Structural engineers for solicitors, insurers and loss adjusters
Legal and insurance work needs an engineer who will state a conclusion and explain the basis for it. We write reports that hold their position under challenge and say plainly where the evidence is inconclusive.
What we cover.
The value of a structural opinion in a dispute or a claim is in its clarity. We set out what we inspected, what we found, what we conclude and why, and we distinguish between what the evidence supports and what is inference.
- Structural defect causation reports
- Subsidence and heave investigation
- Party wall structural matters
- Building failure and collapse investigation
- Workmanship and design adequacy assessment
- Damage attribution for insurance claims
- Structural movement monitoring as evidence
- Written opinions on liability and remediation cost
What solicitors and insurers actually involves.
Causation is the question that matters and the one most reports avoid. Whether damage results from subsidence, heave, thermal movement, inadequate original design, defective workmanship or a combination determines who pays. We address it directly and state our level of confidence rather than leaving it implied.
Where the evidence does not support a firm conclusion, we say so. A report that overstates certainty is worse than useless in a dispute, because it fails at the first challenge and takes the rest of the opinion with it.
Monitoring is often the honest answer. Where movement is suspected but unproven, a period of instrumented monitoring produces evidence rather than opinion, and it is usually cheaper than the argument it settles.
We address causation directly, distinguishing subsidence, heave, thermal movement, original design and workmanship, and we set out what the evidence does and does not support. Where movement is suspected but unproven we will recommend a period of instrumented monitoring, which produces evidence rather than opinion and usually costs less than the argument it settles.
Can you say what caused the damage?
Often yes, and where we can we will say so plainly with the reasoning set out. Where the evidence supports more than one explanation we set out each and say what would distinguish between them, which is usually monitoring or opening up. We do not manufacture certainty that the evidence does not support.
- Designs checked and signed by a Chartered Structural Engineer
- Clear conclusions with the basis stated
- Honest about the limits of the evidence
- Monitoring where opinion alone will not settle it
- £5m professional indemnity cover
From enquiry to sign-off.
Enquiry
Send drawings or describe the problem. We confirm the scope, the deliverables and a target timescale.
Information
We agree the survey, drawings or data we need and any site access required.
Engineering
Design, calculation or assessment to the relevant Eurocodes and UK National Annex.
Issue
A clear, defensible report or set of calculations, with assumptions and limitations stated.
Common questions
Do you provide expert reports?
We provide structural investigation and written opinion. Tell us the intended use at instruction so the report is prepared in the appropriate form.
Can you investigate subsidence claims?
Yes, including cause, extent, likely progression and remediation options, with monitoring where the evidence needs establishing over time.
How quickly can you attend?
For urgent matters tell us at instruction and we will confirm honestly whether we can meet your timescale.
Do you handle party wall structural matters?
Yes, on the structural engineering aspects, including assessing the effect of proposed works on an adjoining structure.
Who else we work with.
Tell us what you are building.
Send the drawings or describe the project. We confirm scope, deliverables and a realistic timescale.
Start a project