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Construction Defect Expert Witness

defect expert witness

If you have had a recent remodel, or roof replacement, and have roofing defects you need to consult with a professional defect expert. So much goes into remodeling a home, and with so much happening under the surface you need to consult an expert defect witness for guidance when tragedy strikes.

In a world where technology is making things easier and helping industries to become more efficient, this hasn’t translated to some areas of construction. Sadly, the number of construction defect claims are still increasing as a result of defective materials, substances, parts, and more. As competition increases and companies are put under pressure to finish projects not only quickly but in a small budget, the consequences are potentially fatal. 

Construction Defect Claims 

Over the years, we’ve seen a number of construction defect claims whether it’s poor-quality materials, problematic parts, or even an ill-considered design. If we look at materials as an example, a company might choose a cheaper product in order to come in under budget. Even though they’re purchased in good faith, the quality is lacking, and this has the potential to cause injury or even death. 

For example, a low-quality concrete mix could cause air pockets that aren’t removed during the mixing process. If an air pocket survives and then pops later, a worker or resident can get hit with debris. With a poor design, the whole building may crumble. In truth, there are a number of areas where problems can arise. In some cases, it may even be a mistake from one of the workers.

Expert Witness

When any of the above situations arise, it may lead to a claim or even a court case, and this is where we find construction defect expert witnesses. With extensive experience in the field, they understand the building process and therefore, theoretically, what went wrong in a particular case. Depending on the individual, they may have had experience as a construction worker, a contractor, or even developing structures in a major city. 

  • Materials – If materials were the issue, recreating an incident may cause problems. 
  • Parts – If parts, it may be possible to identify defects by reviewing the building after an incident or with routine inspections. 

Normally, it’s best to work backwards from the incident itself to highlight when problems arose. For the expert witness, they have a role in recreating the scene of an accident in order to find a guilty party. If there’s somebody or a business that needs to be held accountable for injuries to a worker, an expert witness will help in this journey. 

Of course, a construction defect expert witness will also focus on finding a resolution. With the opinion of somebody who knows the industry and what accounts for good practice, it may be possible to explain the cause of the incident, the reason why it occurred, and what solution is best. If the worker was injured due to an error from the company or a material that shouldn’t have been used, it might be that the expert witness suggests compensation. 

Working with Lawyers and Other Professionals

Additionally, expert witnesses may also play a role in helping lawyers and other professionals when drafting reports. With their expertise, they can explain construction methods and defects properly. In some cases, the building company may have even bought materials with defects without even realizing. In this scenario, the supplier needs to take responsibility. Therefore, they generally help get to the bottom of cases and find out who is really to blame and why. 

If required, the construction defect expert witness may then present information and details to a jury or judge; of course, this will depend on the case itself!

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Window Replacement Ideas For Home Renovation

Replacing Windows – Home Renovation And Remodeling

window installationWhen it comes to home remodeling, there are big tasks and there are small tasks. While changing the table in the dining room might only alter the appearance of the home slightly, changing the color on the walls will make a big difference. Likewise, one of the best adjustments for those who want a new look is to replace the windows. There are things to consider before replacing the window like what type of siding is on your home. If you have brick then you will have different variables to consider than if you have wood or composite siding. 

Not only will replacing windows dramatically alter the appearance and make the home feel new again, it offers an opportunity to review security and keep the cold outside in the winter. With this in mind, it’s an important decision (let’s not forget that changing windows will also adjust how the home looks from the outside too!). Windows add natural lighting to any room and can really open up a space. Glass skylights are also an option when remodeling the home and upgrading windows. With that however comes the possibility of damage from the natural elements like hail and tree branches. Roof damage is common in many areas of the country, so plan accordingly when installing glass skylights. If you have satellite dishes or solar panels installed, you may have issues finding the right location for your skylight. Ok, back to the windows! Here’s some advice! 

Preparation Phase

Before making any decisions, you first need to think about what you and your home need. For those living in cold climates, you should consider insulation and keeping the heat inside the home with double glazing and other features. For those in warmer climates, most of your year will be spent trying to keep the house cool. Therefore, you might look at casement windows that open wider than most. 

If you want more natural light inside, you might lean towards taller windows and even those that stretch from floor to ceiling. If you don’t want to worry about maintenance, vinyl is the answer. Whereas, wooden frames that require scraping and painting every so often are available for anybody who doesn’t mind the maintenance. 

Ultimately, the choice in the market these days is huge. Rather than choosing a window and regretting it later, think about YOUR needs and find a window to match. Often the fears of remodeling prevent homeowners from making the tough decisions and they end up procrastinating. Here are some research tips to help you make the right decision when planning your remodeling project.

 

Research Phase 

With window frames, there tends to be four main materials these days; vinyl, wood, clad, and aluminum. 

  • Clad – Normally a wooden base before then coating with vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass, clad windows don’t need painting and they generally perform well against rough weather. 

 

  • Wood – This is ideal for those who plan to use wood inside the home and who want a universal appearance. For example, you can choose matching windows, baseboards, molding, furniture, and more. Unfortunately, the downside comes with potential insects, warping, and the high cost. 

 

  • Vinyl – Requiring little maintenance, vinyl is perhaps the most popular material these days because it resists moisture, is durable, and works even in humid and coastal climates. 

 

  • Aluminum – Finally, many architects actually prefer aluminum because it offers thin frames and clean lines. What’s more, the windows are lightweight and generally remain free from mildew and rust. 

 

When remodeling, your research phase also needs to include things like fire codes. Did you know that you need to be able to escape through windows in basements and bedrooms? During this stage, you can think about Window contractors and having the windows installed correctly too. 

Important Considerations 

To finish this guide, we want to provide some tips and considerations when choosing windows as part of your home remodeling project. You can also search the web for current remodeling trends to help give you a better idea about what is trending and what is out of date. 

  • Firstly, always remember appearance on both the outside and inside. It’s great to have wooden frames to match the interior, but does it also look good on the outside?

 

  • If you need an insect screen, consider buying one that rolls up. This way, you can let in more natural light when the screen isn’t required. Otherwise, try a screen designed to let more light through than traditional screens. 

 

  • To reduce energy bills, consider more windows or larger windows. Although this will cost more in the short-term, you will save money in the future. Insulation and double-glazed windows will also allow you to save money on bills.