VN Blog

Communication
There are many reasons construction disputes develop during projects, and almost as many reasons why those disputes can elevate into a construction claim situation. Regardless of how the dispute initially developed, the inability to resolve it amicably and without litigation can almost always be traced back to poor communication by at least one of the parties, and often all of the parties, involved. Too often we either don’t communicate at all, or ineffectively at best. We think a matter is not important enough to take a moment and explain it or we assume the information conveyed is received and understood as intended. Often it is not.

Here are a few communication methods that could help avoid a construction claim:

Be Proactive: Don’t wait for problems to arise in order to develop a way to resolve them.

Establish Ground Rules: Hold regular meetings and an open forum for increased communication between all the parties involved with the project.

Align expectations: Make sure everyone is on the page and knows what is expected and required.

Clearly Communicate: Convey what the project is, why it is important and how the project will move forward. This leads to a buy in of participants and increased understanding.

Address Uncertainties: Be direct, clear and concise with questions about issues and reservations.

Address Issues: Resolve issues and discrepancies as they arise before they impact the project.

Be Receptive: Listen to all the parties involved and leave your pride at the door. Consider alternative points of view.

• For the full article Avoiding Construction Claims by Tom Williams, please visit this link.
• For more articles about Construction Management, please visit this link.