Dispute Resolution
Professional independent high calibre expertise
We specialise in providing construction Dispute Resolution services – including conflict avoidance – that will help clients manage disputes, risk and uncertainty on complex contracts and challenging projects
Key Services
By employing Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Building Surveyors we can deliver a wide range of Expert Witness services.
Expert Witness Services
Our experts support clients in the resolution of challenging issues that arise in construction projects through all forms of dispute resolution.
Forensic Quantum
- Forensic Delay and/or disruption
- Contract administration
- Extension of time
- Additional costs, loss and expense or damages
- Measured works completed under a contract
- Cost of rectification of defects
- Professional negligence claims
- The value and validity of variations in final accounts
Our quantum experts with many years experience are able to understand the true financial basis of a claim whether under JCT, NEC, or other forms of contracts. They provide independent assessment of quantum and provide expert testimony including providing reasoned and evidenced reports for use in tribunals or court.
Forensic Delay
We provide an independent delay service offering within the construction and engineering sectors both in the UK and internationally which is objective and unbiased. We get involved at all stages of a dispute regardless of size, value, or complexity.
Irrespective of which method of delay analysis is deployed, we approach each matter with an open mind, ensuring conclusions are sound from a common-sense perspective, which considers all relevant facts.
Key service offering:
- Critical Path Analysis: Identifying and determining the sequence of activities that dictate project completion time, which is essential for isolating delay events that truly impact overall delivery
- Delay Analysis: Adopting any of the six commonly used methods of delay analysis in the UK which are consistent with the SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol
- Detailed and forensic review of the of contemporaneous project records and correspondence to establish clear causation through firstly identifying the critical path, and the extent of critical delay before establishing the causes of those delays (i.e., Effect and Cause linking)
- Preparation of advisory notes, high level opinions, and expert reports which are transparent, adhere to the SCL Protocol and are CPR 35 (court) compliant
- Advisory support during adjudication, arbitration, or litigation proceedings
- Oral testimony
Building Surveying Expert Witness
We frequently act as a single joint expert on construction and property disputes in a range of commercial and residential disputes. Our areas of expertise include:
- Dilapidations
- Landlord and tenant disputes and housing disrepair claims
- Construction disputes on new builds and extensions
- Building Insurance claims disputes
- Quality of work
- Party Wall disputes
Cladding Matters
In the post-Grenfell Tower fire landscape, we support clients in resolving complex cladding disputes. Acting for both claimants and defendants, we provide expert services in quantum, delay analysis, and technical advisory (alongside specialist consultants).
Adair are recognised quantum experts in cladding-related matters, having advised on over £1bn of projects across the UK and internationally.
We are instructed by both legal advisors and clients directly, acting across the full project spectrum – from employers and consultants to contractors and the wider supply chain. This provides us with a well-rounded understanding of how issues arise and the implications for all parties.
Our advice is robust, commercial and evidence-based, covering claim assessment, programme analysis, mitigation, and support to legal teams on liability and quantum.
Further Services
We specialise in the avoidance, preparation, analysis and defence of all aspects of construction claims for extension of time, prolongation, disruption, loss and/or expense.
We have a proven track record in developing, defending, negotiating and successfully resolving contractual and commercial claims for extension of time, prolongation, disruption, additional costs, loss and/or expense, and/or general damages.
- Critical path analysis
- Expert reports
- Final account audits
- Expert planning
- Loss and/or expense claims
- Prolongation claims
- Quantum claims
- Disruption claims
Our adjudicators have a wealth of experience in managing the process of adjudication. We provide timely advice, analysis of claim, preparation or rebuttal of evidence, draft formal submissions and manage disputes through the whole of the adjudication process for either the referring or responding party.
Our professionals provide clear expert advice on matters relating to time and money in construction disputes and independent opinion. We will then set out a strategy to ensure the most successful resolution of the matter in dispute.
Acting as the expert witness providing expert reports and testimony.
Mediation is a voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) method often encouraged by the Courts to resolve construction disputes.
As well as assisting and representing clients at mediation hearings, we also offer a mediator service. This service encompasses one of our experienced mediators, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators or the RICS, acting as the mediator and skilfully and sensitively overseeing the mediation hearing itself. The cost of a mediation hearing is dependent on the value in dispute, and costs can be provided upon request.
Our ethos is to help identify and ‘design out’ foreseeable risk. A construction contract, a JCT contract or NEC contract for example provides important protection for all parties and is vital in preventing disputes. We can assist the client in a number of ways to avoid a potential dispute.
- Setting up the construction project
- Carrying out contract reviews for dispute avoidance
- Advising on the most suitable contract form
- Undertaking the full preparation, issuing and negotiation of contract terms
- Ensuring payment provision are included in your contract
- Managing and resolving contractual issues quickly and effectively should they arise typically through adjudication and Expert Witness services.
Contact us
Dynamic and multidisciplinary approach
Adair’s highly qualified and diverse team has the knowledge and understanding of the construction industry to provide services on a wide array of construction disputes.
Regularly instructed in the UK and internationally to provide Independent Expert opinion on the quantum of a dispute on behalf of either the claiming or defending party or as joint independent expert acting for both parties.
Instructed by law firms, investors, developers, landlords, main contractors and subcontractors we work in most sectors.
The Adair team are top drawer and our absolute go to for dispute work. They are easy to deal with, add real value to the process and are extremely thorough, however tight the timescales.
Key Contacts
Charlie Firmin
Mark Lucas
Justin Sullivan
James Richardson
Oliver Blowey
Simon Sutcliffe
The dispute resolution team at Adair draws on a vast range of experience across many different types of property dispute. They have proved their deep technical knowledge on numerous occasions. But what really singles them out is their ability to understand what solicitors and the courts need from them as experts and how to assist with the litigation process. Knowledgeable, helpful and efficient, they are a pleasure to work with.
