Construction Defect/Forensic Investigation

Acuity offers construction defect (forensic) investigations for commercial, multi- & single-family residential, insurance and legal clients – compiling data and providing evidence for defendants and plaintiffs alike. We specialize in construction defect investigations involving water intrusion, roofing and cladding defects, window/door defects, hurricane/storm damage, and indoor air quality investigations. Various issues of concern can include:

• Water intrusion with potential mold growth and subsequent deterioration
• Thermal and moisture protection
• Weather resistive barrier and flashing installations
• Cladding installations (i.e. stucco/EIFS and siding) 
• Window and door installations
• Flat and pitched rooftop component installations
• Improper and/or inadequate attic ventilation
• Structural integrity

Trial courts recognize that construction defects are tangible and typically group them into the four following major categories:

• Subsurface/Geotechnical Problems – Many parts of the country experience a significant amount of expansive soil conditions. As a result of this type of geology and/or terrain, many problems arise when housing developments are built atop wetlands or into hills and other sloping areas where it is difficult to provide a solid and stable foundation.
• Design Deficiencies – On occasion, architects or engineers design buildings and systems that, from a performance standpoint, do not always work as intended or specified.
• Material Deficiencies – The use of incorrect or poor grade supplies in lieu of proper building materials can result in significant deficiencies or performance problems.
• Construction Deficiencies – Substandard or poor quality of workmanship often results in problems such as inadequate attic ventilation, as well as water intrusion via open penetrations, breaches at various material junctures, and cracked masonry (i.e. flatwork and foundations) resulting in potential damage, deterioration and/or loss of structural integrity.

Regardless of which party you are aligned with in a construction defect claim: Homeowner, Building Owner, HOA, Contractor, Insurance Company, or Attorney, our staff works collaboratively with you to investigate and provide unbiased, accurate, and timely reporting to aid in the most optimal outcome.

Acuity is a leader in the field of Building Diagnostics and provides additional services such as Rooftop and Cladding Assessments, Infrared and Indoor Air Quality Assessments, and Microbial Sampling.