6 Steps to Improving the Adjudication Claims Process

The process of the adjudication claims serves a vital task for the construction and real estate industries for dispute resolution. This is why it is crucial to guarantee that this process is optimal, egalitarian, and absolutely transparent. It is possible to improve the current adjudication process as a contractor, a subcontractor, or the owner of a certain project and obtain the result that will be beneficial for all the parties involved in the process. Below are six tips on how the adjudication claims process can be improved efficiently:

1. Clearly Define Contractual Terms

The problem most frequently encountered in litigation is the one that stems from the use of uncertain and/or obscure contractual provisions. What’s most important to understand is that it is less likely to have problems with lawsuits if the contracting parties use precise language at the beginning. Before the actual work begins and during the initiation stage, document all the activities carefully to avoid misunderstandings in the future, also it is important for all members of the project to understand the limits of responsibilities and authority in the project, payment procedures, timelines and all the procedures of appealing to the legal procedures, if there are some misunderstandings. Minimising on crafty and sophisticated language in contracts will go along way in eliminating most of the disputes before getting to the door of the adjudicator.

2. Maintain Thorough Documentation

Documentation is a very crucial requirements of any successful adjudication claims process and therefore must be done accurately and comprehensively. Documentation is a critical technique that entails the documentation of all communications, agreements, changes, and work progress. This encompasses emails, meeting minutes, invoices, change orders as well as any other corresponding documents. This is particularly so where some of the material is disjointed or poorly arranged and thus when one is involved in a dispute, such material can either make things easier or worse.

3. Choose the Right Adjudicator

The selection of the person who is going to carry out the adjudication is critical to the success of the process. Hiring the right person with adequate experience and who is not biased will guarantee efficiency in the process. Thus, it is recommended to come to terms with the criteria to be used in choosing an adjudicator prior to starting a project. This is with regard to the expertise of the adjudicator specific to the industry, the reputation of the adjudicator and their perception of the legal environment in the country.

4. Streamline Communication Channels

Another factor that we can commend is the fact that communication is key when it comes to solving a disagreement. Ensure proper coordination and openness between all the stakeholders that are involved in the process of making the adjudications. Timely communications also mean that any problems can be solved immediately and do not pile up. Technology can also prove helpful to keep track of the communications, for instance, the use of project management tools to ensure that all are aligned.

5. Ensure Timely Action

There is a lot of emphasis placed on the time as far as the process of adjudication is concerned. Potential problems of delay are high costs for delays, strained interpersonal relationship, and long lasting disputes. One ought to act fast in case of a dispute especially within the timeframes set under the contract or any legal provisions. Make sure that all submited documents, answers and decisions are made before the agreed deadline. It is always easier to continue the process afresh and reach a decision when a particular step is taken at the right time.

6. Learn and Adapt from Past Adjudications

In the last place, improving the process of the adjudication is, in fact, making some changes on the basis of experience. Each time an adjudication is complete they should conduct a post-mortem to check on strengths and weakness. Formulating findings from the outcomes and the process of evaluation like these points can give good insights than used towards other projects. This is the reason why it is necessary to strive towards further development of the concept of adjudication and the minimisation of disputes as well as the increase in project management competence.

Optimisation of the claims process under the adjudication regulation is viable to attaining a fair and efficient means of dispute prevention in construction and real estate industries. Hence, factors that may improve the effectiveness of the process include proper documentation of all contractual terms, proper selection of the right adjudicator, proper communication between the parties, proper action within the right time, and lastly the need to learn from previous experiences. The application of these steps is surely going to make situations less of a struggle and lead to improved performance of contract dealings as well as project work and even business relationships in general.