Written by Lyle Charles

Construction claims experts are an integral part of ensuring that a construction company has the best knowledge to resolve a construction claims disruption. If hiring a full-time construction claims expert is not within the company’s budget, there are construction claims consultants that will assist on a case-by-case basis.

Construction claims experts should be hired at the beginning of the project to ensure that the project assumes a proactive approach to mitigating construction claims. However, in most cases, construction claims experts are brought in only once a claim has been filed. In this case, the expert will work to gather as much information to assist their client with the right information to reduce the payment damages.

Here are some areas that a construction claims expert will handle

Work with clients in the dispute resolution process by providing analysis of technical, schedule, cost issues, identification of root cause and responsibility.

Assessment of impact caused by disruptions, delays and changed conditions and circumstances to construction projects.

Present findings and recommendations (written and verbal).

Communicate with clients and other members of the team to determine project requirements.

Analyze labor productivity and delays.

Visit and monitor sites.

Provide expert testimony.

Gather more information on specific areas that need further analysis. E.g. steel fabrication expert

Review and evaluation of project documentation (includes; contracts,

specifications, drawings, schedules).

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Lyle Charles is an expert in commercial and residential construction and construction claims analysis.