Dispute Resolution
What Is Dispute Resolution?
Dispute Resolution is the process of resolving conflicts or disagreements that arise during the course of a construction project. It involves various methods such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation to address and settle disputes between parties, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
The Benefits
- Cost-effective as it can be significantly less expensive than going to court.
- Time-saving, minimizes project delays and reduces costs.
- Flexible and parties have more control over the outcome.
- Maintains professional relationships.
Claims Review
What Is A Claims Review?
A Claims Review is a process where a Quantity Surveyor evaluates a contractor's claim for additional payment beyond the original contract amount after the work has been completed. Unresolved claims can result in construction liens, so it is important to address the claims before they become bigger issues.
The Benefits
- Prevents Escalation
- Provides an unbiased assessment of the claim, ensuring that both the Owner and the Contractor receive a fair and reasonable recommendation.
- Ensures that any additional payments requested by the contractor are justified and accurately reflect the work completed.
Expert Witness
What Is An Expert Witness?
Expert Witnesses provide impartial, authoritative insights during disputes on construction projects. When conflicts arise, particularly those involving costs, the involvement of an independent expert can be crucial in resolving issues and preventing escalation to litigation.
The Benefits
- Provides an unbiased analysis, leveraging our deep understanding of construction components, costs, and contracts to deliver a balanced perspective.
- Whether assisting the contractor or the owner, expert witnesses offer support grounded in extensive experience and professional integrity.
- The presence of a recognized expert adds credibility to the arguments presented, whether defending or contesting claims, thus strengthening the case.
- Expert witnesses ensure that all evaluations and reports comply with legal standards, strengthening the overall case and ensuring that all evidence is admissible in court.
- Expert witnesses are prepared to testify in court, offering professional and articulate explanations of complex issues to support their detailed analysis.
Property Tax Appeal
What Is A Property Tax Appeal?
A property tax appeal is a formal process through which property owners challenge the assessed value of their property determined by the taxing authorities (MPAC in Ontario). This process is particularly relevant for owners of special purpose or special use properties who believe that their property has been overvalued, leading to higher property taxes.
The Benefits
Quantity Surveyors can prepare detailed Reproduction Cost Estimates or Replacement Cost New Estimates, calculating the cost to rebuild the property exactly as it stands. They also prepare depreciation schedules, accounting for the age and condition of the property, which are crucial for accurate assessment. These detailed estimates and schedules provide strong evidence in legal proceedings, supporting the property owner’s case in the appeal. The comprehensive and detailed expert witness reports prepared by Quantity Surveyors ensure a thorough and objective presentation of the property's value.