Construction Law Clinic

Problem: Some few years ago my specialist contracting business had a contract with a large (and well known) construction company, and to assist my business in carrying out the contract, I employed a couple of sub-contractors. In 2018, the construction company went into administration, and my business was so badly affected it had to cease […]

Problem:  I run a small painting and decorating company and earlier this year I was awarded a contract to carry out painting to a small block of ten purpose built flats in the centre of Leicester City.  The scope of works was straight forward, painting the walls and ceilings in a single colour (magnolia) with

Problem:  My wife and I are in the early stages of renovating a private property we purchased, of which once completed, we plan to move into as our home.  No work has started on site yet, but we have employed a firm of architects who had been progressing the design. A few weeks ago, we

Problem:  My company completed a new build for a client back in March 2016, but the final account was not never agreed, which left around £48,000 still in contention.  We attended the defects within the 6-month defects liability period and although it was always my intention to chase up the account, other priorities always seemed

Problem:  Could you help me to understand the consequences if my company fails to pay a sub-contractor that has produced very poor quality work on 2 of our projects? My company is a building contractor and we employed the sub-contractor to carry out drylining work on 2 of our projects earlier in the year.  However,

Problem:  I am a commercial manager for a specialist contractor, and we are currently in dispute over a final account with a client who is the main contractor on a new build that was completed in late 2022. I have had a couple of meetings with my opposite number and some progress is being made

Problem:  It is not so much a problem I have that requires a ‘cure’, but rather I am seeking pointers that will help prevent potential problems in the future. I run a construction company that turns over just under £10 million per year.  The type of work we do is quite varied, ranging from [large]

Problem:  I own a small mechanical and plumbing contracting business and a few months ago my company started work on a new build project for a main contractor. After starting work, the main contractor asked me to sign a collateral warranty.  I do not have any experience of collateral warranties and I assumed that this

Problem:  Being in the building game, I have been a regular reader of the Leicestershire Builder and have always enjoyed your column, and although I have never had any major problems with clients or suppliers during my 20 plus years of trading that has required me to seek professional advice, I do have a personal

Problem:  I run a small general builder’s business.  In September 2022, we finished a job for a customer.  The job was not large, but very ‘bitty’, mainly involving repairs and general maintenance to a bungalow, plus a reasonable amount of work in the garden including supplying and installing new timber fencing and laying a paved