Construction Law

Best Communication Practices for Construction Companies to Limit Miscommunication and Potential Legal Action

In construction projects of any kind, communication is key to making sure tasks are completed on time, within budget, and to the exact specifications of the project owner. In order to accomplish this, you must maintain clear and open lines of communication between each of the contractual parties. Without the appropriate channels in place, you’re bound to experience miscommunication that can easily create an uncomfortable atmosphere, result in frustration across the board, and lead clients to take legal action against your construction company.

To help you limit miscommunication and resulting legal action on your construction projects, today’s article goes over several best communication practices for companies to take into consideration. If you are involved in a dispute as a result of miscommunication with a client, contact a construction lawyer in Wilmington, NC, from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

Regular Update Emails

Your client should be updated at least weekly about the status of their project, if not sooner. This can be a simple check-in confirming the details that you spoke to them about in person. Emails can create a paper trail that can be used as evidence if things start to go badly, showing that you did let them know about potential delays and issues that relate to their project.

Set Realistic Deadlines

Starting your project with realistic deadlines is probably the most effective thing you can do to prevent legal action, unhappy clients, and miscommunications. For example, if you say to a client that the project will take 10 days when it would be a challenging and competitive pace to do so, then you set yourself up for failure. If you told them 15 days, they would be better prepared to do what’s necessary on their part for the project.

Establish Modes of Communication

Be sure to establish different modes of communication for your client, especially for the times when they are confused, need answers to pertinent questions, or are unhappy. This can include direct cell phone numbers and hours when you’ll accept a client call or multiple ways to contact you. Clients simply need to know how to reach you.

Document Everything

Document everything that you can whether with written contracts or emails. You want to create evidence of what you told clients and when. Verbal agreements aren’t binding and, in the event of legal action, won’t serve as proper documentation.

Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prevent client miscommunications and associated legal action. In some cases, this is all that is needed. If you have questions about miscommunications and client legal action related to construction projects, contact a construction lawyer in Wilmington, NC, from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.

If you would like to speak with a contractor attorney in Wilmington, NC, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.