The average time taken to resolve construction disputes in North America increased to an average of 17.7 months in 2017, an increase of two months from 2016, according to a report released by Arcadis.
Length of disputes in the region far exceeded the global average, the report says. Globally, the length of time to resolve disputes stood at 14.8 months, a one month increase over 2016.
The average value of North American disputes decreased to US $19M in 2017 from $21M in 2016. Globally, the figure stood at US $43.4M, up from $32.5M in 2016.
“Failure to properly administer the contract” remained the most common cause of construction disputes globally, and “errors and/or omissions in the contract documentation” remained the most common cause in North America. With positive economic drivers and larger and more complex projects anticipated this year, there is a critical need to embrace more sophisticated risk management and claims avoidance techniques, including leveraging digitalization, Arcadis says.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2016
Researchers finding solutions to bird/building collisions
Glass facades pose a serious risk to birds and cause millions of avian deaths each year.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
New OSHA rules to reduce fall and trip hazards
Employers can choose from a variety of fall protection systems.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2016
Seattle imposes new construction regulation to address rat problem
The city ranks first in U.S. in rat population.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Construction groups sue New York City over crane safety regulation
The rule bans cranes from operating when wind exceeds 30 mph.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2016
Marines plan first net zero energy military base
The Albany, Ga., site will have ground source heat pumps and a biomass generator.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Mahesh Ramanujam takes reins as U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO
Ramanujam brings his tech and business consulting background to the post.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2016
Canada GBC launching Zero Carbon Buildings Initiative
First step toward Zero Carbon Building Standard.