Construction Claims Process
5-Step Dispute Resolution Procedure

1. CLAIM

Action: Claimant submits claim via registered mail or certified mail
Required: Reasonable documentation to support the claim


2. EVALUATION

Timeline: Owner has 30 days to perform reasonable review (may be mutually extended)
Owner Response: Written statement identifying disputed and undisputed amounts
* Owner pays undisputed portion within 60 days of written statement


3. INFORMAL CONFERENCE

If dispute remains: Claimant may demand informal conference via registered mail or certified mail
Conference: Must be held within 30 days of receipt of demand
Follow-up: Within 10 business days, owner provides written statement of what remains disputed/undisputed
* Owner pays undisputed portion within 60 days of written statement


4. MEDIATION

If dispute remains: Parties proceed to nonbinding mediation
Cost: Shared equally between parties
Mediator Selection: 10 business days to mutually select mediator
If no agreement: Contractor selects the mediator


5. FINAL RESOLUTION

If dispute remains: Parties follow contract dispute resolution procedures OR proceed to court
Options include:
Binding arbitration (if specified in contract)
Civil litigation
Final judgment by operation of law