Our expertise
With offices in the Thames Valley and London our team of expert construction lawyers provide high quality and straightforward advice on complex construction disputes to clients across the UK.
We recognise that disputes are an unfortunate reality of life. The question is: how do you deal with them? With our experienced team of lawyers we are here to help you navigate those disputes by providing clear and practical advice.
With a proven track record of success, we will identify a cost-effective strategy to minimise disruption to you and your business and achieve an efficient and commercial resolution. For private individuals we will help navigate you through what can be a stressful and anxious time and resolve a dispute as quickly as possible whilst protecting your interests.
We are a commercial partner of the National Federation of Builders.
Our clients
We act for and advise a range of clients across the construction industry including developers, contractors, sub-contractors, insurers, homeowners and other construction professionals such as architects and surveyors. Our team’s knowledge of the construction industry means we tailor our advice to reflect the commercial and practical realities which our clients face and to meet their business and industry specific objectives.
Our services
We advise clients in relation to both residential and commercial projects and are experienced acting for clients across different industry sectors.
We understand construction disputes can often occur quickly and sometimes with little advance warning. Therefore, getting clear advice at an early stage can help successfully manage the risk of or even avoid a potential dispute.
We are regularly instructed to give ‘real-time’ advice on the terms of contracts during the life of a project to ensure the terms are followed correctly, and in the event a dispute arises later on so that our clients are well positioned to bring or defend a claim. We are always on hand to discuss your options and to provide immediate advice at any stage of a construction project.
We have an in-depth knowledge of newbuild home warranty/insurance polices and the obligations of builders/developers and insurers to homeowners and claims which arise under those policies.
For our commercial clients we can assist with contract drafting and we also provide one-off or more regular tailor-made training sessions on legislative and industry updates to ensure you are kept up to date of the latest changes and developments and how they affect your business and processes.
Dispute resolution
If a dispute cannot be avoided then we have extensive experience acting for clients in all forms of dispute resolution, whether bringing or defending a claim. This includes:
• Litigation in the Technology and Construction courts
• Adjudication
• Arbitration
• Mediation
• Negotiation
We advise clients across a range of different disputes including:
• Claims relating to the standard or quality of works (defects claims)
• Payment disputes (including interim and final accounts)
• Claims relating to variations, delay, disruption and extensions of time
• Breaches of contract and termination
• Insurance and warranty claims
We have an extensive network of contacts including specialist barristers and other third-party advisors and experts whose input and involvement may be required in a dispute. Our experience means we can identify early on what external support may be needed and take steps to ensure it is in place. Within the team we have trained mediators who are well placed to bring their training and experience to advise on tactics, strategic negotiations and settlement discussions.
Recent experience includes:
- Acting for a client in different jurisdictions in a multi-million pound High Court claim arising out of the defective construction of a luxury apartment complex.
- Acting for a contractor under a JCT 2016 Design and Build Contract for the demolition and construction of a multi-million pound mixed-use development site in London. B P Collins was retained to advise in respect of non-payment of interim payments as well as claims for extensions of time and loss and expense, following which notice was served on both the employer and funder to terminate the contract. A successful adjudication on the final account followed.
- A claim for restitution of a six-figure sum incurred in obtaining planning permission for the development of a brown field site near south-west London when the developer partner (landowner) decided not to proceed. The client recovered the full amount of the claim together with costs.
- Acting for a nationwide sub-contractor in a claim for an extension of time and loss and expense under a JCT 2011 Design and Build Sub-Contract relating to the design and construction of over 200 residential units in East London.
- Acting for a nationwide sub-contractor advising on the terms and effect of a six-figure NEC3 2013 Engineering and Construction sub-contract in relation to a government-backed development.
- Acting for a homeowner advising on substantial renovation works to a residential property under a JCT Building Contract. The building contractor submitted an unsubstantiated claim for loss and expense and subsequently, unlawfully, walked off site. Having given notice to the contractor to return but failing to do so, the contract was terminated and alternative contractors employed to finish the works. B P Collins prepared the homeowner’s damages claim against the original contractor, which was ultimately resolved by way of a negotiated settlement.
- Acting for numerous homeowner clients in relation to disputes arising in connection with residential building or development works, including defective works, failure to carry out works in accordance with the contractual terms, wrongful termination and disputes regarding payment (both interim and final).
What others say…
“We have used B P Collins over the last few months on multiple cases. Couldn’t be more impressed with the service provided. A big thanks to Raj, Steven and Mike for all of their help!”
Dispute Resolution
“We have used BP Collins Dispute Resolution Team on numerous occasions over the past couple of years and find their honest and professional service excellent from the start of the process to resolution. Steven Smith and his team in particular act with professionalism and attention to detail which we find second to none and a service we return to with confidence as and when required.”
Construction Claims
“We have employed B P Collins several times over the last 5 years on construction claims and dispute resolution matters, and have received excellent and insightful advice from Steven Smith, Craig Williams and the team. They are extremely knowledgeable and tenacious when required, yet will advise caution where appropriate.”
Accreditation
B P Collins’ reputation continues to excel in the legal directories, being recognised as “a powerhouse of a regional firm“. The firm has been ranked in The Times Best Law Firms since 2022.
Get in touch
For further information or advice please contact our construction dispute lawyers on 01753 889995 or enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.
