EXPERT REPORTS - BUILDING DEFECTS

Expert Reports are prepared and Court hearings attending in connection with the identification of building defects, the interpretation and scope of repair or maintenance contracts as well as comments on building works generally.

Reports have been prepared for a Local Authority to defend their actions in estate maintenance, Housing Act enforcement procedures and Repair Grant issues.

In connection with claims of negligence following structural surveys or Home Buyer's Reports. These involve assessing the nature of the defects, whether it existed at the time of the survey, whether it was visible to the surveyor, the remedial works and their cost, and providing information so that they extent of any diminution in value can be assessed.

The survey of a traditional fairly small industrial and office unit revealed that the new lessee, who was acquiring the last 5 years of a 25 year lease, could be taking on a liability for extensive repairs and the removal of the previous lessee's fixtures and fittings. The combined cost of which would be close to the construction cost of the basic unit.

We also carry out surveys for prospective vendors so that answers can be prepared for purchaser's surveyors on existing defects and any necessary remedial works can be put in hand prior to a house being placed on the market.

We have been instructed to report on a building defect, and have been able to advise how the cost is partly, or totally, recoverable from another party under the lease terms. For other information, please visit our case studies under Dilapidations.

Please contact us to discuss any points or services we can provide.