Many contractors today are choosing arbitration clauses in their contracts for two very good reasons.

First, arbitration provides a quicker decision-making process than does our backed-up court system. Courts can take months or years to even schedule a case. Arbitration, on the other hand, can be completed in just weeks.

The second reason experienced contractors choose arbitration is because arbitration will provide an arbitrator who he is experienced in the construction industry. That is probably the most important factor.

Contractors who have had a lawyer as a client know they can be one of the most difficult clients. Perhaps it is just in the nature of a lawyer to question not only everything in the contract but to question everything you do during the project as well. Now, where do you think judges come from? They are lawyers!

Whether the case is being decided only by a judge, or by a jury, a contractor often has about as good a chance as does an auto mechanic.

An arbitrator however, is not a push over. Often times the arbitrator comes out of the building inspection field. These are not necessarily the friends of contractors but they do know construction. They do know what acceptable standards in construction are. They do know what the wording, phrases and clauses of standard construction agreements mean. This is why four out of five contractors would rather go to arbitration then to court.

The person or entity with whom you are contracting usually, readily agrees to arbitration when you explain the speed with which a decision can be reached.

Construction arbitration can be obtained from the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

You can purchase any of our forms or agreements at the Catalog page.