About construction and engineering disputes

Disputes in this field arise when expectations, obligations or project delivery arrangements break down across the life of a build, regeneration or maintenance programme.

For housing associations, local authorities, charities and other social purpose organisations, those disputes often affect far more than the project itself. They can disrupt services, increase costs and expose organisations to long-term financial and reputational risk.

Common construction and engineering disputes include payment claims, defective works, delays, contract interpretation disputes, cladding and fire safety recovery and professional consultant failures. We resolve disputes arising under JCT, NEC, other standard form contracts and bespoke or amended contracts.

How our construction and engineering disputes solicitors can help

Anthony Collins advises organisations on the full range of construction and engineering disputes, combining legal expertise with a practical understanding of how projects, estates and long-term works programmes operate in regulated sectors.

Our service covers:

  • Construction contract disputes, including payment claims, defects, delays, extensions of time, final account disputes and termination issues
  • Engineering project disputes including highways and structures
  • Adjudication, arbitration and litigation
  • Cladding and fire safety disputes, including recovery of losses and remediation costs
  • Development and project disputes involving contractors, responsive and planned maintenance, consultants and other professionals
  • Strategic advice at pre-action stage, including the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes

We always look first at negotiation, mediation and other alternative dispute resolution (ADR) routes where they offer the most

Construction professional negligence

Anthony Collins also advises on construction-related professional negligence claims, including claims against architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors, and other professionals whose negligent design, advice, supervision or certification has caused loss. These claims are often technically complex and require early, strategic handling.

This may include claims arising from defective design, inadequate supervision, failures in certification, cladding and fire safety issues, or other professional shortcomings that have increased costs, delayed projects or exposed an organisation to remediation liability. We help clients assess the strength of a claim, preserve evidence and pursue the most effective route to recovery, whether through negotiation, mediation or formal proceedings.

Why choose our construction dispute solicitors?

Specialist expertise and depth of support

Anthony Collins has a team of dedicated construction and engineering dispute lawyers, but where the case requires, our clients are also supported by teams from non-contentious construction and engineering, regulatory, housing management, including leasehold, property and governance teams, leading to a truly joined-up approach.

Cladding and fire safety dispute specialists

We advise organisations on serious cladding and fire safety issues, including investigatory strategies, remediation projects and recovery actions for losses flowing from fire safety and structural defects. Working together with our wider regulatory team we help organisations navigate evolving legislation and regulatory expectations while protecting residents.

National practice for social purpose organisations

The construction disputes team forms part of a nationally recognised practice acting for housing associations, local authorities, charities, education providers and other social purpose organisations on complex projects and disputes. That depth of sector experience means advice is always grounded in how projects are funded, governed and scrutinised in the public and third sectors.

Full range of dispute resolution forums

Anthony Collins represents clients in all major construction dispute forums – from negotiation and mediation through adjudication, arbitration and court proceedings – providing clear guidance on which route offers the best balance of speed, cost and risk for each dispute.

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Frequently asked questions

Most cladding and fire safety disputes involve multiple parties and are resolved through a combination of negotiation, mediation, adjudication, arbitration or litigation, depending on the contracts and evidence involved. Early specialist advice is important to preserve your organisation’s legal position and maximise the prospects of recovery.

Testimonials

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Anthony Collins Solicitors has considerable expertise in procurement, framework agreements and related contractual work for projects including refurbishments, building maintenance and infrastructure. It advises on contentious matters such as defective work, payment disputes and project delays. Anthony Collins Solicitors boasts a varied client list that includes property owners, local councils, housing groups and funders.
Chambers and Partners, 2026

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