Question 1

How long does a smash-and-grab adjudication take?

Accepted Answer

The statutory timetable is 28 days from the referral notice to the adjudicator's decision. Total elapsed time including pre-referral preparation and post-decision payment is typically 5-7 weeks.

Question 2

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Adjudicator's fee is typically £2,000-£8,000 and is decided in the award. Specialist QS or legal support to draft and run the case typically runs £1,500-£8,000. For a £20K-£50K claim, net recovery is usually 80-95% of the application sum.

Question 3

Can the contractor force me into arbitration instead?

Accepted Answer

No. The right to refer any dispute to adjudication at any time is statutory under section 108 of the Construction Act 1996. No contract clause can take that right away on a UK construction contract.

Smash-and-Grab Adjudication: Step by Step for UK Subcontractors