Neutral GroundMediation LabChecking
Current scenarioJuniper Street Renovation
Elapsed00:00
Cut-paper illustration of Maya Chen, listening thoughtfullyNot connected

Maya Chen

Homeowner

Public position

She chose the different vanity but disputes Sam's undocumented cost and delay. She will consider specific work windows and staged payment against a believable completion plan.

Juniper Street Renovation

A delayed accessible-room renovation has strained trust, timing, and the final payment.

The room is quiet.

When the session begins, the conversation appears here as it happens — including lines that get cut off.

Cut-paper illustration of Sam Rivera, considering the conversationNot connected

Sam Rivera

Contractor

Public position

He attributes part of the cost and delay to Maya's vanity change, needs scheduled access to finish, and wants security for the unpaid balance.

Room ready when you are

Before you enter the room

What everyone knows walking into the Juniper Street Renovation mediation.

Everything below is known to both people before the conversation starts. They may each have other concerns they have not shared yet. You can explore those in a private conversation.

Why they are here

A delayed accessible-room renovation has strained trust, timing, and the final payment.

What both people agree happened

The money
They agree the contract price was $18,000. Maya has paid $14,000. The last $4,000 is disputed.
The vanity change — agreed history
They agree Maya selected a different vanity after rough-in. Sam reopened the wall, moved the pipes, and reordered the counter without a signed change order.
What still needs to happen
They agree the original contract still requires grab bars and fixtures, doorway trim, and final inspection. Sam controls the crew schedule and inspection booking. Maya controls access and may approve specific windows. No dated checkpoint has been agreed.

Other useful background

The delay
The work is now three weeks past the original finish date.

What they disagree about

Maya's account of the vanity dispute
Maya says Sam called the vanity rework manageable and gave her no written price or schedule change. Sam says late supplies and that rework added cost and delay.

What each person wants right now

Maya Chen · Homeowner
She chose the different vanity but disputes Sam's undocumented cost and delay. She will consider specific work windows and staged payment against a believable completion plan.
Sam Rivera · Contractor
He attributes part of the cost and delay to Maya's vanity change, needs scheduled access to finish, and wants security for the unpaid balance.

What to practice

  • Help them separate what happened from what each person needs next.
  • Learn private concerns without sharing them unless that person gives clear permission.
  • Help them test a trade: scheduled work and visible progress in exchange for staged payment.

End this session?

Actor audio will stop and the current live session will end. The selected scenario stays available to restart.