Construction Adjudicator
Construction Adjudication
Registered adjudicator and adjudication advisory services for construction payment disputes in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, and the ACT
Construction adjudication is a rapid, statutory process for resolving payment disputes on building projects. Under security of payment legislation, an independent adjudicator determines the amount owed, typically within 10 to 15 business days of appointment.
Christopher Larcos is a registered adjudicator under security of payment legislation in five Australian jurisdictions: New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. He determines payment disputes between builders, subcontractors, owners, and head contractors, providing binding interim determinations on the value of construction work.
His dual qualification as a solicitor and architect gives him a unique perspective when adjudicating construction disputes. He understands both the legal framework governing adjudication and the practical construction issues that underpin most payment claims, whether the dispute involves progress claims in Sydney, variations in Melbourne, defective work in Perth, or delay costs in Adelaide or Canberra.
Beyond his role as adjudicator, Christopher also provides strategic advisory services for parties involved in adjudication, whether preparing an application or a response. His experience on the decision-making side informs practical, outcome-focused advice for parties on either side of a construction payment dispute.
Adjudication Services
Adjudicator appointments and strategic advisory for construction payment disputes across five Australian jurisdictions.
Adjudicator Appointments
Christopher accepts appointments as adjudicator under security of payment legislation in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. He determines payment disputes between parties to construction contracts.
Adjudication Application Strategy
Strategic advice for claimants preparing adjudication applications, structuring submissions, identifying the strongest grounds, and presenting valuations in a manner that adjudicators find persuasive. Available for projects in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra.
Adjudication Response Preparation
Advisory for respondents preparing adjudication responses, identifying jurisdictional challenges, raising effective withholding reasons, and meeting strict time limits that vary from state to state across Australia.
Pre-Adjudication Assessment
Assessment of prospects before committing to adjudication, evaluating the strength of the claim or defence, the likely costs, and whether adjudication is the most effective remedy given the circumstances in the relevant jurisdiction.
When Is Adjudication the Right Choice?
Adjudication is most effective when there is a genuine payment dispute and cash flow is at stake. It is faster and cheaper than litigation, a typical adjudication in NSW or Victoria resolves within 10 to 15 business days - but it is not appropriate for every dispute.
Adjudication works well for disputes about the value of construction work performed, the entitlement to progress payments, the value of variations, and claims for delay costs or prolongation. It is less suited to complex disputes involving defective work counterclaims or issues that require extensive factual investigation.
The legislation differs between states. In New South Wales, adjudication is available to any party in the contractual chain who has served a valid payment claim. In Western Australia and South Australia, the Acts impose additional procedural requirements. In Queensland, the Building Industry Fairness Act 2017 introduced a different framework for subcontractor claims. Understanding these differences is critical to successful outcomes.
Christopher’s experience as both adjudicator and adviser across multiple jurisdictions means he can assess whether adjudication is the right path for your dispute, and if it is, how to present the claim or defence in the most effective way for the jurisdiction in question.
Who Benefits from Adjudication Services?
Builders and subcontractors owed money for work completed in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, or Canberra
Head contractors facing payment claims from subcontractors
Owners disputing the value of progress claims under ABIC or other contracts
Parties needing a rapid interim determination without court proceedings
Legal practitioners seeking an experienced adjudicator for appointment
Parties requiring pre-adjudication strategic advice in NSW, VIC, WA, SA, or ACT
Need Adjudication Advice or an Adjudicator?
Whether you need strategic advice on an adjudication matter or are seeking to appoint an experienced adjudicator, get in touch to discuss your construction payment dispute.
Specialist Credentials
- Registered adjudicator in NSW, VIC, SA, WA, and ACT
- Dual-qualified solicitor and registered architect
- 40+ years in the construction industry
- Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects (FRAIA)
- Former NSW Editor, Building & Construction Law Journal