Unpaid construction invoice? There is a 28-day route that forces a decision.
Short answer: statutory adjudication under the Construction Act delivers a binding decision, typically 28 days from referral, enforced by the courts on a pay now, argue later basis. It applies to most construction contracts in England and Wales even when the contract never mentions it. Our fixed fees start at £345 for the notice review that often decides everything.
The smash and grab: won on dates, not merits
If the paying party misses the deadline for a valid payment notice or pay-less notice, the sum applied for can become due in full, regardless of the true value of the work. These claims are won and lost on notice dates and drafting. Whichever side you are on, the £345 notice review is the cheapest insurance in the industry.
What the 28 days look like
Notice of adjudication served, adjudicator appointed within days, referral within seven days, response, and a decision typically 28 days from referral. It is overwhelmingly a documents procedure: no court, no hearing in the usual case. Referral drafting from £1,950; full representation from £4,500, fixed in writing first.
The decision binds
Adjudicators' decisions are enforced robustly by the Technology and Construction Court, and the losing party pays now even if a final-account fight continues later. Cash flow is the point of the whole regime, which is exactly why it is the strongest tool an unpaid contractor or subcontractor has.
Fixed fee agreed in writing before any work begins, written reply within 24 hours, handled entirely in writing. Send your enquiry or WhatsApp +44 7822 014 066.