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 …

Sub-contractor claiming against my new company Read More »

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 …

Sub-contract terminated over paint colour Read More »

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 …

Architects have terminated its contract with us Read More »

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 …

Monies owed from 2016 – can I make a claim? Read More »

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, …

Deducting monies for poor standard of work Read More »

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 …

Offers to settle Read More »

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] …

Pointers to mitigate exposure in current economic climate Read More »

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 …

What is a collateral warranty and do I need to provide one? Read More »