Construction Law
A construction dispute that's costing you time, money, and projects?
Construction law specialist with a proven track record. I assist contractors and principals with issues such as disputes over additional work, defects upon completion, construction delays, and arbitration disputes. Transparent pricing, and a response within 24 hours.
5.0—Reviewed by business owners
Common challenges for contractors and principals
You’ve carried out additional work, but the principal refuses to pay, claiming that this is at your risk. Or, as a principal, you’re faced with a handover full of defects and a contractor who won’t take responsibility, claiming that you accepted the work. A project is falling behind schedule, and no one wants to bear the financial loss. Or a subcontractor goes bankrupt halfway through the job.
You work with UAV 2012 (the standard Dutch general conditions for construction contracts), UAV-GC (the standard Dutch conditions for integrated (design-and-build) construction contracts), DNR (De Nieuwe Regeling, the standard conditions governing the relationship between clients and architects or engineers in the Netherlands), or AVA (Algemene Voorwaarden voor Aannemingen, the general conditions commonly used for Dutch building contracts), but which conditions actually apply? What does the law say, and what does that mean specifically for your position?
In the construction industry in particular, margins are tight and the stakes are high. A lot of work is done on the basis of trust, but in practice, things often go wrong.
The longer you wait, or the less thoroughly you plan ahead, the bigger the problem becomes.
Specialising in construction law, with a focus on practical applications
I specialise in construction law and have been assisting contractors and principals with a wide range of construction projects for many years. These range from residential and non-residential construction to infrastructure projects and the renovation of historic buildings, including in an international context.
I am familiar with the UAV, UAV-GC, and other commonly used terms, and I understand how construction projects work in practice—not only from a legal perspective, but also from a technical and organisational standpoint.
That's why I look beyond just the contract. I want to understand what's happening on the construction site, how a project is organized, and where things go wrong. That's the difference between a legal debate and a solution that actually works.
Practical advice and an effective approach
You won’t get unnecessarily complicated legal explanations, but clear advice you can put into practice right away. This is especially important in the construction industry. After all, the parties often have to continue working together.
Sometimes, a well-written email or letter is all it takes to get things moving. In other cases, negotiation is the best course of action. And if necessary, I can assist you with proceedings before, for example, the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry (Raad van Arbitrage in bouwgeschillen).
So you’ll not only know what your rights are, but—more importantly—which step is most effective right now, both legally and from a business perspective, without unnecessarily damaging the relationship. Be firm on the substance, but gentle on the relationship.
Staying up to date on current developments
The construction industry is constantly evolving. For example, the Building Building Quality Assurance Act (Wkb) took effect in 2024, and changes have been made to the UAV.
These developments have direct implications for liability, practical completion, and the allocation of risks among the parties. I’ll make sure you know where you stand and how to handle these issues in practice.
Transparent and Clear Pricing Agreements
For many types of work, I agree on a fixed price in advance—for example, per phase of a dispute. For results-based cases, such as collecting an invoice (for additional work), a success fee may be charged. And if the situation calls for it, I work on an hourly rate basis.
We'll discuss in advance which format works best.
Want to know where you stand? Get in touch. That way, you’ll quickly get a clear picture of your options and what the smart thing to do is.
My Expertise
Need help?
I'd be happy to discuss, with no obligation, how I can help you.
Four Steps to Results
No surprises on cost, from the first conversation to completion. Clear terms, agreed in advance.
No-obligation contact
Call or email me about your construction dispute. I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. I’ll immediately assess whether you have a strong case and provide a cost estimate whenever possible.
Contract and File Analysis
I’ll dive into the construction contract, UAV terms and conditions, correspondence, and technical details of the construction. You’ll receive a clear analysis with concrete options.
Fixed-price agreement
You'll know the cost up front. I work with fixed prices per phase. A clear engagement letter that includes the scope, approach, and price.
Settle or Go to Court
Negotiation, arbitration before the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry (Raad van Arbitrage in bouwgeschillen), or litigation in court. I’ll strive for the best outcome so you can get back to building.
Proven in practice
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Actual individuals have been anonymized for privacy reasons.
Contractor fully vindicated by the arbitration board for the building industry
Multi-million renovation of a listed canal house in Amsterdam. All of the principal’s claims were rejected in two instances.
100%
claims denied
Won
at both instances
Fully
vindicated
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Actual individuals have been anonymized for privacy reasons.
Favourable arrangement following extreme cost increase
Construction of two residential towers in Amsterdam. Cost increases due to the pandemic and the war in Ukraine; an agreement reached with an international pension fund.
Additional payment
secured
None
No litigation required
Costs
significantly reduced
Photo for illustrative purposes only. Actual individuals have been anonymized for privacy reasons.
Hefty penalty overturned on appeal
Complex dispute over practical completion under the UAV 2012. A favourable settlement was ultimately reached on appeal.
Penalty
withdrawn in full
Appeal
successfully pursued
Escalation
prevented
Questions about construction law
Frequently Asked Questions about construction law. Can't find your question here? Feel free to get in touch.
For many construction disputes, I agree on a fixed fee in advance, for example, per phase. For results-oriented cases, such as collecting an invoice (for additional work), a success fee may be applicable. If an hourly rate is a better fit for the assignment, we can use that structure as well. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss what works best and I’ll provide you with a concrete estimate.
No. Fixed prices are often the most straightforward, but sometimes billing based on an hourly rate is a better fit—for example, for an assignment that’s difficult to define. We’ll specify in advance in the engagement letter which option works best for you.
Construction law covers all legal issues related to construction projects. From construction contracts and UAV contracts to disputes over additional work, defects upon completion, construction delays, the right of retention, and the liability of contractors, subcontractors, and consultants. In short: everything that parties to a construction project cannot agree on.
As soon as a construction dispute looms or there is uncertainty regarding the construction contract. In the event of a dispute over additional work, problems with the practical completion, defects that aren’t being repaired, construction delays, or a conflict with a subcontractor. The sooner you bring in a specialist, the better your position will be. Waiting only makes it more expensive.
Construction law evolves in line with legislation and regulations, including the Wkb (in effect since 2024) and amendments to the UAV. This can have implications for liability, practical completion, and the allocation of risks. I’ll explain what this means in practical terms for your situation and what steps make sense to take.
Both. I represent contractors, subcontractors, and principals. However, I always represent only one party per case to avoid conflicts of interest. I understand both sides of the issue and know where the legal opportunities and risks lie.
Yes. I have handled several cases before the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry (Raad van Arbitrage in bouwgeschillen), both at the trial level and on appeal. Arbitration is often the standard procedure in the construction industry. The rules of procedure and strategy differ from those in court. I will put that experience to work for you.
That depends on the construction contract and the UAV terms and conditions. Article 7:755 of the Dutch Civil Code requires that, as a contractor, you have notified the principal in advance of the price increase. If you have not done so, this may limit your right to payment. I will assess your position and advise you on the best course of action: negotiation, a demand letter, or proceedings before the Arbitration Board for the Building Industry (Raad van Arbitrage in bouwgeschillen).
That’s possible, but what you write or communicate yourself could be used against you in court. Especially in disputes over additional work and practical completion, it’s important that your position is clearly established from the very beginning. An initial assessment by a specialist costs very little, but could save you a lot in the long run.
Ready to put your legal worries behind you?
Feel free to call or schedule a consultation. In plain language, and always putting your interests first.
A first conversation, at no cost and without obligation.
Response within 24 hours
Direct, personal contact
