First, try to resolve the dispute face to face with all relevant
material in front of you (contracts, pictures of website and deck,
pictures of problems or points of dispute, etc)  Point out that if he's
not happy with the website and/or you aren't happy with the deck then
you should both write estimates of the cost of the work without the
discount, and then (critical) get written estiamtes for each project
from 2-3 other contractors in the appropiate areas.  Compare the costs
and say (as much to yourself as the other person) "The worst we can do
is pay each other the actual costs of each others work."  The written
estimates from other contractors will show that neither of you are
trying to rip the other off, though it'll still be hard to swallow the
estimate at face value.  If there are specific issues or problems, get
estimates on the cost to fix them, or have professional
evaluations/inspections performed.

This will only work if you both feel that neither one of you is trying
to defraud the other.  If either party feels the other is trying to
"stick it to them" then conflict resolution without an impartial
mediator is next to impossible.  Try to go into such a meeting with the
honest feeling that you are both hard workers who value integrity, and
neither wants more or less than what they deserve.

If the point of friction, however, is sloppy or inadequate work, and you
can't simply write it off to experience then it's unlikely that you'll
make it through this without visiting court at some point.

Either way, make extensive documentation.  Try to remember all the
conversations you had, what was said and write it all down.  Take
pictures, make printouts, etc.  Whether it can be resolved without
external aid or with, you'll find such documentation necessary, and the
work of putting it together may bring things into better focus.

-Adam

Kevin Olalde wrote:

>Hi,
>
>Assuming there are a number of consultant types here, I have a question/problem.
>
>Approximately one year ago my wife and I had a deck built.  Part of the
>agreement (though very loosely spelled out) was that my wife was to produce a
>website for the deck builder, and we were to receive the deck at a reduced
>cost.  Without getting into the details of the contract, and now dispute, I feel
>I need advice on resolving this issue.  We got a deck, and he got a website, but
>as always the devil is in the details.
>
>So, that said, how does one go about resolving vague contracts that result in
>dispute?  Does anyone have experience with non-court resolutions methods?  Are
>there generally available public services (free or not) that help guide
>individuals through some of these issues?  For clarity I'm in Pittsburgh, PA.
>USA.  Any starter advice is appreciated!
>
>Thanks,
>Kevin
>
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