Construction Claim Avoidance and Preparation Tips

You can avoid many construction delay claims altogether if you establish a protocol to review all the work you do. Creating a system to protect yourself is one of the smartest steps you can take as an independent contractor, because it adds a layer of legal and financial protection to the project.

Avoiding Claims

Before you ever need construction claim preparation, make sure you’re consulting with outside experts to review the receipts and work orders you’re using. One of the most common disputes in construction involves improperly defining the scope of work to be done on a project. Having a consulting on your side to review those documents will help provide some additional assurance that you’re good to go.

Occasionally, plans do change. Having someone review your contract will provide some measure of protection, because it decreases the likelihood that a change is directly related to something you or your construction company actually did.

Preparation

The key to construction claims management is proper preparation. If you can prepare the paperwork you need to prove your case, you will usually come out ok. Ideally, everyone involved in the project will keep good records but that’s not always the case. It’s up to you to furnish documentation that proves changes to the scope of work, and outlines your responsibilities and the fulfillment of those duties.

Whether you’re just trying to resolve the claim, or prepping for mediation, you’ll need detailed records if you don’t want to end up on the losing side.

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Lyle Charles has successfully helped to navigate construction delays and claims for more than 30 years. For a trusted construction consultant, contact Lyle Charles.