service of payment and other notices
There are a huge number of disputes referred to adjudication that focus on whether the payment mechanism has been properly adhered to and whether the right to suspend works has been lawfully exercised.
We can advise you on your obligations, the notices you should serve, and when you should serve them. This extends to acts which the contract states must be done – for any entitlement to something such as a payment, a variation, extension of time or loss and expense to arise.
Construction contracts often set out a payment mechanism which stipulates:
- When a party is to submit interim applications
- When a party is obliged to serve a notice stating the sum assessed as being due – and the basis of how that was calculated
- When other notices must be served – if a paying party intends to pay less than the sum due – and the consequences of failing to do so
In the absence of such terms, the Housing Grants Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (commonly referred to as ‘the Construction Act’) will impose such terms. The Contract or the Construction Act also introduced the right to give notice of the intention suspend work, if money that was due had not been paid by the end of the notice period stipulated. It also made unlawful certain practices such as ‘pay when paid’ clauses.
To make an appointment to see one of our construction solicitors, please contact Richard Millard on 01908 689382 or email rmillard@geoffreyleaver.com.
The Construction & Development Team
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Richard Millard Managing Partner
Construction & Development 01908 689382Richard has over 20 years’ experience acting for clients in the construction industry, providing pragmatic advice to developers, contractors, sub-contractors, design and construction professionals, housing associations, smaller builders and homeowners. -
Darren Millis Partner
Commercial Property 01908 689319Darren has over 25 years’ experience in dealing with commercial property work. Darren has concentrated in the last few years on the more complicated land acquisition and development work including: -
Richard Willis Consultant Solicitor
Commercial Property 01908 689315Richard specialises in Property Law, representing clients from small family businesses to large PLC’s’ He also acts for local Councils, Parish Councils, landowners, investors, developers, lenders, Housing Associations and Charities.
