Expert Witness Services

We provide highly qualified and experienced consultants who are able to fulfil expert witness duties in the field of construction, from small domestic matters to major construction claims and disputes.

We can offer a range of expert witness services which include:

• Quantification and valuation of work carried out
• Quantification of damages or loss or expense claims for breach of contract
• Liability of Project Managers, Contract Administrators and Quantity Surveyors in professional negligence claims
• Quantification and valuation of defect work carried out
• Validity and quantification of variations to contract and final accounts

Our consultants are members of and have been trained by the renowned Academy of Experts who state that the main advantage of making sure that you appoint an Academy Expert is:

“You will get an independent ‘warts and all’ expert opinion who will not only describe the good points of your case but also the bad points too. No stone will be left unturned and the result will be an opinion that will enable you to make the right decision. If the decision is pessimistic you will be able to extricate yourself from the legal process quickly (when costs are fairly low) and if the opinion is optimistic you will be able to press the matters forward with confidence”.

We only have one aim – to give you an absolutely independent assessment in a cost effective manner.

Project Monitoring

Project monitoring identifies and protects against potential conflicts, failings and risks. Our skill set and claims background protects clients’ interests from the beginning stage of a project through to its completion. It involves a number of services tailored to your needs, that is:

Pre Contract
Establishing a correct programme of works, contract review and advice, prior to commencement.

Post Contract
Regular monitoring of works in regard to programme, the operation of the contract, the correct service of notices, and general advice on contractual issues that inevitably arise.

Adjudication

Adjudication is now firmly established as the most preferred method of resolving disputes by a third party where the parties have failed to reach agreement. We are experienced in acting for both Claimants and Respondents, ranging from straight forward recovery of outstanding payments, through to complex claims.

Typically, our input usually covers:

• Advising on the strategy and tactics of the adjudication process including the cost and likely outcome
• Preparing and issuing the Notice of Adjudication
• Preparing and issuing the Referral Notice
• Preparing and issuing further Responses and Replies during the process
• Attending and representing clients’ at meetings at the request of the adjudicator
• Arranging for the enforcement of adjudicators’ decisions through the courts

Contract Advice and Reviews

Advice and guidance on the implementation of corrective procedures and good practice management, to reduce the risk of contractual problems.

Reviewing the terms and conditions of tender and contract documents and warranties, to identify risk associated with potentially onerous conditions. Then negotiating and agreeing any changes to terms and conditions with other contracting parties. Drafting tailor-made contracts and amending standard form contracts.

Delay Disruption and Financial Claims

Providing advice on the contractual validity of a claim, together with definitive opinions on the extent of the financial entitlement or liability.

Preparing and presenting delay, disruption and financial damages claims. This typically involves reviewing and analysing complex factual issues during and after the construction process, including disentangling issues in global claims and establishing the relationship of particular cause and effect.

We have a proven analytical approach to the investigation and presentation of claims and in establishing methods for the capture and review of project information. We use computer forensic and data analysis techniques to assist the process and to provide a graphical presentation in a clear and comprehensive format.

Programming and Planning

Providing pre- and post-contract programming and planning. Monitoring the project to identify potential risks and delays, avoiding costly overruns and ensuring recovery of any extensions of time.