Forensics | How We Work
Our forensic services were created to assist building clients during trials as an expert witness involving building problems. Building on this expertise we branched out and now specialize in evaluating the physical condition of buildings and provide solutions to building problems. We help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about their real estate purchase or sale. We also help owners and property managers make informed decisions about the upkeep of their properties.
Click here to reach out about any questions you may have.
Forensics | How We Work
Our forensic services were created to assist building clients during trials as an expert witness involving building problems. Building on this expertise we branched out and now specialize in evaluating the physical condition of buildings and provide solutions to building problems. We help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about their real estate purchase or sale. We also help owners and property managers make informed decisions about the upkeep of their properties.
Click here to reach out about any questions you may have.
Here are some of the services we offer:
Building Auditing
Building Auditing covers all building systems from HVAC and electrical, to building envelope, elevators, and life safety. It can also address technology, energy conservation strategies, and accessibility.
Thermal Imaging
During the visual observation tasks, we utilize infrared imaging technology to provide a variety of thermographic views of the building systems.
Property Condition Assessments
A PCA can be as limited or comprehensive as required and typically includes assessment and life cycle cost of the building envelope, mechanical & electrical systems, and any major building components. The result of a PCA is a written and photographic report.
Destructive Testing
Destructive testing is removing building materials/components to obtain visual confirmation of the problem and photo documentation to be used in solving, detailing, and correcting the building problem.
Probable Cost Estimate
Depending on the size of the building, forensic services can be as simple as a visual walk-through with a verbal report or as extensive as a full report with an in-depth solution(s) with a repair cost estimate.
Litigation Support
We help prepare your legal team to represent you with the professional opinion that accurately identify the problems, responsible parties, and regulatory requirements.
Types of Building Damage
Looking at the diagram below, there are several types of building damage that will lead to major heat loss. This is where we come in.
Thermal imaging goes beyond the surface. This technology can be used to identify many things in a structure such as heat loss, poor insulation, and moisture intrusion.
Heat Loss
Purple tones will indicate heat loss in the thermal image. Because we see more purple, this indicates heat loss.
Missing Insulation
The dark blue and purple areas show there is no insulation in this part of the building.
Moisture Penetration
The dark patches indicate temperature differential and potential moisture in the wall with possibility of mold.
Who Does This Benefit?
There are several businesses that benefit from having these assessments done, but who we hear from the most are listed below.
Real Estate Sales
- Inform sellers and buyers of property conditions
- Strengthen disclosure statements to minimize post-sale litigation
- Speed-up closings
Real Estate Management
- Inform owners and property managers of property conditions
- Establish capital improvements and repair costs
- Recommend appropriate building maintenance procedures
Building Owners
- Use forensic methods to evaluate the cause and extent of failures of a building’s components and/or operations
- Focus on problems due to construction defects, building envelope failures, improper maintenance, humidity problems, moisture intrusion, HVAC and plumbing failures, inadequate ventilation, and natural disasters
- Provide remedial solutions, estimated cost of repairs, and expert witness testimony to the identified problem(s)
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