Conflicts at worksites are common, even on construction sites. When disputes arise on construction sites, the involved party might wonder about the best way to resolve them without escalating the matter or affecting their profession.
Construction conflicts result from disagreements between contractors or subcontractors and other workers. While the conflicts aren’t a breach of contract, they might lead to the same or contract termination if not contained. For this reason, involved parties must find ways to prevent or resolve conflicts.
What Are The Common Types Of Construction Conflicts
Now that you understand how construction conflicts arise, it’s vital to learn about common conflicts that might arise at a construction site.
- Accidents
Accidents on construction sites are other grounds for worker disputes. In such an event, the victim might think the contractor will assume responsibility and compensate for the injuries, while the contractor thinks otherwise.
Due to the conflicting views, the parties involved will likely end up on different pages, resulting in a bitter dispute. That said, it’s crucial to outline what happens in the event of a construction site accident to avoid blame games.
- Change Of Finish Day
As the saying goes, ‘time is money.’ This saying is especially true when it comes to construction. An additional construction day will likely cost additional charges that one might not be ready for.
For example, the equipment might attract an additional fee for every additional day, as do the supervisors and workers. The contractor will require additional funds to pay for these expenses in such a case. To avoid loss in profit, they’ll reach out to the building owner, resulting in conflict if they disagree.
- The Type Of Material
It’s common for construction conflict to transpire due to the material used. In most cases, such incidents occur when the specifications aren’t precise about the material’s quality. In such an event, a particular party might have different views regarding if the material is suitable or not. This can result in a conflict when funds are involved.
- Design
Mistakes in design are among the most common causes of construction conflicts. It’s vital to note that mistakes in design can interfere with the construction timeline, especially if the design must be corrected.
How Do Construction Conflicts Arise
Before learning how to resolve construction conflicts, it’s vital to understand how they transpire. As already stated, construction conflicts result from disagreements between more than one party. Mainly, construction disputes revolve around behavior and contract issues.
- Behavior Issues
Since a contractor might not be obligated to take charge of every aspect of the construction process, issues revolving around the neglected part might arise. In such an event, each party will want to blame the other.
As a result, they experience differences in opinions and views, leading to a disagreement that might grow into a conflict. Additionally, a particular party might neglect some responsibilities to avoid legal liability.
- Contract Issues
Contract forms bear the information stipulating each obligation and risk that a particular party will bear as the contract lasts. Since the agreements are always strict, sometimes it becomes challenging to adhere to. In such an event, contractors and workers begin to work under different terms. Suppose something unexpected happens. In this case, a dispute might arise due to a contract breach.
How To Solve Construction Cases
A project is unlikely to begin and end without a conflict arising. Luckily, these conflicts can be addressed successfully. Nevertheless, to do so, you need to understand the best ways to handle the matter. Among the best and most common ways to solve construction conflicts are:
- Negotiation
In most cases, negotiation is the first step in resolving any conflict. This is when the parties involved try to reach an agreement before involving other parties or taking other legal steps. Negotiating is the easiest and cheapest conflict-resolving method that can be effective. If negotiation doesn’t work, the parties understand that the conflict is serious and requires serious intervention.
- Mediation
Mediation is when the conflicting parties involve a third party to help resolve the issue. While this is among the best and most effective ways to resolve a conflict, it’s important to note that meditation isn’t legally enforced. During meditation, the conflicting parties find ways to resolve their differences without involving a court of law.
- Arbitration
Most contractors and lawyers prefer arbitration when resolving construction conflicts. They term it as the best way to resolve disputes contractually.
If the conflicting parties choose arbitration, they must welcome a neutral third party to help find the solution. During the arbitration, the arbitrator gives the final verdict. On the other hand, in meditation, the meditator helps the parties to conclude. For this reason, arbitration is a bit expensive, and the ruling is legally bound to some extent.
- Litigation
This conflict-resolving method involves trials under legal law. Litigation is the most thorough, costly, and complex regarding construction conflict resolution. The process is lengthy as well hence why most disputing parties choose the other methods.
Preventing Construction Conflicts
Construction disputes are manageable. Henceforth, they should be prevented at all costs.
In severe cases, parties prefer not to work together to prevent severe conflicts. Nevertheless, aborting projects is only necessary after trying other conflict prevention ways.
For instance, parties should address issues that can result in conflicts as soon as possible, communicate throughout the project, keep records, and adhere to the contract’s guidelines. If you see a sign of a conflict you can’t handle, seek help from a neutral party before the issue arises. When you’re on the same page, you’re less likely to experience any dispute that you can’t handle yourselves.
Conclusion
Disputes or conflicts are common, regardless of the field. Therefore, each person should understand how to prevent and resolve conflicts to avoid further issues.
Regarding construction conflicts, there are effective ways you can resolve the issues and get back to work. For example, the above-discussed conflict resolution methods are effective and healthy and will help you understand what to do next time a dispute arises. Remember, the sooner you resolve the conflict, the sooner you’ll get back to work and beat the deadlines.
