Chris Easton - Consultant

FRICS C.Build.E

Chris is one of the founding Partners of the original practice and is now a consultant heading up the Litigation and Expert Witness Department.

He has over 30 years' experience in acting in various construction disputes and carries out investigation and provides CPR reports and court attendance. 

He is a member and former Governor of the Expert Witness Institute and previously acted as an External Examiner to UWE Built Environment. 

Professional Qualifications 

• Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - 1985
• Member of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers - 1985
• Governor of the Expert Witness Institute - 2009

Chris Easton - CV

After joining Alder King I rose to a full equity partner in the Survey Valuation & Development department and then I resigned my position to set up my own practice in the early 1980’s. In view of my experience at that time I concentrated on Project Management and advice on residential developments.

A number of substantial clients retained my practice to advise them on development and refurbishment of residential and commercial buildings including many of which were Listed, converting them into flats, and houses from initial specification to final account.

I am now a Consultant to Easton Bevins Limited and advise and manage the litigation department of the firm. Easton Bevins Limited who employ approximately 35 staff, including Chartered Building Surveyors, Structural Engineer, Chartered Architect Quantity Surveyor and other support staff.

I now act as an advisor to a number of national developers dealing with alleged claims against them and advising them on all property and building construction matters. I oversee the project management for the conversion, development, and construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings many of which have a Listed status; from design inception through statutory consents, specification, drawings, tender and supervision to final account.

Approximately 25 years ago I became heavily involved in litigation and arbitration and act regularly as an Expert Witness in building construction, contract disputes and negligence claims in the Technology and Construction Division of the High Court.

I regularly produce reports as an Expert Witness on all matters of building construction relating to the contractual arrangements, the physical construction, the regulations governing the construction, or the duties of the various experts involved. I often provide costs of remedial works, or value of works undertaken. I am regularly involved in landlord and tenant disputes, both residential and commercial, and I am conversant and experienced in Housing Act matters. I attend County and High Court regularly, and I am trained in report writing, court attendance, and single joint expert responsibilities. I sit on the MOJ working party on concurrent evidence.

I am now contained in the Law Society’s list of Expert Witnesses, I am a member of the Society of Expert Witnesses and contained within the RICS Expert Witness Registration Scheme.

2024 cases

January

• Undertake exposure of compartment walls in a high rise block of flats to determine their construction and compliance with fire test certificate and Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.
• Inspect a farm cottage and provide advice as to the causes of severe structural cracking following the removal of a tree.
• Attending at a substantial barn conversion in Gloucestershire and advising instructing solicitors on behalf of the proposed purchaser as to the conduct of a Chartered Surveyor undertaking a full building survey of the property the client purchased. Providing full CPR report, comparison to RICS Guidance Notes and costs of remedial works.

February

• Attending a high rise block of flats in central England and undertaking intrusive investigations into the compartmentation of the escape corridor walls. Ascertaining their compliance with Approved Document B and fire test certificates pursuant to the Building Safety Act. Providing initial advice to the Management Company.
• Attending conference call in respect of a previous CPR report prepared by me in respect of a drainage dispute where a developer sought to pass a main foul drain beneath the Claimant’s property. Having produced a CPR the conference call identified further requirements for producing an amended CPR report for purposes of injunction.
• Attending at a substantial house in Herefordshire and undertaking further intrusive investigation. Confirming further breaches of Building Regulations, Approved Documents A, C, D, E & F. Amending the CPR report and providing costs as to remedial works and breaches of the Buildmark warranty.
• Attending conference with instructing solicitors and discussing a previous CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report prepared on behalf of a local authority, who allege negligence against a firm of surveyors for the project management and monitoring of pedestrianizing of a large city. Attending site and amending CPR in the light of Counsel’s requests for further and better particulars of the allegations of negligence.

March

• Attending another high rise block of flats and arranging for lift company to isolate the lifts. Undertaking intrusive investigations to determine the construction of the lift shaft walls to ensure compliance with the test certificate and Approved Document B. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report and initial advice to Management Company, instructing solicitors and their barrister.
• Attending a low rise block of flats in Swansea where we had undertaken substantial remedial works to the compartmentation of several blocks of flats. Signing off end of defects liability period and final account.

April

• Attending an Experts’ without prejudice meeting in connection with defects identified in a high rise block of flats in Birmingham. Discussions with the Defendant’s fire expert over 2 days.
• Inspection of a flat roof on a substantial block of flats in Birmingham. Providing advice in connection with the alleged negligent remedial works. Production of CPR Part 35 report with associated costs and remedial works.
• Attending a scheme of 15 blocks in Wales. Discussions with the Participating Developer following the issuing of proceedings and production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in respect of defective cladding and defective compartmentation. Discussions surrounding proposed remedial works.
• Production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in respect of alleged negligence surrounding a Type 4 inspection in relation to internal compartmentation in a high rise block of flats in Manchester. Production of initial privileged advice to Management Company and instructing solicitors.

May

• Attending a property in Wales and providing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report with costs in respect of encroachment and trespass by an extract ducting system and leaching of contaminated foul water into a residential property.
• Conference call with instructing solicitors and barristers in connection with advice given surrounding allegations of negligence of cladding to a high rise block of flats and shops in London. Reviewing my CPR report and providing further and better particulars. Amending CPR.
• Attending at a shop premises in Bristol and advising in connection with flooding of the shop from the adjacent retail unit. Intrusive investigations and testing and producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report and costs.

June

• Attending at a substantial farmhouse in Oxfordshire and advising in connection with allegations of breach of landlord’s repairing liability in respect thereof. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report with remedial costs.

July

• Production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of a claim by a number of leaseholders in a block of flats in a city. Preparing a claim against the developer for alleged negligence in the cladding of same. Production of CPR and provision of costs etc.
• Attending a warehouse in a Wales. Providing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report as a Single Joint Expert in respect of flooding of the premises.
• Attending a substantial property in North London and undertaking intrusive investigations. Production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of alleged negligence by a Contract Administrator of refurbishment of a substantial 4 bedroomed property.
• Attending trial in the Bristol TCC in connection with alleged negligence of roof repairs to a Listed Building.
• Attending a barn conversion in Somerset. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of the negligence by the developer, who had breached a number of the Building Regulations. Production of CPR Report and suggested remedial action.
• Attending conference call in respect of a previous CPR Report where I had advised on the negligence of a firm of national surveyors when undertaking a full building survey of a property in Brixham.

September

• Attending a Listed Building in Gloucestershire and advising in connection with the negligence of a contractor undertaking a conversion to the top floor flat. Advising on breaches of Building Regulations, Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission. Producing a CPR report including remedial works and costs.
• Attending at a new house in Gloucestershire and advising national developers on allegations of rising damp, condensation, and black spot fungus. Producing draft CPR Report and privileged advice.
• Attending a 1930’s property in Somerset and producing privileged advice in connection with the installation of cavity wall insulation to an unsuitable property.

October

• Attending a property in Cornwall and advising in connection with a drainage and septic tank dispute. Producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report following intrusive investigations with appropriate advice.
• Providing desk top advice in connection with allegations by a developer in respect of the construction of a block of flats in East England and advising on the duties and responsibilities of a competent Contract Administrator and Clerk of Works and production of privileged advice.
• Attending at a conversion of old buildings into flats in Birmingham. Production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of negligent advice surrounding appropriate interim fire measures, Waking Watch, etc. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• Attending mediation in connection with remedial works necessary to a high rise block of flats following production of a CPR Report. Attending a high rise block of flats in Central England.
• Opening up the compartment walls and undertaking intrusive investigations into their construction and compliance with Approved Document B, Type 4 report and test certificates. Producing a draft CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.

November

• Attending a drainage dispute in Oxfordshire following the disconnection of drains to a septic tank. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report including solutions, costs and advice on easements.

2023 cases

January

• Attended at a pair of semi-detached houses in a large city in the UK, which had been the subject of a Sedam roof and external cladding. This had been negligently applied and I provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report on the duties and responsibilities and alleged negligence of the Approved Inspectors, pursuant to e case law handed down in Zagora.
• I concluded a final meeting including mediation on behalf of 77 residents in a claim against a national developer for defective construction of a block of 78 flats in London. Mediation terms and remedial works were agreed and the National Developer then undertook the works under our monitoring.
• Attending a conference with barristers pertaining to a drainage dispute about the rights and responsibilities of the adjacent developer to connect to drainage system beneath the Claimant’s property, without causing “a nuisance”.

February

• Attended conference with Counsel, pertaining to the flooding of a public house, now vacant, in the East of England as a result of an alleged negligence by the Highway Authority. I provided advice to Counsel and advice on the Particulars of Claim.

March

• Attended a site comprising 11+ blocks of flats in Wales. I advised on the necessary remedial works required by the national developer, following the construction of 100+ flats with defective cladding and defective internal compartmentation.
• Open up substantial areas of internal compartmentation including lift shafts, smoke shafts and protected shafts in a substantial block of flats in a major city in the UK and provide a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report on the breaches of Building Regulations, Approved Document B and breaches of test certificates.
• Attending a conference with Counsel, following the production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report surrounding the paving provided to a pedestrianised section of a town in England. Assisted the instructing solicitors with the drafting of the Particulars of Claim relative to the defects.

April

• Attended a substantial property in a major City in Central England. Made intrusive investigation into the junction between the damp proof course, damp proof membrane, external leaf and concrete slab to establish damp penetration from adjacent neighbour.
• Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report regarding condensation.
• Attending a substantial 3-storey property in Bristol and producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report on the compliance of a loft to a terraced property including windows, fire doors, etc.
• Attended many meetings with a fire expert appointed by Defendant developer, who had negligently converted an office building into flats providing defective compartmentation in breach of Approved Document B and test certificates.
• Attended a major water sports centre, provided a Part 35 Expert Witness report on the compliance of the improvements, remedial work, landing jetties, etc, undertaken by local contractor.
• Attended a property in central England, having previously produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report on the defects of the extension and agreed a Joint Statement with the Defendant Contractor’s Expert.
• Attended a property in a major City and provided CPR Party 35 Expert Witness report including specification of works following substantial water penetration into two floors of flats beneath the defective roof and party wall. There was a dispute between the residents as to the extent of liability.

May

• Attending a 2 day mediation in connection with a substantial office building that had been converted to flats with breaches of compartmentation.
• Inspected 2 blocks of flats in a major city, 1 being high rise, 1 being medium rise. Undertaking intrusive investigations and providing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in respect of the quality, extent and compliance of the cladding which had been installed in breach of Approved Document B of the Building Regulations, all pursuant to the Grenfell tragedy.
• Conference call with instructing solicitors and barrister in connection with a drainage dispute on which I had previously provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report where the Defendant neighbour had increased the ground levels causing flooding of the Claimant’s property.

June

• Attending a substantial block of flats in a Central England, undertaking intrusive investigations and production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in respect of alleged defective cladding.
• Attending conference with Counsel in connection with a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report previously produced in connection with alleged allegations surrounding the defective construction of a modern house by a National developer. Advice including items to be incorporated within the Defence.
• Attending a terraced property in Wales and producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in connection with alleged trespass by an air conditioning plant and extract system and framing into the Claimant’s property.
• Attending the same property and advising in connection with unauthorised connections into a soil pipe, which allowed contaminated water to discharge down the face of the building and into the accommodation. Arranging for test samples of pathogens etc. Producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report.
• Attending a Listed building in Somerset and advising in connection with the quality of roofing undertaken by a local roofing contractor, following allegations of lack of Listed Building consent, Building Regulations etc. Producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report.
• Attending new properties in a scheme in the centre of England where 100 houses had been constructed by a national developer. Advising in connection with allegations of dampness in a number of the properties. Undertaking tests and producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report refuting the allegations.

July

• Attending Experts meeting in connection with allegations of defective construction to a new house on which I previously provided a CPR Part 35 report.
• Attending properties in the north west and providing advice in connection with remedial works necessary following the construction of a new house following the discovery of damp, mould, etc. Producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report and specification.

August

• Attending a 3-day trial in Oxford High Court in connection with damp penetration to a gym and garage following a neighbour’s dispute. I had previously produced a CPR report and Experts discussions.
• Attending a substantial property in London and advising in connection with the breaches of the tanking to the basement of the property and producing initial advice.
• Attending a new block of flats in London and advising developers on a claim against them for breach of the internal compartmentation under Approved Document B. Producing CPR report and advice in connection with the extent of the necessary remedial works.

September

• Attending a substantial property in the Cotswolds and advising connection with surveyor’s negligence. Production of CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in connection with alleged negligent advice following a full building survey to include remedial works, costs, etc.

October

• Attending a property in Wales and advising the Housing Association in connection with allegations of negligence by a landlord, particularly regarding damp penetration and Section 11. Producing Part 35 Expert Witness report and advising on remedial works.

November

• Attending a property in Somerset and advising in connection with flooding to the basement and advising that the local authority were responsible following CCTV, pressure tests, etc. Producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report.
• Attending a block of flats in Wales and advising a number of residents in connection with water penetration to their flats in a property in an exposed location.
• Attending a substantial property in the Cotswolds and advising on alleged surveyor’s negligence. Producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report.
• Advising a community association in connection with a right of way for foul drainage. Undertaking topographical survey, CCTV, levels, and providing advice in connection with Wayleave Agreements.

December

• Attending a property in London and advising insurers in connection with a claim against their client who was the Contract Administrator under a JCT contract for the conversion and extension of the subject property. Production of a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report and continuing discussions with the Claimant’s Exert.

2022 cases

January

• Attended at a substantial house in the Cotswolds and advised instructing solicitors on alleged negligence of a building survey undertaken by a Chartered Surveyor.
• Attended a substantial property in central England, undertook intrusive investigations and produced CPR report on breaches of current Building Regulations.
• Attended conference with Counsel in connection with an adaptation for DDA purposes of a substantial property in south east England. Discussions surrounding my report in order to produce the Particulars of Claim.
• Attending a substantial block of flats in the south of England and advising in connection with defective cladding undertaken by a national developer on a high risk block of flats.
• Attending a house in the south of England and advising solicitors in connection with the allegations of negligence survey on house purchaser’s survey by Chartered Surveyor.

February

• Attending a new development of houses in east Bristol and advising in connection with cracking to the rendering of a number of timber framed 3-storey buildings.
• Attending conference with Counsel and advising a national developer on a defence in connection with allegations of defective cladding.
• Attending a high risk block of flats in central England. Undertaking intrusive investigations and advising on breaches of Building Regulations.
• Attending several high rise blocks of flats in north London and undertaking intrusive investigations and advising on breaches of Building Regulations.

March

• Attending a site of 77 flats in north London constructed by a national developer. Undertaking further intrusive investigations in connection with breaches of Building Regulations and producing 3rd CPR report.
• Attending a 7-day adjudication in connection with defective rendering and insulation applied to the outside of a Listed Building.

April

• Attending several houses in a new scheme in central England and advising the developer in connection with cracked render, black spot fungus and moisture.
• Attending a property in central England and advising in connection with damage sustained to the property following road works and water penetration.
• Attending a property in Bristol and advising in connection with cracking sustained as a result of adjacent structural works.
• Attending a property in north Bristol and advising a developer in connection with claims by the home owner as to breaches of NHBC standards and Building Regulations.
• Attending a disused public house in east England and providing advice in connection with water run-off from the highway.
• Attending a property in southern England and advising in connection with a drainage dispute following the adjacent developer’s desire to connect to existing foul drains under the Claimant’s property.

May

• Attending a property in central Bristol and advising in connection with structural damage to a warehouse following demolition and remedial works for a new property.
• Attending a property in Wiltshire and advising in connection with damage sustained following impact by a vehicle.
• Attending a substantial block of flats in north London. Opening up external elevations and providing CPR report in connection with breaches of Building Regulations and NHBC.

June

• Attending a property in Bristol and advising in connection with substantial water penetration to the offices and suggesting further intrusive investigations.
• Attending a property in east England and arranging for dendrology tests and decay of wallplate tests.

July

• Attending a substantial conversion in Wiltshire and advising in connection with defective structural repairs.
• Attending a farm in Cornwall and advising in connection with damp penetration to an adjacent conversion to a dwelling house and producing CPR report.
• Attending a property in Dorset previously referred to and undertaking CCTV and topographical survey.

August

• Attending a flat above a shop in Bristol and advising in connection with cracking noted as a result of structural alterations to the shop.
• Attending a mobile home in Wiltshire and advising in connection with structural movement, following the collapse of a retaining wall.

September

• Attending a pedestrianised High Street in central England and undertaking CBR tests and production of report.
• Attending 2 blocks of high risk flats in Bristol. Undertaking intrusive investigation in connection with defective cladding, and production of CPR report.

October

• Attending a property in Bristol and advising in connection with structural damage caused by the deflection of a bresummer beam. Providing advice in connection with appropriate remedial works.

November

• Attending a block of flats in Somerset and advising in connection with Fire Risk Assessment, cladding and fire barriers, following intrusive investigations.
• Attending a Listed 5-storey terraced house in Bath and advising in connection with a window which had caused physical damage to one of the residents resulting in hospital visit.

December

• Attending a property in Gloucestershire and advising in connection with cracking noted to a new house as a result of adjacent trees in clay soil.

2019 cases

• January 2019 I attended a substantial country residence in Gloucestershire and provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of defective eradication of dry rot.
• In January I attended a new house in Wiltshire to advise on defective construction of d.p.c. to ground floor and d.p.c’s around doors and windows resulting in damp penetration into the house.
• In February I advised a substantial contractor in Wiltshire in connection with a dispute with the local authority surrounding the installation of roof tiles to a number of local authority properties.
• In February I inspected a Listed Building on which an extension and substantial insulation works had been negligently undertaken and produced advice in connection with remedial works and breaches of the contractor’s statutory and contractual duties.
• In February I attended a property in Somerset in an elevated coastal position that had been partly demolished by a contractor and advised on the Defective Premises Act and breaches of Building Regulations, producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In February I attended an Experts meeting in connection with defective construction of a block of flats in North London.
• In March I attended for the next 3 months monitoring installation of new drainage to a nursing home in Wales that had been incorrectly installed.
• In March I attended a modern house in Berkshire that had been substantially remodelled and reconstructed and advised on breaches of Building Regulations, breaches of contract, and breaches of Defective Premises Act.
• In March I undertook smoke tests of the drainage system in a nursing home in Wales.
• In March I attended a property in Berkshire and produced an accommodation report to advise whether the property was suitable for adaptation for a disabled person with appropriate alternatives and necessary remedial works.
• In April I attended a substantial block of flats in Birmingham and provided advice in connection with the Regulatory Reform Order, PAS 79, stay put policy and issues surrounding compartmentation.
• In May I attended a new house in Essex and advised in connection with a national builder’s breaches of Building Regulations and Statutory and Contractual Duty and allegedly defective works undertaken by a National Buildmark Warranty company.
• In May I attended a block of flats in Birmingham and undertook intrusive investigation into external compartmentation and internal compartmentation breaches of Building Regulations and provide preliminary report.
• In May I attended a property in Wales and advised in connection with an alleged nuisance claim surrounding the height of an adjacent drive allegedly causing damage to neighbouring property.
• In June I attended a block of flats in Birmingham and advised in connection with breaches of Building Regulations and Planning Permissions surrounding restaurant, communal ducts, and breaches of compartmentation.
• In June I attended a new development of houses in Bristol to ascertain the cause of drainage smells, smoke testing a whole section of the drains.
• In June I attended as a Single Joint Expert in a conversion in Berkshire and advised in connection with breaches of soundproofing regulations.
• In June I produced a CPR Report in connection with a breach of Right of Way in Gloucestershire.
• In June I attended as a Single Joint Expert in connection with a dispute surrounding Party Wall and demolition of a property in Cornwall.
• In July I attended a property in Bristol and advised in connection with a defective installation and conversion for a disabled person to ground floor accommodation incorporating bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, etc.
• In July I attended a meditation in connection with a dispute surrounding remedial works to a Listed Building.
• In July I attended another High Rise block of flats in Birmingham and undertook intrusive investigation into the external cladding to define breaches of Building Regulations, compartmentation, cavity barriers, ACM etc.
• In July I attended the Supreme Court in connection with the case surrounding Approved Inspectors.
• In July I attended a new build property and provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of cavity wall insulation.
• In July I attended another block of flats in Birmingham and undertook intrusive investigation to breach of compartmentation and Approved Document B internally.
• In August I attended a property in South Bristol and advised in connection with the poor quality conversion and refurbishment of a terraced property.
• In September I attended a new set of houses and flats in Somerset in an elevated coastal position and advised in connection with damp penetration.
• In September I spoke at the Bristol Property Litigation Conference.
• In September I attended an elevated substantial property in Devon and undertook intrusive investigation with Experts for 3 Defendants.
• In October I attended an Expert Witness Institute conference in Singapore and addressed 75 Experts, solicitors and Judges.
• In October I attended a new conversion in Bristol and as a Single Joint Expert produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report on the alleged defective installation of windows.
• In October I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in connection with allegedly defective drainage resulting in personal injury.
• In November I attended a property in Woking and provided a report in connection with a defective refurbishment including breaches of Building Regulations and Defective Premises Act.
• In November I advised in connection with an allegation of negligence surrounding a block of flats in Somerset.
• In November I attended a new conversion of flats in Bristol and advised in connection with breaches of Building Regulations.
• In December I attended a new house in Somerset and advised in connection with defective garage floors, drainage issues and boundary dispute.
• In December I attended at Southwark Borough Council Court and advised in connection with a service charge dispute following production of a Single Joint Expert’s report.

2018 cases

• January 2018 – meeting with contractor in connection with a dispute surrounding an attic extension, fire regulations and damp penetration as a Single Joint Expert having already visited site and met with the home owner separately.
• Attending at a collapsed barn in Gloucestershire and providing a report on the necessity and urgency of immediate interim structural supports.
• Attending a new house in Worcestershire and advising in connection with the defective installation of all of the windows to the property including breaches of Building Regulations Approved Document C, and BS.5628 and providing CPR report.
• Providing CPR report on 8 Briarcliff Road – to follow.
• Attending at two blocks of converted offices in Cardiff and undertaking destructive investigation in connection with drainage, leaks and breaches of fire protection.
• Providing 3 No. CPR reports as to the breach of statutory and contractual duties of the various proposed Defendants.
• Attending at a block of flats in Hertfordshire and advising in connection with breaches of the protected shaft.
• Attending an Experts meeting in connection with a CPR report previously produced in respect of alleged defective construction and reconstruction of a house and roof following a fire.
• Attending at a block of flats in Hertfordshire and undertake smoke tests to ascertain the continuity of compartmentation pursuant to Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.
• Attending at the same block of refurbished flats in Swansea and undertaking destructive and intrusive investigations with contractors present.
• Attending mediation in connection with defective construction for a block of 15 flats in Hertfordshire.
• Attending a further meeting in connection with the joint statement following an Experts’ meeting in connection with a property destroyed by fire.
• Meeting with Loss Adjusters and showing them breaches of Building Regulations Approved Documents A, B, C, E and L in a block of converted flats in Bristol on which I’d 5 years previously provided a CPR report.
• Attending a large detached house in Surrey and undertaking destructive investigation as a result of sever damp penetration to a new extension and swimming pool.
• Re-attending at the Expert’s office and finalising the Joint Statement referred to previously.
• Attending a restaurant in Wiltshire and undertaking destructive investigation to ascertain the cause of drain overflow and flooding to the restaurant and adjacent block of flats.
• Re-attending a property in Bristol following opening up after I prepared a CPR report some years earlier in connection with defective tanking and breach of BS.8102.
• Attending a block of 120+ flats in Manchester which had been vacated as a result of alleged breaches of Approved Document B of the fire partitioning and undertaking intrusive investigation with other Experts present over 2 days.
• Attending site on two occasions and various meetings with Experts following that opening up.
• Attending a detached house in Worcestershire and advising in connection with a defective installation of a disabled bathroom including wet room and advising on breaches of Building Regulations.
• Attending a property in Bristol and advising in connection with the alleged negligence of a surveyor following remedial works and repairs to a damaged property.
• June - Re-attending the site in Manchester.
• Attending a property in Devon on which I’d previously provided an initial CPR report and undertaking opening up in connection with breaches of Building Regulations for fire and damp penetration and preparing a Schedule of Works.
• Re-attending at the property in Kent and undertaking further destructive investigations.
• Attending a church in Wiltshire and advising the Trust in connection with breaches of the Supervising Officer’s duty including breaches of health and safety, Building Regulations, valuations and JCT contracts and providing privileged advice.
• Attending a set of properties in South Wales and advising a local authority on alleged breach of statutory and contractual duty by architects undertaking specifications and repair works.
• Producing CPR report on liability.
• Attending a 1960’s house that had been built on the edge of a quarry in Devon and advising on the liability of the alleged negligent surveyor during his survey of the property and advising on Statutory and Contractual Duties and breaches thereof.
• July – attending a new housing estate in Somerset and undertaking smoke tests and drains tests to ascertain the cause and location of foul smells from the new foul drainage system.
• Re-attending in Hertfordshire and opening up 14 flats to determine the extent of breaches of Building Regulations and providing photographic evidence with cross reference to Statutory Duty, Contractual Duty and breaches of Building Regulations.
• August – completing CPR reports, Scott Schedules, response to Part 18 questions in connection with the alleged 120 defective flats in Manchester.
• Attending a substantial manor house in Gloucestershire and providing initial advice in connection with the alleged negligence of a timber specialist in connection with the extent of the outbreak of dry rot and subsequently producing a CPR report.
• Attending a Listed house in Gloucestershire and providing initial advice in preparation for an adjudication which subsequently became an arbitration in respect of the defective installation of insulation to a Listed Building and the role of the CA and the contractor.
• Re-attending a block of flats in Bristol previously inspected and undertaking further opening up in connection with breaches of Building Regulations.
• September – attending a pair of semi-detached houses in Worcestershire on a Single Joint Instruction and producing a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report on breaches of trespass, damage, water penetration, etc.
• October – re-attending the property in Devon for the purposes of writing a specification and costing same for necessary remedial works following alleged surveyor’s negligence.
• Receiving instructions and urgently attending buildings in Swansea with damp penetration and substantial breaches of fire regulations. To arranging for access to advise home owners and insurers.
• Attending a property in Middlesex and providing an accommodation report in connection with requirements for a disabled person launching a negligence claim for loss of limbs and the appropriateness of the existing property and suitable alternative accommodation and costs of refurbishment.
• Attending a trial in the TCC in Manchester in connection with the flats previously referred to.
• November – attending a property in Devon and advising in connection with neighbour’s negligence surrounding damp penetration to the building.
• Attending a trial in Bristol TCC in connection with a large water penetration claim to a brand new block of flats and hotel in London having previously produced a CPR report.
• Attending a property in Gloucestershire following the collapse of a substantial brick wall and producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• Attending at the offices of a Wiltshire roofing company and advising in connection with their potential claim against the local authority for breach of contract.
• Attending Experts meeting in respect of a block of flats on which I have previously advised.
• December – attending further Experts meetings in connection with the aforementioned block.
• Attending a new building in Monmouthshire and advising in connection with alleged defective new main drains.
• Re-attending the sites in Swansea and undertaking destructive investigations to ascertain the extent of breaches of Building Regulations.

2017 cases

• In February I attended a private school in Somerset and advised the Trustees in connection with allegedly negligent installation of roof tiles, windows, cavity trays, d.p.c’s and producing CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In February I attended a new house in Somerset and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of allegedly defective works undertaken by local builder including windows, glazing, drainage etc.
• In February I attended a substantial property in Surrey and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report for insurers in respect of alleged negligence against the surveyor in respect of floor tiles, tanking, windows, retaining wall, etc.
• In February I attended a timber framed house in east Bristol, produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of allegations surrounding defective installation of glazing, timber, under floor heating and windows.
• In February I attended various properties on behalf of a Housing Association and provided CPR advice in connection with tenant’s allegations of Landlord negligence in connection with Section 11.
• In February I attended a development of new houses in Gloucestershire and undertook destructive investigations on several occasions and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of defective installation of gas, damp proof course, tanking, joists, internal joinery and drainage.
• In April I attended a new property in Gloucestershire and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in respect of defective installation and advising on proceedings against Buildmark warranty provider. Defects included defective installation, fire protection, timber joists, timber trusses and central heating.
• In June I attended a property in the north of Bristol and advised in connection with encroachment, breaches of Party Wall Act, and trespass by adjacent development of new houses. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In June I attended a property in Somerset and advised in connection with a collapsed boundary wall and liability. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In June I attended a property in Redland, Bristol and advised in connection with contractor’s and architect’s negligence in respect of tanking, drainage, windows and roof. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In June I attended a property in Bristol and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in connection with defective landscaping, path and patio works.
• In June I attended a property in Wiltshire and undertook intrusive investigations in connection with defective installation of structural engineering beams. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report as a Single Joint Expert.
• In June I attended a property in Devon and produced an Accommodation Report for purposes of litigation as to the suitability of existing accommodation and other properties for an injured child
• In July I advised in connection with an allegation of contractor negligence on a new property in Devon. I advised regarding tanking, windows, roof and I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In July I attended a penthouse property in Bristol and advised in connection with the installation of new patio doors and windows. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In July I attended on a new set of properties in South Bristol on behalf of a national developer. I investigated drainage, undertook dye tests, water tests and pressure tests and advised.
• In August I attended a property in London and advised in connection with the construction of a new extension to a terraced house. Defects included windows, glazing, drainage, cavity walls, damp penetration and roofs. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In August I attended a property in Bath and produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report for contractor in respect of allegations of defective work. I costed remedial works ultimately meeting with the Claimant’s Expert and I produced a Joint Statement.
• In August I attended a set of stables in Somerset and advised as to their defective construction in respect of breach of Building Regs and Planning, drainage issues, and roof profiles. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In September I attended a property in South Bristol and advised in connection with negligence claim against the surveyor who failed to spot a 4” wall. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report for insurers.
• In September I attended a costs hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice and advised.
• In October I attended a shop and office accommodation in Somerset. I advised in connection with encroachment, drainage issues, defective installation of a hardstanding. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report. I met with the Defendant’s Expert, agreed a Joint Statement and came to a resolution.
• In October I attended a property in Herefordshire. I advised in connection with defective remedial works including new floors, glazing, brickwork and roof profile. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In October I attended a property in Somerset and advised in connection with defective patio, pagoda and garage extension. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In October I attended at a school in Wiltshire and advised in connection with the installation of some temporary school rooms including problems with roof. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report. I had a meeting with Experts and subsequently attended a Trial.
• In November I attended at a restaurant in Wiltshire on several occasions to trace drainage. I advised in connection with a drainage dispute. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in connection with liability for drainage.
• In November I received instructions, attended site and provided advice in connection with the liability of Approved Inspectors in respect of 126 flats in a new block of flats in Manchester. I attended an Experts meeting, with subsequent attendance at Trial.
• In December I attended a property in Somerset. I produced a Single Joint Expert Report in respect of extension incorporating first floor roof alterations, access, floor joists, windows and dampness.
• In December I attended a property in North Bristol and advised in connection with a defective kitchen installation including floor tiling and underfloor heating. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.
• In December I attended a number of properties in South Wales. I advised the local authority in connection with defective remedial works undertake. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report.

2016 cases

• In January 2016 I was instructed to attend a property in South Wales that was affected by the collapse of a concrete retaining wall supporting a public highway. I provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report on the likely and probable causes of the collapse of the wall, its history and likely ownership.
• In January 2016 I attended a property in South Wales and provided advice in connection with defective cavity wall insulation. The defects were a breach of the warranty and Building Regulations.
• In January 2016 I attended a property in north Bristol where a builder had formed basement accommodation from a garage and provided confidential advice. The defects included tanking, lintels, cavity trays and insulation.
• I attended a property in north Bristol where major works to a pub had encroached into the neighbouring property causing damage. I provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report and remedial works were subsequently undertaken.
• In February I attended a property in North Bristol that had been the subject of a substantial fire and provided confidential advice to the homeowner in connection with the concerns of their insurance company surrounding the validity of their claim.
• I attended a trial in Worcester in connection with the riding stables previously referred to.
• I attended a property in Hereford that had been the subject of a defective damp proof course, which resulted in moisture penetration and replastering was required including the removal of part of the kitchen area and bathroom. I provided a Single Joint Expert Witness report for all 3 parties.
• I attended a property in North Bristol and advised in connection with any works that were necessary pursuant to a Certificate of Lawfulness and a House in Multiple Occupation, pursuant to the Housing Act 2004.
• I attended a private school in the West Country and advised in connection with damp penetration that was evident to a new block that had recently been constructed. I provided confidential advice.
• In March I attended a property in Bristol and undertook exposure works as a result of damp penetration to their building. The intrusive investigation revealed defective wall ties, defective insulation and I provided confidential advice in connection with remedial works.
• I attended a property outside Bath and provided advice in connection with a single storey extension that had been constructed, in breach of Building Regulations, British Standards and Planning Permission. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report on the defects including damp proof course, drainage, structure, heating, ventilation, and electrics.
• In April 2016 I was instructed to advise a contractor in connection with a substantial claim against him for flooding to a hotel in the north of England. I provided confidential advice in connection with the merits and strengths and likely costs of the claim.
• In April 2016 I attended a development to the north of Bristol and advice in connection with BS.8102 tanking and the new NHBC Chapter 5.5 tanking arrangements. I produced a confidential report.
• I attended a property in Somerset and provided a Single Joint Expert report on a defective installation of a kitchen, including plumbing, heating, wiring, etc.
• In April I attended several Experts’ meetings in connection with a claim against a National contractor for the construction of a new extension to a school. Defects included fire protection works, CDM Regulations Health & Safety File and water penetration through the roof.
• In April 2016, I attended a property in Chippenham and provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report on the incidence and likelihood of flooding along with any remedial costs. This provided the information to pursue a misrepresentation claim against the vendor.
• In April 2016 I attended an Experts meeting in connection with a defective roof, previously referred to, and following several meetings, we produced an Agreed Statement of Experts.
• In May I attended a substantial new scheme at a town in Gloucestershire and provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness report in connection with defects surrounding insulation, floors, damp proof course, tanking, extraction, and fire regulations.
• In May 2016 I attended a timber framed building in Hereford, which required structural scaffold to support it following a partial collapse. I provided confidential advice to a professional’s insurers to enable a settlement to be achieved including liability, costs, and breach of standards.
• In Swindon I attended a property and advised in connection with whether a surveyor had been negligent in connection with a building survey on a chalk property.
• In May 2016 I provided confidential advice to a builder in connection with his alleged negligence in respect of flat roof, pitched roof, flashings, etc. The matter subsequently settled.
• In June 2016 I attended several Experts meetings in connection with the concrete retaining wall and collapse of the highway previously referred to. An Agreed Statement of Experts was produced, the matter subsequently went to trial.
• In June 2016 I attended a property in Banbury and provided privileged advice to an insurance company in connection with a possible claim for Statutory Nuisance, in connection with the outbreak of dry rot in a service shaft in a multi-storey building.
• In July 2016 I attended a property in Swansea that was the subject of substantial damp penetration. I provided advice in connection with the breaches of Statutory and contractual duty of the various parties including compliance with Building Regulations and BS.8102.
• In July 2016 I attended a substantial block of flats in central Bristol with representatives of the Defendant’s insurers with a view to producing an Agreed Statement of Experts.
• In July I attended at 6 new houses in Gloucestershire that had recently been constructed and identified a substantial number of defects. I subsequently produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report which was then served on the Defendants.
• In July I attended a new block of flats in Gloucester and provided advice in connection with staining, damp penetration, condensation and humidity in a ground floor flat and provided an independent Expert opinion.
• In July I attended a house in Somerset where a kitchen had been poorly installed. I was instructed as a Single Joint Expert and produced a CPR Part 35 for the Court.
• In August I signed off remedial works to a wall and underpinning in a property in Bath on which I’d previously provided confidential advice to the house owner’s insurance. The building had moved following the construction and development works on an adjacent parcel of land. Remedial works were undertaken satisfactorily by the Defendants.
• In September I attended a Grade II Listed house in Bath. I provided confidential advice in connection with a conservatory that had been poorly constructed in breach of Listed Building Consent and contractual and Statutory Duties.
• In September I attended a property in North London where remedial works had been halted by a Court of Protection Officer. Works were being undertaken to a property to convert it for a disabled person. The architect was dissatisfied with the quality of work. I produced confidential advice and report on what sums, if any, were due to the Defendant contractor.
• In October I attended a 2-storey domestic property in South Wales that had been the subject of substantial but poor conversion by a contractor. The works included structural movement as a wall had been removed, non-compliance with Building Regulations in respect of WC, shower and bathroom, breach of gas regulations and poorly applied rendering. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report with remedial costs.
• In October I attended a property in South Wales to advise on inadequate conversion by a City Council of a property to house a disabled person. The works had been carried out in breach of Building Regulations, specifically but not exclusively structural beams, cavity trays and a substantial breach of thermal regulations resulting in a cold property. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report with remedial costs.
• In October I attended a nursing home in Wales to advise in connection with alleged breaches of Building Regulations, notwithstanding a Building Regulation Completion Certificate had been issued. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report on the breaches, my interpretation and my opinion on the appropriate remedial works, if any, where necessary.
• In October I attended a property in Bristol that had been the subject of flooding as a result of development of the adjacent site. I was instructed as a Single Joint Expert to produce an opinion on the cause and remedial works and remedial costs.
• In October, November and December I attended at a block of new flats in North London which had recently been constructed with the benefit of an NHBC Buildmark warranty. The whole property contained substantial defects including defective underfloor heating, poor and inadequate fire protection, non-compliance with planning in respect of layout, contamination issues, flooding of the basement and ineffective smoke extraction systems. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in connection with the defects.
• In November I attended at a property on which I previously provided a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of defective monitoring under a Professional Consultant’s Certificate. Further defects have been discovered in connection with fire protection, ducts, shafts and collars. I provided an additional CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report in respect of breaches of Approved Document B.
• In November I was instructed by the Bristol County Court to attend at a property in South of the City and provide a Single Joint Expert opinion on an extension incorporating defects surrounding structure, thermal requirements, quality of work, Building Regulations, means of escape and roof. I produced a CPR Part 35 Expert Witness Report complete with remedial costs.
• In December I attended a property in Cheltenham, and advised in connection with breaches of the Party Wall Act, reasons for damp penetration from the adjacent property, breaches of Planning Permission and Building Regulations and provided confidential advice to the insurance company as to the appropriate solutions.