A recent decision of the Connecticut Court of Appeals illustrates that including an arbitration clause in a construction contract has serious consequences. The case of Carabetta Builders, Inc. v. Hotz Corp. arose from a contract for Hotz to supply structural steel and other components to Carabetta, who was constructing a high-rise condominium building. Using standard language in their contract, the parties agreed to arbitrate "all claims, disputes, and other matters in question arising out of, or relating to, this subcontract, or the breach thereof." So when Carabetta failed to tender payment, Hotz filed a demand for arbitration. As is common, Carabetta also made charges of its own. A Deal's A Deal The arbitration hearing was completed within two months. The arbitrator, after
