Disagreement and dispute often arises as a result of inadequate instructions, poor administration and difference of interpretation.
 
Disputes are costly; prevention is better than cure. Expert advice from a Chartered Building Surveyor can avoid or minimise the risk of potential disputes.
 
Where a dispute has arisen in respect of recently constructed buildings, surveys by others, or dilapidations, a Chartered Building Surveyor is the ideal choice as expert witness or Arbitrator.
 
We investigate, analyse and advise to meet our clients’ needs acting for The Court, Solicitors', Companies' or individuals'. We offer comprehensive and detailed reports to include:

• Defect analysis to all types of building
• Dilapidations/Scott Schedules
• Contract Administration Disputes
• Quality of Work and Costs
• Assess Surveys/Reports undertaken by other surveyors
• Party Wall Matters
• Boundary disputes 
• Landlord and Tenant 
• Health & Safety
• Planning Matters
• Insolvency 
• Mediation as Mediator or Expert

Our reports comply with:

• The requirements of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors as set down in the 'Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses; Practice Statement and Guidance Note.
• Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR35) and it's associated Practice Direction (PD35) 
• Protocol for the Instruction of Experts to give evidence in civil claims drafted by the Civil Justice Council

When comparing quotes you should bear in mind that Courts on various occasions have rejected expert evidence because it fails to meet the standards required; in particular the questions which have to be determined are whether:

• The person has relevant expertise; and
• He or she is aware of their primary duty to the court

We have the relevant expertise and know our duty as an expert witness is to the court. The report would include all matters relevant to the issues on which our expert evidence is given and undertaken by senior, very experienced Chartered Building Surveyors only.

Defect Diagnosis 

The scientific and analytical analysis of building defects is necessary to understand the cause of component failure and the condition, strength and durability of the building elements. The assessment of failure, or non-compliance with specification, has increasingly become a pre-requisite of dispute resolution and litigation.   

"Technical expertise and wide ranging experience of building construction is essential to correctly identify the cause of building defects. However, no assessment is complete without addressing the wider commercial issues affecting, for example, the value of any investment, the relationship between landlord and tenant or the health and safety of building occupants."

Instructions typically include inspection, analysis and reporting to include as required:

• Roof durability assessments and leak detection
• All types of stone and masonry facades
• Water penetration and condensation
• Defective finishes, including coatings and sealants
• Cracking in buildings
• Fire or blast damage
• Concrete and deleterious material
• Sustainability
• Curtain walling, cladding and glazing
• Structural design and appraisals
• Conservation of the built environment  

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Mediation

We regularly advise parties on disputes arising out of international construction and concession contracts, helping our clients to reach realistic levels of settlement through a rigorous SWOT analysis for each particular case. 

Our aim is to help avoid costly and lengthy Arbitration and Litigation proceedings and safeguard valuable business relationships.

Litigation

Our recognised expertise and ability to call upon specialist technical and financial skills in-house has created strong relationships with the legal sector.

We regularly receive instructions from leading solicitors to provide expert quantum advice in cases of litigation.

Our Approach

Alderman Stone brings together some of the unique skills within the practice and is recognized within the industry for its technical expertise and its highly commercial and pragmatic approach to problem solving and dispute resolution. 

Our first priority is to understand your needs so that we can tailor our services to achieve the best value for money.
 
 We will then prepare a proposal which states clearly:

• Our understanding of your requirements
• The approach we will adopt
• The benefits you will obtain
• Our proposed fees

All of this is for discussion and agreement with you. 

Contact us on 02476 347171 or email us for a FREE no obligation consultation and quotation