A Standing Neutral Construction Mediator is an industry expert, hired to work exclusively with a client, on a long-term basis, whether on an annual contract or specifically for a distinct construction project, with potential complexities that require a proactive approach to the avoidance of any disputes that might arise, staying available throughout the project to prevent conflicts and facilitate quick resolutions when issues like delays, quality problems, or payment disagreements occur, offering deep industry knowledge for faster, more effective outcomes than traditional reactive mediators.
Characteristics of a Standing Mediator require proactive engagement form the conceptual planning of a project, through the biding process or the negotiations process. This is best fulfilled from the project's start, not just after a problem escalates. A Standing Mediator Possesses significant knowledge of construction law, project dynamics, and technical aspects (workmanship, change orders). An effective and efficient Standing Mediator is uniquely skilled at creating collaborative, motivated, and enduring relationships aimed at reaching consensus and promoting fair and equitable agreements between the parties by thoroughly understanding and envisioning solutions to the project's intricacies to better serve them.
The three primary duties of a Standing Mediator is to timely recognize potentially latent issues, emerging problems, and to mitigate and avoid any manifested issues or conflicts that might become a dispute. A Standing Construction Mediator works to stop issues from becoming major conflicts by stepping in quickly to offer informed, fair solutions to keep projects moving.
The benefits of a Standing Neutral Construction Mediator include the avoidance of lengthy litigation by resolving issues early, minimizing disruptions to keep teams focused on building, and provides insights beyond the potentially legal arguments, by also addressing practical project challenges such as contract language, change order management, project scheduling and quality control.
If you are interested in a Standing Mediator for a specific project or task, or if you would like to retain a Standing Mediator on an annual basis, please let us know in the comment area below. We are available to you for any requests.