Building Adjudication Dispute Lawyers
If you’re involved in a building or construction payment dispute, acting quickly is essential. Strict statutory deadlines apply at every stage, missing them can affect your right to recover payment or defend a claim. Our commercial litigation lawyers can help you protect your position.
Resolving Payment Disputes in Building and Construction
Under Queensland’s Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (BIFA), contractors and subcontractors can recover unpaid amounts through statutory adjudication, a faster alternative to court, operating on a “pay now, argue later” principle.
Whether you’re a head contractor, subcontractor, or supplier, we can assist with payment claims, adjudication applications, and defending claims to get you a fair outcome.
Contact Your Nearest Office
If you are interested in meeting with an accountant or lawyer regarding your business or commercial interests, please fill out the form to book an appointment or call (07) 5444 1022
What a Building Adjudication Dispute May Involve
Construction payment disputes often arise in situations such as:
- Unpaid progress payments for completed construction work;
- A payment schedule that undervalues the work completed;
- Failure to provide a payment schedule within the required 15 business day timeframe;
- Disputes about variations or scope of works;
-
Claims relating to defective or incomplete work;
- Disagreements between contractors, subcontractors and supplier.
As the adjudication process operates under strict statutory deadlines, delays can affect your ability to recover money or defend a claim. Obtaining legal advice early can help ensure the correct steps are taken within the required timeframes.
Methods of Resolving Building Payment Disputes
Depending on the nature of your matter, certain construction payment disputes may be resolved through adjudication under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017. This process allows parties involved in a construction project to seek an independent determination about disputed progress payments.
An adjudication application is typically made after a payment claim has been served and the payment amount is disputed or not paid. The application is then referred to an independent adjudicator, who reviews the submissions and supporting documentation from the parties involved.
As strict legislative requirements and deadlines apply, obtaining legal advice early can help ensure that documents are prepared correctly and that your rights are protected throughout the process. Learn more about how the adjudication process works in our detailed guide.
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Common Building Adjudication Matters
Unpaid progress payments
Disputed payment schedules
No payment schedule received
Defending an adjudication claim
Defective or incomplete work
Enforcing a decision
Greenhalgh Pickard’s Commercial Litigation Team
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