Architect's expert report

An expert report (informe pericial) is a technical opinion that explains what has happened, why, and how much it costs to fix, backed by evidence. It is used to negotiate with the other party, to claim from the insurer or the builder and, if there is no agreement, to present in court.

Cases we work on

• Construction defects: damp, leaks, cracks, structural problems or faulty finishes in new or renovated homes. The Building Act (Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación) covers damage that appears within 1 year (finishes), 3 years (habitability) or 10 years (structure) of handover of the works, and once it appears there are 2 years to make a claim.
• Damage from adjoining works: cracks or settlement caused by a neighbour's building works, excavations or demolitions.
• Damp and leaks between homes or from the roof: where they come from and who should repair them.
• Boundaries and floor areas: disagreements with a neighbour over boundaries, or between the actual square metres and those in the deeds.
• Rentals: condition of the home at the start and end of the tenancy.
• Planning: town hall proceedings, works without a licence and damage assessment.

Party-appointed and court-appointed experts

Under the Civil Procedure Act (Ley de Enjuiciamiento Civil), each party may submit its own expert report, usually together with the claim or the defence, and the court can also be asked to appoint an expert. In both cases the expert swears to act with the greatest possible objectivity, taking into account whatever may favour or harm either party. That is how we work: if your case has weak points, we will tell you before anyone else does.

How we do it

1. First conversation with you (and your lawyer, if you have one) to understand the dispute and review the documentation.
2. Inspection of the property, with photographs, measurements and whatever tests are needed.
3. Analysis of causes and, where appropriate, a costing of the repair.
4. Report with clear conclusions that a judge or an insurer can understand without being technical.
5. Ratification in court, if the case goes to trial.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a lawyer?

Not always for negotiating or claiming from the insurer. To go to court, usually yes, except for small claims. We work hand in hand with your lawyer.

What if the report doesn't prove me right?

A good expert report is objective. If the conclusions don't favour you, it is better to know before spending money on a trial, and it often helps to reach a reasonable settlement.

How long does it take?

It depends on the complexity and the deadlines of the proceedings. If there is a court deadline running, tell us when you first get in touch so we can plan for it.