Building Surveying Expert Witness & Dispute Support

Disputes involving defects, repairs or property condition often turn on technical matters: what is observable, what likely caused the problem, whether reported damage is longstanding or recent, and which assumptions can reasonably be supported. Clear evidence is essential for understanding the issues and supporting informed decisions.

I AM Surveyors welcomes enquiries from solicitors, insurers, businesses, landlords and property owners seeking independent technical assessments in building surveying and building pathology. We consider proposed expert witness appointments individually, taking account of the subject matter, the proposed expert's experience, independence, conflicts, professional indemnity arrangements and procedural obligations.

Our approach is to analyse evidence carefully, acknowledge any material limits and express technical conclusions in plain, properly qualified language.

Specialist subject areas

Building defects and pathology

Opinions may concern roof and envelope failures, water ingress, moisture-related deterioration, cracking, masonry defects, timber condition and the effects of alterations or defective details. The suitability of a particular expert depends on the issues in dispute and technical competence required.

Commercial repairing obligations and dilapidations

Technical review can address the physical condition of premises, alleged breaches, the extent of relevant defects and the reasonableness of proposed remedial works. Interpretation of legal obligations and the ultimate legal outcome are matters for legal advisers or the tribunal/court.

Condition assessments and disputed survey findings

Where a complaint raises questions about observations, reporting or inspection methods, we can consider whether an independent technical review falls within our competence and whether sufficient records are available. Professional negligence or professional-standard opinions are not accepted automatically and require an enhanced conflict, competence and insurance review.

Property-related technical evidence

We can discuss appropriate reports concerning recorded condition before and after events, visible building-fabric damage, repair-related disagreements and other building surveying matters where a clearly defined technical question is involved.

Different types of technical instruction

Preliminary independent technical assessment. Designed to help an adviser or client understand a building issue and whether further investigation is justified. This is not automatically a report for court.

Formal expert witness appointment. A separate appointment for an appropriately qualified individual, subject to applicable court or tribunal rules, professional standards, independence and written instructions. For civil proceedings in England and Wales, the requirements of CPR Part 35 and Practice Direction 35 may apply.

Expert review of available documents. The expert may be asked to assess drawings, photographs, relevant reports, correspondence, prior investigations or other evidence. Document availability and limitations affect the opinion.

Joint discussions and supplementary opinions. If a court process requires meetings of experts, questions or further evidence, these are separately scoped and undertaken in accordance with the procedural framework.

Independence and overriding duties

An expert witness is not an advocate. In civil proceedings governed by CPR Part 35, an expert's overriding duty is to help the court on matters within their expertise, irrespective of who instructs or pays them. An expert should identify what they know, what they assume, where reasonable professional views differ and where the evidence does not permit a reliable conclusion.

The RICS standard *Surveyors acting as expert witnesses*, fifth edition, was published on 30 July 2026 and takes effect on 30 November 2026. Appointments will be considered against the applicable standard at the time of instruction. Nothing on this page is a promise of acceptance or suitability for every form of dispute.

What to include in an initial enquiry

Provide the property address, parties involved, summary of the technical issues, type of proceedings (if any), relevant deadlines, details of prior investigations and whether instructions are proposed on a single-party or jointly appointed basis. Do not send privileged or sensitive case bundles until confidentiality and conflicts have been considered and secure transmission agreed.

How an appointment is assessed

1. We identify the precise issues requiring independent evidence.

2. We review available competence and any actual, potential or perceived conflicts.

3. We check the proposed expert's availability, insurance, case timetable and required process.

4. If appropriate, we issue a written scope, individual expert identification, fee basis and terms.

5. Investigation, document review and reporting proceed only after the instruction is accepted.