Seeking an independent expert - Finish to flmaed granite slabs

[davidinleigh]

I am trying to identify an independent expert who is prepared to provide an opinion, which can be used in legal proceedings. My patio of some 200m2 was laid in June last year and the original grout left terrible staining. the contractor used various products in their attempts to remedy the problem. They are of the view that the result is acceptable, I do not agree and am of the view that the staining remains and some of the products that they have used have irreparably damaged the slabs. The contractor has recently issued a claim for payment of monies due which I wish to defend, hence the need for an expert who can form an opinion on the works. I live just outside Reigate in Surrey. Can this forum recommend someone?

[seanandruby]

Why not email the gaffer...Tony Mc?

[blacklimestoneproblem]

I am trying to identify an independent expert who is prepared to provide an opinion, which can be used in legal proceedings. My patio of some 200m2 was laid in June last year and the original grout left terrible staining. the contractor used various products in their attempts to remedy the problem. They are of the view that the result is acceptable, I do not agree and am of the view that the staining remains and some of the products that they have used have irreparably damaged the slabs. The contractor has recently issued a claim for payment of monies due which I wish to defend, hence the need for an expert who can form an opinion on the works. I live just outside Reigate in Surrey. Can this forum recommend someone?

Here in the UK, anyone with an interest in a subject can be considered an expert witness in court, so you dont neccesarily need someone who does this for a day job to be an expert, you could easily get a chemistry teacher/lecturer or someone else with an interest in this sort of thing to help you out. They dont even need qualifications in the subject as long as they can cite accepted scientific fact to backup/prove the facts.

Saying that, peer review science is just a group of people who agree on "facts", so as you see in biology, its possible for medical experts to make a u-turn on accepted science when some new data comes to light which could be the result of some new test equipment which gives them the new insight.

If you want to prove something that is acceptable, get on twitter or facebook and conduct a survey of sorts. Ask if people find the work in the photo's are acceptable.

How you word the question is up to you, but beware, if its too leading, that might work against you, so have a look at the adverts of cosmetic companies, they have to display the question and survey results, so you can learn a thing or two from how they word their questions.

If going to court, the losing party will have to pay for the costs of getting the expert in, so it doesnt matter if they are coming from Scotland, but I would also point out to your contractor in writing what you plan to do and also point out the losing party typically picks up the costs of a court case, so if they are really confident about their work and how acceptable it is, enjoy the experience.

You may also want to do this using Money Claim Online, its small claims court online.

If you can also remedy part of the stones, you can also prove what is acceptable which will also help your case.

The information in my thread may help you.
http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....t=14324

[Tony McC]

I've not heard from the original poster.

The so-called "bona fides" of anyone claiming to be an expert in court proceedings are open to challenge and it would not be easy for, say, a 'chemistry teacher with an interest' to be accepted as an expert when it comes to paving installation and the problems that arise therefrom. They may well be able to explain the reactions that lead to staining or efflorescence or fading, but they are unlikely to have sufficient knowledge to indicate just how such problems can arise as a direct result of an installation error or a manufacturing defect.

In the years I've been doing this, I've come up against so-called experts whose track record consists of having laid paving a few times, having worked at a Builders' Merchant, having worked as a sales rep for a paving manufacturer, and one who worked as a landscaper but had not actually ever laid paving.

Yes: anyone can claim to be an expert but it is soon exposed if it ever reaches court.

Final word, which someone passed on to me many years ago: Experts built the Titanic. Noah was a first time boat-builder! :p

[davidinleigh]

Thanks for the comments concerning experts. In my field I use experts for litigation and have acted as one on occasions. An expert is usually determined by relevant experience so someone who has, say, 10 or more years in installing patios should be regarded as an expert in the field. Membership of any professional bodies may well enhance the individual's reputation.

Tony, I have sent you a PM message

[lutonlagerlout]

I know blokes who have been doing patios for 40 years
the wrong way !!
they are consistent mind :;):
LLL