Dispute Types
Typical Built-Environment Disputes
The kinds of disputes the Built Environment Mediation Network is designed to address.
The categories below illustrate the range of matters for which BEMN may be relevant. Many built-environment disputes overlap across payment, delay, defects, scope, project administration, technical responsibility and strained working relationships.
Contractor & Client Disputes
Main contractor–client breakdown
Where the professional relationship between the main contractor and client has broken down over scope, delivery, programme or the terms of the building contract.
Design and specification conflicts
Disputes over what was designed, what was specified and what was built — including conflicts between architects, engineers, contractors and clients.
Contract termination disputes
When a construction contract is terminated by either party, significant financial and legal consequences often follow. Mediation can provide a faster resolution than adjudication or litigation.
Payment & Delay
Payment disputes
Disputes over interim applications, final accounts, retentions and the conditions under which payment is due. Common between clients, main contractors and the supply chain.
Delay and programme claims
Conflicts over the cause and consequences of project delay — including extensions of time, loss and expense claims, and the financial consequences of overrun.
Instruction and variation disputes
Disagreements over whether instructions were given, what they required and how they should be valued under the contract.
Defects & Quality
Defects and rectification
Disputes over whether work has been completed to the required standard, what defects exist, and who is responsible for the cost of rectification.
Practical completion disagreements
Conflicts over whether practical completion has been achieved — including the scope and nature of snagging lists and outstanding works.
Post-completion claims
Disputes arising after the project has completed — including defects liability period claims, latent defects, and disputes about the performance of completed works.
Subcontractor & Supply Chain
Subcontractor payment disputes
Payment conflicts between main contractors and subcontractors — including interim payments, retentions, delay claims and set-off disputes.
Subcontractor scope conflicts
Disagreements between main contractors and subcontractors over the scope of sub-contracted works, variations and programme obligations.
Supplier and material disputes
Conflicts over the supply of materials — including quality, specification, delivery and the financial consequences of defective or delayed supply.
Property & Neighbour Disputes
Boundary and party wall disputes
Conflicts between neighbouring property owners over boundaries, party wall works, rights of light and the impact of development or construction on neighbouring land.
Development impact conflicts
Disputes arising from the impact of construction or development on neighbouring properties — including noise, vibration, access disruption and structural damage.
Property and land ownership disputes
Civil disputes between property owners over land boundaries, access rights, covenants and related property interests.
When Mediation Is Likely to Help
Mediation is often particularly useful where the dispute involves both commercial and practical issues, where the parties need a confidential route, or where the cost of further delay and escalation is becoming disproportionate.
- The dispute affects an ongoing or recently broken-down commercial relationship
- Payment, delay, defects or scope issues are entangled with communication breakdown
- The parties need a structured commercial discussion rather than immediate formal adjudication or litigation
- Confidentiality matters because of live work, reputation or future trading relationships
- The parties want practical outcomes that go beyond a narrow claim or defence
When Another Route May Be More Appropriate
Some matters require urgent adjudication, injunctions, regulatory action, expert determination or judicial findings that the parties cannot realistically negotiate. An initial consultation can help identify whether mediation is likely to be suitable and proportionate.
Not Sure Whether Your Dispute Is on This List?
An initial consultation can help identify whether mediation may be appropriate, even where the dispute does not sit neatly within one category. There is no obligation to proceed.
Arrange an Initial ConsultationArrange an Initial Consultation
A brief, confidential conversation to explore whether mediation may help with your situation.
BEMN is an initiative of Mediation Chambers