A Faster Route Through Construction Payment Disputes

An unpaid construction account is rarely just another overdue invoice. It can place pressure on working capital, affect subcontractors and delay future projects.

When payment has been formally disputed, repeated reminders may achieve very little. For contractors, subcontractors and construction professionals, adjudication can provide a quicker and more commercially focused route forward.

That is why Westbury Collections is expanding its adjudication service and dedicating additional resources to helping construction businesses resolve payment disputes.

What is construction adjudication?

Construction disputes may involve valuations, variations, payment notices, defective work or final accounts. In these circumstances, conventional debt recovery may not always be appropriate—particularly when the other party disputes whether the money is due.

Adjudication allows a construction dispute to be presented to an independent adjudicator, who considers the evidence and reaches a decision.

One of its main advantages is speed. The adjudicator is normally required to reach a decision within 28 days of the referral, although this can be extended in certain circumstances. This is significantly faster than traditional court proceedings.

The decision is binding unless and until the dispute is finally determined through litigation, arbitration or agreement. In practice, many adjudication decisions bring the dispute to an end.

Could adjudication be appropriate?

Adjudication may be worth considering when:

• Payment has been withheld or formally disputed

• Conventional recovery attempts have been unsuccessful

• The disagreement concerns valuations, variations or final accounts

• Relevant contracts, notices and project records are available

• Receiving a quicker decision is commercially important

Every dispute is different, so the evidence, potential costs and risks should always be assessed before proceedings begin.

How Westbury can help

Westbury Collections helps clients understand their position before taking action. We review the circumstances surrounding the dispute, examine the relevant contractual and payment documents and consider whether adjudication is an appropriate commercial option.

Where a matter proceeds, we can assist with preparing and presenting the claim and communicating with the relevant parties throughout the process.

As part of our increased focus on this area, Westbury has recently welcomed a new member of the team who will concentrate on supporting and developing our adjudication work. This additional resource will allow us to help more construction businesses facing complex payment disputes.

Westbury Collections has extensive experience supporting clients through complex construction payment disputes and adjudications. Every dispute is different and no outcome can be guaranteed, but our experience helps us assess cases carefully and provide clear, realistic guidance.

Take the next step

Unresolved payment disputes can restrict growth, disrupt projects and consume valuable management time.

If payment has been withheld or disputed under a construction contract, speak to Westbury Collections before deciding what to do next. Our team can review the circumstances, explain whether adjudication may be appropriate and outline the potential process, costs and risks clearly.

Contact Westbury Collections today to discuss your construction payment dispute.