To avoid disputes on public jobs, ‘tell it like it is’

Progressive design-build can help better deliver major civil jobs, but it requires intense collaboration, panelists said during a Construction Dive event.

Talk early. Talk often. Talk honestly.

That was the key insight from expert panelists discussing how to minimize disputes on major public construction projects during Construction Dive’s Wednesday event, “Threat assessment: Minimizing disputes in public contracting.”

Panelists said the biggest value-add for these projects is to utilize a progressive designbuild delivery method, which in particular relies on open communication through every stage of the process between stakeholders.

“I think the critical thing on all construction projects is really to have collaborative, open communication,” said Lisa Love, mediator and arbitrator for alternative dispute resolution provider JAMS. “I think the breakdown in communication really can have a snowball effect. And I think open communication and various other things that you can put in place will help facilitate the project.”

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