Construction & contractor dispute mediation in Northern Virginia
Construction disputes rarely stay small. A disputed change order turns into withheld payment, then a slowdown, then a lien, then lawyers on both sides. Mediation gives owners, general contractors, and subcontractors a confidential way to settle the issue and keep the project, and the working relationship, moving.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839Free and confidential · In person in Northern Virginia or virtually nationwide
Construction disputes I mediate
I work with property owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and homeowners across Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington counties, and virtually anywhere in the U.S.
Change orders
Disagreements over whether work is in scope and what it should cost.
Payment & retainage
Late payments, withheld retainage, and pay-when-paid disputes.
Delays & schedule impacts
Who caused the delay, and who absorbs the cost.
Defective or incomplete work
Punch-list disputes, backcharges, and warranty claims.
GC–subcontractor disputes
Conflicts over scope, flow-down terms, and termination.
Homeowner–contractor disputes
Residential remodels and additions that went sideways.
A faster, private alternative to court or arbitration
Faster. Many disputes can be worked through in a session or two instead of months of discovery and hearings.
Less expensive. Flat-fee packages cost a fraction of litigation or arbitration.
Confidential. What’s said in mediation stays out of the public record.
Relationships stay intact. In a close-knit Northern Virginia market, today’s opposing party is often tomorrow’s partner on the next job.
You keep control. The parties decide the outcome, not a judge or arbitrator.
Before founding Olive Branch Mediation, I worked in federal real estate and spent years managing technology implementations for construction owners and contractors. I understand schedules, scopes of work, and contract documents, so we spend less time explaining the project and more time resolving the dispute.
How construction mediation works
Free consultation
A confidential 15-minute call to see whether mediation fits your dispute.
Intake & document review
Private conversations with each party and a review of key documents, such as the contract, change orders, and payment records.
Mediation session
In person in Northern Virginia or virtually over Zoom, with private caucuses when helpful.
Written agreement
A written agreement capturing the terms you reach, for each party’s attorney to review before signing.
Business mediation pricing
Flat-fee packages, shared however the parties agree:
- Business Clarity Session — $1,400. Up to 4 hours: confidential intake with each party and one 2-hour joint session.
- Full Business Dispute Resolution — $3,200. Up to 14 hours: document review, up to two joint sessions, and a written agreement for each party’s attorney to review.
- Complex Commercial Mediation — $5,000. Up to 22 hours for multi-issue or multi-party disputes.
- Ongoing support retainer starting at $1,500/month for partnerships that want a trusted neutral on call.
Why work with Sara
Before founding Olive Branch Mediation, I spent close to two decades in federal consulting, enterprise technology implementation, and organizational strategy. I’ve worked inside complex partnerships and teaming arrangements, and I understand how quickly a business disagreement becomes personal.
I’m also a business owner myself, so I know what’s at stake. In the room, I’m neutral: I don’t advise either partner or give legal or financial advice.
- J.D., University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law; George Mason University alum
- Close to two decades in federal consulting, legal operations, and organizational strategy
- Mediation training: 40-hour basic mediation, 24-hour family mediation, and a 4-hour Virginia Judicial System orientation
- Neutral by design: I don’t practice law, give legal advice, or represent either side
Construction mediation questions
Does our contract require mediation before arbitration or litigation?
Many construction contracts, including common AIA and ConsensusDocs forms, call for mediation as a first step before binding dispute resolution. Your attorney can confirm what your contract requires. I can serve as the mediator for that step.
Can we mediate while the project is still underway?
Yes. Mediating mid-project is often the best time, before a dispute affects the schedule, the relationship, or closeout.
Do we need attorneys?
No, but you are welcome to bring them. Many business parties attend with counsel; others attend on their own and have an attorney review the written agreement before signing. I don’t practice law or give legal advice.
Is mediation confidential?
Generally, yes. Virginia law provides confidentiality protections for mediation communications, with limited exceptions. We review confidentiality at the start of the process.
Can we mediate virtually?
Yes. I mediate in person in Northern Virginia or virtually over Zoom, with private breakout rooms for each side. That works well when owners, contractors, and subs are spread across job sites or states.
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Keep the project moving
Book a free, confidential 15-minute consultation to talk through your options.
Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation Call (703) 727-8839