What should happen when a building project starts to go wrong?
Before deciding who is right, establish what was actually agreed and what has actually happened.
A disagreement can become much harder to resolve once both sides are arguing from memory. The first useful step is often to turn the situation back into facts, records and specific outstanding issues.
1. Define the issue.
Separate specific concerns from general frustration. Is the disagreement about workmanship, scope, an extra, timing, payment, snagging or a missing document?
2. Return to what was agreed.
Check the quote, agreed scope, subsequent variations and relevant communications. This can reveal whether the issue is a failure to deliver an agreement, a difference in interpretation or work that was never clearly agreed.
3. Record the current position.
Photos, dates, outstanding-item lists and concise written communications are more useful than a long exchange of accusations.
The useful starting point is evidence: what was agreed, what changed, what has been completed, what remains and what each side says would resolve the problem.
4. Look for a practical route forward.
Depending on the issue, that might mean remedial work, a clear snagging list, missing documents, recognition of an agreed variation, or another appropriate resolution. Some disputes will require independent professional or legal advice.
Bring the record together.
A clearer route when problems arise.
Trust In Trade is exploring an evidence-led mediation and support service for both clients and trades. The intention is to use the shared project record to help establish the facts and support practical resolution. The precise service, legal framework and limits will be defined before this feature becomes operational.