Home / Dispute Resolution & Civil Litigation Services / Building Disputes

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

Read Bio

Paul Lewis | Partner

Dispute Resolution

01243 812408 paul.lewis@georgeide.co.uk

Read Bio

Ian Oliver | Partner

Dispute Resolution, Compliance Officer, Legal Practice (COLP)

01243 812421 ian.oliver@georgeide.co.uk

Read Bio

Zoë Halliday | Paralegal

Litigation and Family

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

Read Bio

Client Testimonials

I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank you for all you have done for us regarding our daughter’s burn. You made the process a lot less scary for her so thank you for that and we are pleased with the outcome. Your professionalism and care for our daughter throughout was very much appreciated by us all.

Beth Huxley

Paul Lewis

Hi Paul. Thank you for your email and all your help over the past 2 years you’ve been fantastic and I would highly recommend you to anyone, I will of course let you no when I revive the funds and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Kind regards,

Sam Halliwell

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

Thank you seems such a trivial word and yet without your tenacity, we would not be here today. For all the medical providers you sought out and your words of stability at each and every stage I cannot thank you enough. You will never know how much of a difference you have made, without your constant reassurance and steps of transition to medical assistance especially during Covid I know I would not be at this stage on my journey.

Michele Scott-Green

Paul Lewis

I have received the final settlement cheque and I am happy with this. Thanks again for your services. You’ve been excellent in every way. I would recommend you to anyone. Thanks.

Fazal Mahmood Chishty

Paul Lewis

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

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

I would just like to thank you for all your hard work in settling my father’s case and in coming to an agreeable settlement with the insurers. Thank you for being so patient with us, and taking time to explain things in layman’s terms. You have led us through this process with ease and my father is very happy to have reached a conclusion in this matter . All your efforts are very much appreciated. Wishing you all the best.

Nancy Ackermann

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

I would just like to say that it has been an absolute pleasure working with you over the last few years and thank you so much for all your help and support. You have been fantastic. You have certainly been more helpful than I could have possibly hoped.

Sarah Finley

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

Following a very traumatic car accident I found myself in the extremely capable hands of Paul Lewis.
He spent time explaining the legal procedures and helped me through every step of my very stressful personal injury claim. Thank you for all you have done for me, you were fantastic.”

Ms L

Paul Lewis