ABSTRACT

Building projects are complicated, and despite the numerous checks and balances of the procedures and codes, a dispute between the parties can sometimes arise. The RIBA Domestic Professional Services Contract (between the client and the architect) and the RIBA Domestic Building Contract (between the client and the builder) provide mechanisms for solving the disputes through mediation and adjudication. Where the architect is an RIBA Chartered Practice they must abide by the Code of Practice for Chartered Practices. The best means of avoiding disputes is to have open and clear dialogue: first in communicating the brief; then in having a written contract as well as written instructions to confirm any changes made during the course of the project, because these usually carry cost. Article 3.5 of the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct states that members should have in place effective procedures for dealing promptly with disputes or complaints.