Nobody likes to get embroiled in a legal dispute with his or her builder but when a project does not go to plan, usually getting expert advice at an early stage can prevent problems escalating.

When things do go wrong, we can assist in advising you – whether you wish to just obtain limited advice on what your options are; or, if you choose to, we can commence proceedings on your behalf in the Consumer Tenancy and Trader Tribunal. That Tribunal has jurisdiction for the vast majority of disputes between private and individuals and their builders. Most claims can be dealt with within 6 months and most of the claims filed that are settled without a hearing.

The Tribunal has broad powers to hear and determine your issues. We recommend contacting us before attempting to file your own case in the Tribunal, as we assist in identifying and formulating the issues in dispute from the start, so as to effectively convey your side of the story. We will appear on your behalf at the Tribunal at the outset, whilst still maximising and protecting your interests. The important thing in building disputes is to contact a solicitor early on so that from the start, there will be more options available to you.