Adjudication in Construction: Step by Step (With Real Timeframes)

Adjudication is one of those processes every QS knows exists…

But when it actually lands on a job, it suddenly feels fast.
Very fast.

Because unlike court or arbitration…

Adjudication runs on strict, short timeframes.

So let’s break it down.

What Adjudication Actually Is

Adjudication is a fast-track dispute resolution process used in construction.

It’s backed by the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996, and its whole purpose is simple:

• Keep cash flowing
• Avoid long disputes
• Get a quick decision

And importantly, that decision must be complied with immediately.

Before we start, if you need help with an adjudication, whether you’re putting together a referral or responding to one, we can support you with the process, the strategy, and the submission itself.

If that’s useful, just reach out to us at metroun.co.uk or email us at support@metroun.co.uk

Step 1 — A Dispute Has to Exist

⏱ No fixed timeframe

Before anything starts, there needs to be a dispute.

Usually:

• A claim is made
• It’s rejected, ignored, or not properly dealt with

This stage can take weeks… or months. But legally, once there’s a clear disagreement, you’re ready to go

Step 2 — Check the Right to Adjudicate

⏱ Immediate (but critical)

Before starting, check:

• Is this a construction contract?
• Does the dispute fall within adjudication?
• Are there contractual rules to follow?

This step is often rushed.

But mistakes here equal jurisdiction challenges later.

Step 3 — Serve the Notice of Adjudication

⏱ Day 0 (this is the start)

This is the formal trigger.

The Notice sets out:

• The dispute
• The parties
• The remedy sought

And from this point, the clock is officially running.

Step 4 — Appoint the Adjudicator

⏱ Within ~7 days of the Notice

An adjudicator must be appointed quickly.

This is usually done via:

• The contract, or
• An adjudicator nominating body

If not agreed, nomination bodies typically appoint within a few days.

Step 5 — Serve the Referral Notice

⏱ Within 7 days of the Notice

This is one of the most important deadlines.

You must serve the Referral Notice within 7 days of the Notice of Adjudication.

This includes:

• Full arguments
• Evidence
• Contract references
• Supporting documents

Miss this?

The adjudication can fail before it even starts.

Step 6 — The Response

⏱ Typically within 7–14 days of the Referral

The responding party submits their defence.

This includes:

• Counterarguments
• Evidence
• Often a jurisdiction challenge

Timing depends on the adjudicator’s directions, but, it’s tight

There’s very little time to build a case from scratch.

Step 7 — Further Submissions

⏱ Rolling over the next 1–2 weeks

There may be:

• Reply (Referring Party)
• Rejoinder (Responding Party)

Plus:

• Questions from the adjudicator
• Requests for documents
• Sometimes a short hearing

Everything happens quickly and often overlaps.

Step 8 — The Decision

⏱ Within 28 days of the Referral Notice

This is the key statutory timeframe.

The adjudicator must reach a decision within 28 days from the Referral Notice

This can be:

• Extended to 42 days with the Referring Party’s consent
• Extended further if both parties agree

But 28 days is the standard.

Step 9 — Compliance

⏱ Immediate (or as stated in the decision)

Once the decision is issued, it must be complied with straight away

This often means:

• Payment within a few days
• Or action in line with the decision

There’s no waiting around.

Step 10 — Enforcement (If Needed)

⏱ Weeks (if things escalate)

If the losing party doesn’t comply, the winning party can go to court to enforce.

UK courts are very supportive of adjudication.

So unless there’s:

• A clear jurisdiction issue, or
• A breach of natural justice

The decision will usually be enforced quickly.

Why Timeframes Matter (More Than Anything)

This is where people get caught out.

Adjudication isn’t about having time to build the perfect case.

It’s about having your case ready already

Because once it starts:

• You have 7 days to submit your full case
• The whole process is done in 28 days
• And the outcome has immediate commercial impact

The Simple Version

Adjudication, with timeframes:

Dispute → Notice (Day 0) → Referral (Day 7) → Submissions → Decision (Day 28) → Compliance

Final Thought

Adjudication isn’t just a legal process.

It’s a pressure test.

Of your:

• Records
• Notices
• Contract understanding
• Commercial awareness

Because when it kicks off,  there’s no time to fix things later.

You either have the case ready.

Or you don’t.