Construction Dispute Mediation
Construction projects involve many people, schedules, and dollars. When owners, contractors, and subcontractors disagree, mediation can help keep a dispute from stalling the project or ending up in court.
What these disputes look like
Construction disputes arise on home remodels, new construction, and commercial projects. They often involve payment, the scope of the work, delays, change orders, or the quality of what was built. In Florida, contractors and suppliers who are not paid may record a construction lien against the property, which adds pressure on everyone involved.
These disputes depend on contracts, invoices, schedules, photos, and change orders, and they often involve several parties at once. Mediation lets the owner, the contractor, subcontractors, and their representatives sit down together and work through the issues with a neutral person helping the conversation stay productive.
Common issues in these disputes
- Unpaid progress payments and final payments
- Construction liens
- Change orders and extra work
- Delays and missed deadlines
- Defects and incomplete work
- Disputes between contractors and subcontractors
- Deposits on projects that never started
Two examples
Example 1: A kitchen remodel over budget
The situation. A homeowner hires a contractor for a $48,000 kitchen remodel. Midway through, the contractor issues change orders totaling $9,000 for electrical work and cabinet changes. The homeowner says some changes were never approved and stops paying. The contractor records a lien on the home.
How mediation helps. In mediation, the homeowner and the contractor can review the contract, the change orders, and the communications together. The mediator helps them sort out which items are agreed and which are disputed. Working with each side privately, the mediator helps them consider options, such as an agreed final amount, finishing the work, and releasing the lien once payment is made.
Example 2: A subcontractor's unpaid balance
The situation. A tile subcontractor completes work on a small commercial project and is owed $16,000. The general contractor withholds payment, saying the owner has not paid and some tile must be redone. The subcontractor says the work was done as specified.
How mediation helps. The mediator can bring the subcontractor, the general contractor, and if helpful the owner into one conversation. Each can explain their position and see the photos and records together. The mediator helps them work toward terms such as a repair plan, a payment amount, and a schedule, which are written down if they agree.
How mediation can help
Faster answers
Many disputes can be discussed and settled in a single session, instead of months of letters, demands, or a lawsuit.
Lower cost
A few hours of mediation typically costs far less than litigation.
Everyone in one conversation
Owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers can address the issues together.
Projects can move forward
An agreement can resolve payment and work issues so the job can be finished.
You stay in control
Nobody can impose a result. A settlement happens only if both sides agree to it.
Please note: The mediator is neutral, does not represent any party, and does not give legal advice. You are welcome to bring an attorney. The examples above are illustrative, are not real cases, and do not predict the outcome of any dispute.
Schedule your mediation
Pick a date on the live calendar, or reach out with questions about your case, timing, or format.