Summary adjudication for construction claims

How do we define summary adjudication?

Designed to support SMEs, summary adjudication is a streamlined dispute resolution process offered by RICS, specifically designed for construction claims under £20,000. This process allows for a quick decision, typically within 14 days of referral, by an adjudicator who provides summary reasons limited to one A4 page.

There will be no inspection or site visit involved and the fee will be capped at £1000 + VAT. If either party wants full reasons, they will be able, at their own expense, to ask the adjudicator to produce them, once the summary adjudication has been completed. 

What is the difference between summary adjudication and arbitration?

While both summary adjudication and arbitration serve to resolve disputes in the construction industry, summary adjudication is quicker and less costly. It is designed for smaller, less complex claims, whereas arbitration often involves a more detailed and lengthy process, making it more suitable for complicated disputes.