A building disputes solicitor is a construction law specialist regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) who advises clients involved in disputes arising from building and construction contracts. This includes disputes between employers and main contractors, main contractors and subcontractors, developers and building professionals, and homeowners and builders. They advise on the most appropriate dispute resolution mechanism - adjudication, mediation, arbitration or litigation - and manage the legal process through to resolution or judgment.
What they do
- Advise on construction contract terms and dispute resolution clauses
- Draft and send pre-action protocol letters before claim
- Manage adjudication referrals and responses under HGCRA 1996
- Issue County Court and TCC (Technology and Construction Court) proceedings
- Manage mediation and settlement negotiations
- Advise on professional negligence claims against architects and engineers
- Advise on limitation periods and time-bar risks
- Brief and instruct expert witnesses on technical issues
- Recover unpaid contractor invoices and certificates
When you need one
Consult a building disputes solicitor as soon as a dispute looks unlikely to resolve by negotiation - or when you receive a formal legal demand.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Job type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Solicitor hourly rate | £200 - £400 / hr |
| Initial advice and letter before claim | £500 - £1,500 |
| Adjudication support | £2,000 - £8,000+ |
| Litigation (County Court) | £3,000 - £15,000+ |
| Mediation | £1,500 - £4,000 |
| Settlement negotiation | £1,000 - £3,500 |
London firms and specialist TCC solicitors charge at the higher end. Costs are proportionate to the value in dispute - many solicitors offer a free initial telephone consultation. Always ask about fixed-fee options for early-stage work.
How to find a building disputes solicitor
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going to court over a building dispute?
Court proceedings are expensive and slow. Mediation and adjudication are usually preferred routes. Adjudication under the HGCRA 1996 is available for most construction contracts and produces a binding decision in 28 days. Use a specialist construction solicitor to advise on the most cost-effective route before committing to litigation.
What is adjudication?
Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process available for most construction contracts under the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996. A neutral adjudicator is appointed and must decide within 28 days of receiving the referral notice. The decision is temporarily binding unless overturned by arbitration or court.
When should I involve a solicitor in a building dispute?
As soon as significant sums are at stake or you receive a formal demand or threat of legal proceedings. Early specialist advice can often resolve disputes before they escalate to expensive litigation. A specialist construction solicitor will advise whether adjudication, mediation, negotiation or court action is the most appropriate route.