Who should attend a construction mediation to make it effective?

An effective construction mediation requires the people with authority to settle and the people who know the facts. That usually means the owner, the contractor, and any subcontractors or suppliers whose claims are at issue, each with a representative who has actual authority to agree to a number. Where a payment bond or insurer is involved, the surety or carrier should participate as well, because they often control the funds. Having the right parties in the room is frequently the difference between a resolution and a wasted session — a mediation cannot settle a claim if the party who must fund the settlement is not present or reachable.