How do you protect the relationship and the contractual requirements

How do you protect the relationship and the contractual requirements?

It is a balance.

Construction is a relationship driven industry. People want to continue working together, win repeat projects and maintain trust on site.

At the same time, there are contractual obligations that have to be complied with. Notices have to be issued. Records have to be kept. Entitlement has to be protected.

The difficulty often arises where teams feel that issuing a notice or raising a contractual point may damage the relationship.

In reality, it is usually the opposite.

Problems tend to escalate when issues are not raised early. If matters are allowed to build without being formally addressed, that is when relationships suffer.

Clear communication, issued at the right time and in the right way, protects both parties.

It should not be seen as aggressive. It is simply good contract management.

If expectations are clear from the outset and records are maintained properly, there is far less friction later.

Ultimately, protecting the relationship and protecting your contractual position are not mutually exclusive. When handled professionally, they support each other.