Defects in house building

A house building contract, where the nature and extent of perceived defects left the new house-owner with such a level of dissatisfaction that he raised a number of court actions and an arbitration.

The cost of these procedures exceeded the cost of remedying the unsatisfactory work. When the matter came to mediation, with the help of thoughtful and resourceful legal advisors on each side, the matter was resolved within ten hours.

The lawyers prepared with their clients beforehand so that they could negotiate with strength and imagination and, throughout the mediation day, guide and advise their clients on strategy and presentation. 

The lawyers met frequently with the mediator and then alone to craft the terms of a creative and detailed agreement covering remedial work, payment of costs and expenses and dispensing with ongoing litigation.