Dispute Resolution Policy

1. Overview

Karipe provides a comprehensive dispute resolution system designed to address conflicts between homeowners and contractors fairly, efficiently, and transparently. Our goal is to resolve disputes quickly while protecting the interests of all parties.

2. Types of Disputes

Payment Disputes

• Milestone completion disagreements
• Quality of work concerns
• Scope changes and additional cost disputes
• Timeline and deadline conflicts
• Payment release timing issues

Service and Performance Disputes

• Contractor performance and workmanship issues
• Communication problems and responsiveness
• Material quality and specification disagreements
• Safety and compliance concerns
• Contract interpretation differences

3. Resolution Process

Step 1: Direct Communication (Required First Step)

• Parties must attempt to resolve disputes directly through platform messaging
• AI-assisted conflict analysis provides recommendations and guidance
• All communications are documented for potential future review
• Timeframe: 7 days from dispute initiation
• Platform provides communication templates and mediation suggestions

Step 2: Platform Mediation

• Trained Karipe mediator reviews all case evidence and communications
• Video conference or phone mediation session with both parties
• Binding recommendations for disputes under $2,500
• Timeframe: 14 days from mediation request
• Structured process with clear documentation requirements

Step 3: Expert Review (For disputes over $2,500)

• Independent industry expert assessment of work quality and standards
• Technical evaluation with detailed reporting
• Binding decision on project completion and quality standards
• Timeframe: 21 days from expert assignment
• Expert fees split between parties based on outcome

Step 4: Arbitration (Final Resolution)

• Conducted under American Arbitration Association (AAA) Construction Rules
• Binding arbitration decision with limited appeal rights
• Arbitration costs typically split between parties
• Timeframe: 45-90 days depending on complexity
• Final and enforceable resolution

4. Escrow Protection During Disputes

Fund Security

• All payments held in secure escrow during active disputes
• No fund release until dispute resolution is complete
• Interest accrues to the eventual recipient
• Full protection for both homeowners and contractors

Emergency Situations

• Immediate fund release available for safety-related issues
• Expedited dispute process for urgent matters
• Platform discretion for exceptional circumstances
• Emergency protocols clearly defined

5. Evidence and Documentation Requirements

Required Documentation

• Original project contracts and agreed specifications
• Photo and video evidence of work completed
• All communication records between parties
• Expert assessments or third-party evaluations (if applicable)
• Financial records, receipts, and change orders
• Timeline documentation and milestone completion records

Evidence Standards

• All materials must be clear, dated, and authentic
• Evidence must be directly relevant to the specific dispute
• Submissions must be made within specified timeframes
• No altered, manipulated, or falsified content accepted
• Platform provides secure evidence upload and storage

6. Possible Resolution Outcomes

• Full payment release: Contractor receives full milestone payment
• Conditional payment: Partial payment with specific completion requirements
• Full refund: Homeowner receives complete refund of escrowed funds
• Work completion: Assignment to alternate contractor for project completion
• Monetary compensation: Damages awarded for additional costs or delays
• Account restrictions: Temporary or permanent platform limitations

7. Implementation and Enforcement

• Automatic escrow release or refund processing
• Platform enforcement of all resolution decisions
• Review system impact and rating adjustments
• Account status modifications as determined necessary
• Follow-up monitoring to ensure compliance

8. Appeal Process

Limited Appeal Rights

• Procedural errors in the resolution process
• New evidence not previously available or discoverable
• Evidence of fraud or misconduct in proceedings
• Appeals must be filed within 30 days of final decision

Appeal Review Process

• Independent review panel with no prior case involvement
• Written decision provided within 21 days
• Final and binding determination with no further appeals
• Limited to procedural and evidentiary issues only

9. Prevention and Education

AI-Powered Dispute Prevention

• Project risk assessment and early warning systems
• Communication guidance and conflict de-escalation tools
• Best practice recommendations for project management
• Proactive milestone monitoring and alerts

Educational Resources

• Comprehensive dispute prevention guidelines
• Communication best practices and templates
• Documentation requirements and standards
• Platform feature tutorials and training materials

10. Contact Information

For dispute-related questions and support:

• Email: disputes@karipe.com
• Phone: 1-800-KARIPE-1 (1-800-527-4731)
• Platform: Submit dispute through your project dashboard
• Emergency Line: Available 24/7 for urgent safety issues