An expert witness evaluation of a troubled construction project entails many steps...
What was promised...
A review of all of the written communications between the contractor and owner is the first step. Verbal promises are a debate that will rage for eons and don't hold much water.
The expert will want to review:
bids
proposals
contracts
change orders
emails
contractor conceptual drawings and plans
structural engineering
project specifications
images taken during construction
owner punchlist and builder responses
permits
inspection correction notices
What was delivered...
Next the expert will want to perform a site inspection. They will evaluate the project, comparing the finished project to the contract, engineering and plans and to industry workmanship standards.
This stage can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks. Sometimes previously undisclosed items are discovered. On other occasions, a specialized expert is called in to evaluate specific issues. These can be geologists, electrical engineers or structural engineers. If the quality of the construction materials is in question, a testing laboratory might remove samples for analysis.
Written Evaluation
The written evaluation will outline the issues, possible causes, the standard or code that was to be met and suggestions for remediation.
While some issues are easily remedied, some required extensive structural repairs. When the cost of repair exceeds or approaches the cost of removal and replacement, most judicial bodies will opt for the reconstruction of the entire project.
Expert's Responsibility
The expert's responsibility is not to the person paying the bills - it is to revealing the truth. The facts are the facts and the cards fall where they may. It is merely the expert's job to report their findings, whether positive or negative for their client.
You can't twist the truth - unless you're a politician!
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
What was promised...
A review of all of the written communications between the contractor and owner is the first step. Verbal promises are a debate that will rage for eons and don't hold much water.
The expert will want to review:
bids
proposals
contracts
change orders
emails
contractor conceptual drawings and plans
structural engineering
project specifications
images taken during construction
owner punchlist and builder responses
permits
inspection correction notices
What was delivered...
Next the expert will want to perform a site inspection. They will evaluate the project, comparing the finished project to the contract, engineering and plans and to industry workmanship standards.
This stage can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks. Sometimes previously undisclosed items are discovered. On other occasions, a specialized expert is called in to evaluate specific issues. These can be geologists, electrical engineers or structural engineers. If the quality of the construction materials is in question, a testing laboratory might remove samples for analysis.
Written Evaluation
The written evaluation will outline the issues, possible causes, the standard or code that was to be met and suggestions for remediation.
While some issues are easily remedied, some required extensive structural repairs. When the cost of repair exceeds or approaches the cost of removal and replacement, most judicial bodies will opt for the reconstruction of the entire project.
Expert's Responsibility
The expert's responsibility is not to the person paying the bills - it is to revealing the truth. The facts are the facts and the cards fall where they may. It is merely the expert's job to report their findings, whether positive or negative for their client.
You can't twist the truth - unless you're a politician!
Paolo Benedetti
Aquatic Artist, Watershape Consultant, Expert Witness
"Creating water as art."™
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
©www.aquatictechnology.com
Swimming Pool construction
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