Which professional can draw up an expert report on construction defects, and how much does it cost?
What should an expert report include? Who can draw it up? Do you need an expert report to make a claim? And how much does it cost?
Within the field of architecture there are several branches and qualifications of professionals who are qualified to draw up expert reports.
When it comes to reporting on building pathologies, the appropriate professionals are architects, building engineers and technical architects, provided they have experience in preparing reports on construction pathologies.
It is important to point out that if the building has hairline cracks and cracks, only an architect can report on the matter, since the structure and foundations may be affected, and this professional alone is competent in that area.
Another question clients ask us is what should an expert report include?
We recommend that it includes:
– Survey of the damage
– Photographic record
– Necessary tests (with a thermal imaging camera, sound level meter, crack monitors, water analysis, etc.)
– Specialist reports (from lift companies, videos on manoeuvrability in garages, on DHW systems, etc.)
– Explanatory report on the causes of the defects
– Proposed solution
– Repair costing
– Summary and conclusions
Of course, the professional who signs it must undertake to attend the trial and defend the expert report.
Does the report need to be endorsed by the relevant professional association?
No, it does not. The courts do not require it. However, some professionals or clients do want it endorsed. They should bear in mind that fees will have to be paid.
Can an expert report with a digital signature be submitted to the court, or must it be on paper with an original signature?
The report can be submitted with a digital signature. In fact, most courts require all documents to be filed in digital format, so digitally signed documents are now commonplace.
Is an expert report really necessary if the damage is minor?
If the purpose of the report is to bring a court claim, a report is always necessary, whether the construction defects are really serious (such as cracks affecting the structure and foundations) or whether they consist of damp caused by water ingress.
The lawyer filing the lawsuit needs the report in order to know what to claim, the cost of repair (which will be the amount claimed) and who is responsible for the construction defects (whether the developer, the building contractor, the architect and/or the technical architect on the works).
If the report is purely for information, to find out how to repair construction defects with no intention of claiming (whether because the building’s guarantee has become time-barred, because the prospective defendants are insolvent, or for some other reason), the cost of the report can be reduced by leaving out the signing professional’s attendance at trial.
How much does an expert report cost?
It depends on each client’s needs.
Preparing a report for a homeowners’ association with 120 homes is not the same as preparing one for a detached house.
Analysing pathologies that affect the structure and foundations is not the same as dealing with homes that have damp problems or poor sound insulation.
We will study the documents for each case and send a tailored quote, free of charge and with no obligation.
To request a quote, find out whether there are grounds for a court claim, or ask any question, contact us.
Any questions?