Construction Disputes in the Puget Sound: A Broad Perspective

摘要

The construction industry has not been spared from the effects of 'the liability explosion'. Additionally, the costs of preparing a construction case for trial or arbitration have expanded exponentially. In an age of scarce resources, the industry is using far too many of them resolving disputes through formal channels. This approach drastically reduces the overall efficiency of the building process. If more disputes could be resolved outside of the extremely slow and expensive legal system, tremendous financial and personnel assets would be freed for direct construction. This increased efficiency would, in turn, reduce the total cost of projects. The goals of this research project are twofold: first, to identify both problem areas that precipitate disputes and controls that have been successful in avoiding them, and second, to foster better communication among the parties involved in the construction process. The intent of the final report is to promote more realistic expectations, communication, and ultimately resolution of disputes before a third party judgment is required. Theses. (FR)