Adjudication or small claims — which route fits a building dispute?
The short answer: for homeowners, usually the small claims track. Formal adjudication is a construction-industry procedure (fast, binding, but with fees and tight timetables) aimed at commercial contracts; the small claims track is designed for people without lawyers.
REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-09-03
The honest comparison
| Small claims track | Construction adjudication | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | individuals, small claims | commercial construction contracts |
| Cost | fee from £35 + your time | adjudicator fees (substantial) |
| Speed | weeks–months | 28 days (tight) |
| Decision | judge; appealable on law | binding, enforced like judgment |
| Lawyer needed | no | effectively yes |
The homeowner's read
Under the standard £10,000 limit (England & Wales), the small claims route is proportionate and cheap. Adjudication becomes relevant mainly in larger projects under construction contracts with adjudication clauses — read your contract, and take advice before triggering a clause you don't understand. Scotland/NI limits: the nations guide.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Verified 2026-09-03.
Preparing a claim? EvidenceCanvas (Casewright) helps you organise your evidence and draft pre-action documents for the small claims track. It is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
Reviewed by Sean McNamara · 2026-09-03 · Independent information directory — not legal advice.