Monday, March 25, 2013

Forensic group of experts really seeking a pool resolution?

Is your group of forensic experts really seeking a resolution to your swimming pool or spa related case?

Thoroughness

When hired to perform a complete analysis and investigation of a project, the forensic expert needs to be thorough.

The investigation will begin with a thorough review of all of the construction documentation (e.g. contracts, images, video, engineering, receipts, laboratory testing, inspectors evaluations, etc.).  These can reveal what was supposed to occur and oftentimes what was actually was built.

Applicable Codes, Industry Standards and Workmanship Guidelines 

Next a review of the codes that were adopted by the local & state governments at the time the permit was applied for, are gathered and compared to the project specifications and execution.

The finished work product is compared against the published industry standards and workmanship guidelines.  Each sub-trade, from concrete to finish masonry has their own set of standards for minimum acceptable workmanship.

Finally, the manufacturer's installation instructions are compared to the actual installation & application.

Deviations

Anything that is located in the finished project's workmanship or practices that deviates from any of the above is identified.  The relevant code or standard that was violated is cited along with the deviation.

Some deviations may be minor and can easily be corrected by the contractor.  Others may be so egregious that they warrant further exploration or analysis.  The worst, may simply be so severe that testing is merely performed to document the severity of the violation.

Prompt Resolution

A thorough and detailed report should identify all of the evident violations and the standards that were violated.  

Faced with such a well organized report that clearly outlines the violations, most contractors are willing to reach an immediate resolution.  It is virtually impossible to refute clear violations of the building codes and trade standards.

Isn't this what you were after in the first place - clear and concise proof of errors and violations, so that you can reach a prompt resolution to your swimming pool issues?

Be careful with "expert witness referral" websites, they are all about billable hours.  Inquire if they can get you to this report stage for a "guaranteed flat rate" or a "not to exceed cost."  You'll find that most are unwilling to provide such a guarantee.


Paolo Benedetti 
Aquatic Artist, Designer, Construction Consultant & Expert Witness 
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa 
"Creating water as art."™ 
©www.aquatictechnology.com

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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com