Adjudication: What's the verdict? | Features

Adjudication: What's the verdict?
Is adjudication reliable?
Yes	53%
No	44%
Unsure	3%
Masons’ survey shows that almost half of the industry consider the process unreliable – yet there is no effective appeal against a decision.
Has adjudication failed?
Yes	16%
No	57%
Unsure	27%
This result, also from Masons, is a vote of confidence in the effectiveness of adjudication – but critics argue that its effectiveness is part of the problem.
Was the adjudicator’s decision final?
Yes	81%
No	19%
Adjudication is supposed to be an short-term quick-fix solution. Masons’ experience is that, in most cases, the decision was final.
Ambush!
Often ambushed	18%
Occasionally ambushed	27%
Never ambushed	50%
Half of Lee Crowder’s respondents (contractors and specialists) have been ambushed – but how many of the other half have carried one out?
Ambush!
Never been ambushed	43%
Have been ambushed	57%
James R Knowles’ survey shows a similar pattern. One respondent commented: “I would say ambush is too strong … Good time for preparation, fact finding and well-presented referrals sounds much better.”
When are adjudications started?
While it is going on	38%
Before work starts	2%
After it is completed	60%
Adjudication was meant to preserve site relations. The James R Knowles survey suggests it’s being used to get money quickly once work is over.
Should the act be amended?
Yes	56%
No	44%
James R Knowles’ respondents wanted winners to get costs (including the cost of enforcing), one set of rules, and qualifications for adjudicators.