice (COLP)

01243 812421 ian.oliver@georgeide.co.uk

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Zoë Halliday | Paralegal

Litigation and Family

01243 786 668 zoë.halliday@georgeide.co.uk

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Client Testimonials

Dear Mr Lewis. First of all I would like to say a huge thank you to you and your team about the hard work, time and money which you spent to deal with my claim. I agree with you that the settlement is reasonable enough and I know that you’ve did your best to get it.

Plamen Krastev

Paul Lewis

Right from the beginning of my journey to claim for compensation for my injuries after being knocked off my bike by a car driver, Paul Lewis has been a tower of strength. His advice, guidance and care in ensuring my claim proceeded smoothly has been First Class. Always promptly keeping me informed of progress by email. A friendly, compassionate listening ear when needed to my worries and concerns. Helping and guiding me every step of the way. I have received the best possible advice throughout, resulting in an excellent outcome, expertly and tenaciously negotiated for me by Paul. Thank You.

Mrs Marion Smith

Paul Lewis

It is essential to feel complete confidence in the advice given and the person of one’s solicitor. I have experienced situations in the past where this has not been the case. When seeking a reliable practice some years ago I asked for a recommendation from a neighbour and was given the name of Mr Ian Oliver. I followed this advice, have used this practice ever since and have recommended it to others with complete confidence. It is very reassuring to be in this position.

C Elderfield, Arundel

Ian Oliver

I really appreciate your work in this matter, including all of the updates and advice, everything has been so smooth. I will recommend you to my clients. Hollie Redman

Paul Lewis

On a personal note : Thanks for everything you have done, some may say you are just doing your job but the support you offered both in the structure you set up to get me fit again, as well as the emotional counsel you gave got me through one of the most difficult and frightening situations I had dealt with to date. I will certainly be highly recommending you to anyone else that needs such a service. You are a great asset to the firm and hope they know that!

Simon Horn

Paul Lewis

Hello Paul. The money has arrived safely thanks. May I say a very big thank you for your excellent service on this case you have been incredibly upfront and honest and have dealt with my case with superb attentiveness. It was frustrating for me at times as it took a long time to get it concluded, but I do appreciate the effort on your part. Many thanks again.

Luke Leleu

Paul Lewis

I must of course take this opportunity to tell you how grateful I have been for all your advice, assistance and counsel during the past difficult months. You have been demonstrably skilful, resolute and responsive in all aspects of dealing with my case. I have always felt in very safe hands and your experience shines through, knowing just how to procure the best outcome. I can’t thank you enough for getting me through this horrid and complicated experience. With very best wishes.

Linda Tudor

Paul Lewis

Dear Paul. Thank you so much for negotiating a satisfactory sum (exactly as you had predicted) and I am very grateful to have had the benefit of your excellent service throughout this ordeal. Horrid though it was, your expertise and guidance were of immense help. We can now happily put this whole thing behind us and finally move on. With very warm thanks and best wishes.

Michael Tudor

Paul Lewis

On April 9th 2010 it was my turn to be involved in a traffic accident with an uninsured driver. Although my injury was only a minor back injury, I wanted to be able to claim some sort of compensation if only for some treatment of physiotherapy. George Ide LLP, appointed by my insurance company, have been absolutely superb in representing my claim for personal injury against the Motor Insurance Bureau. With the expertise of Paul Lewis, Head of Accident Management, he has managed to increase the original offer made by the MIB almost threefold. It has been a long process, as Paul advised from the outset, but has been worthwhile and rewarding. I do hope that I do not need to use Paul’s expertise ever again, but know that if I do I would be in the hands of a very capable and friendly team.

Ms H

Paul Lewis

Paul hi,

I am extremely happy with the outcome and the break down that you have provided. I would just like to say to you and your team my deepest thanks for the hard work and dedication you have put into my case and I. am extremely happy with results. Kind regards

Damon

Paul Lewis

Ian Oliver and Paul Lewis of George Ide Solicitors, and their appointed barrister, were outstanding in helping us defend an HMO licensing prosecution by a local authority. This was a complex matter which should never have been taken to trial by the local authority. However, thanks to the care, knowledge and tenacity shown by George Ide, the correct judgment was given. Thanks again for guiding us through this stressful experience.

Ian Wiggett, Pace Property, Lettings & Management Ltd.

Ian Oliver / Paul Lewis

Both Michael and I are very grateful for your good wishes and for the continued support that both you and all your colleagues at George Ide have given us through this process.
If, for any reason, we find ourselves in need of legal advice we would most definitely make your company our first choice and would also have every confidence in recommending you to others.
Wishing you every continued success in the future. Kindest Regards

Jan and Michael Gosling

Paul Lewis