昆山法院：行业力量成“解纷专家”

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of expert mediators and the "Housing Construction and Settlement Integration Station" platform by the Kunshan People's Court has effectively resolved a construction contract dispute valued at nearly 5 million yuan, demonstrating a successful model for efficient dispute resolution in the construction industry [1][5]. Background - A construction company entered into a contract with a machinery company in 2018 for the construction of multiple factory buildings, with a total project cost of 98.88 million yuan. A quality warranty fund of 5% was to be returned over three years after project completion, but the machinery company failed to return 4.94 million yuan, leading to a lawsuit in March 2025 [2]. - The machinery company counterclaimed for 3.88 million yuan, citing severe leakage issues and the construction company's failure to fulfill maintenance obligations. The dispute centered on quality issues, responsibility, and repair solutions, but traditional judicial appraisal methods were costly (over 730,000 yuan) and time-consuming (up to 4 months) [2]. Breakthrough - The presiding judge sought alternative solutions instead of initiating the costly appraisal process. By leveraging the "Housing Construction and Settlement Integration Station" platform, the judge invited three experienced construction industry experts to form a mediation team [3]. - The mediation team conducted an on-site inspection, identifying the primary cause of the leakage as cracks in the exterior wall coating, attributing some responsibility to the construction company's methods. The experts also recommended a more economical repair solution, which would alleviate the financial burden on both parties [3]. Professional Mediation - Following the inspection, the judge and expert mediators organized an on-site mediation session, using the inspection data to clarify responsibilities and repair costs. This transparent communication helped reduce tensions and foster a willingness to negotiate [4]. - A second round of mediation was conducted to address any lingering concerns, leading to a comprehensive settlement agreement on October 24, 2025, where the machinery company agreed to pay 3.34 million yuan to the construction company, while the construction company was relieved of certain warranty responsibilities [4]. Conclusion - The successful resolution of this case exemplifies the "industry dispute industry resolution" model, showcasing how the Kunshan court has extended its functions by integrating industry-specific mediation resources. This approach replaces traditional judicial appraisals with efficient, cost-effective solutions, thereby enhancing the operational vitality of enterprises and making dispute resolution more efficient and humane [5].