Expert Witness Services
Independent, clear and professional expert witness reporting for quantum, contractual and construction disputes — and residential property matters.
At ClystCore Ltd, we provide expert witness services in construction, contractual and residential property matters where an impartial, well-reasoned surveying opinion is required. Our core specialism is quantum and contractual claims — including build cost disputes, final account settlements, payment disputes, financial viability assessments, and construction contract disagreements.
We also provide expert witness services in building surveying and residential home survey matters. Our role is to assist the court, tribunal, solicitor or instructing party with objective evidence based on professional expertise, relevant facts and clear reporting.
All reports are prepared to comply with the Civil Procedure Rules Practice Direction 35 for Experts and Assessors and supported with regular continuing professional development.We also comply with the RICS combined practice statements and guidance notes for surveyors acting as expert witnesses.
Independent Surveying Evidence When It Matters Most
When construction disputes or property disagreements become formal, the quality of expert evidence is critical. An expert witness is not there to argue a case, but to provide an independent professional opinion within their area of expertise — helping the court, tribunal or adjudicator understand the technical and financial issues in dispute.
We understand that expert witness instructions often arise in stressful circumstances, whether involving litigation over build costs, payment disputes under JCT or NEC contracts, financial viability disagreements, professional negligence allegations, defect disputes, or disagreement over the condition, cause or extent of property-related issues. Our approach is measured, impartial and evidence-led throughout.
Our Areas of Expert Witness Expertise
Our primary area of expert witness instruction is quantum and contractual claims in the construction industry. We also accept instructions in building surveying and residential home survey disputes. The types of matters in which we are regularly instructed include:
Quantum & Contractual Claims (Core Specialism):
- Build cost disputes and contested construction costs
- Final account settlements and valuation disagreements
- Payment disputes under JCT, NEC and other standard form contracts
- Financial viability assessments and development appraisal disputes
- Quantum of loss and damage in construction claims
- Prolongation costs, loss and expense, and disruption claims
- Variations, instructed works and scope change disputes
- Adjudication, arbitration and litigation support on contractual matters
Building Surveying & Home Survey Claims:
- Defects,disrepair and causation disputes
- Condition,repair scope and reinstatement cost disagreements
- Professionalnegligence allegations against surveyors
- Residentialproperty condition and building pathology matters
What we offer
Our expert witness service can include:
Building Surveying & Home Survey Claims:
- Review of background documents, reports, photographs, correspondence, contract documents, valuations, programmes and relevant records
- Inspection of the property or works, where appropriate and within the scope of instruction
- Independent opinion on quantum, contractual entitlement, build costs, financial viability, condition, defects, causation, repair issues and other matters within our expertise
- Preparation of expert witness reports for use in legal proceedings, adjudication, arbitration, tribunal matters or formal dispute resolution
- Single Joint Expert appointments
- Joint statements and Scott Schedules where required
- Attendance at meetings, discussions between experts, or hearings where required as part of the instruction
Why clients instruct us
Instructed for independent expert witness services in quantum, contractual and property disputes, with clear CPR 35-compliant reporting and RICS-regulated expertise.
Quantum & Contractual Claims (Core Specialism):
- Chartered surveying expertise spanning quantum and contractual claims, construction cost management and residential property matters
- Clear, structured reporting designed to explain complex technical and financial issues in plain language. RICS guidance highlights the importance of written reports and clarity of expert evidence
- Independent and impartial opinion, not advocacy. RICS confirms that the expert's role is to provide an objective, unbiased opinion and to make clear when an issue falls outside their expertise
- Professional understanding of JCT and NEC contract frameworks, build cost assessment, final account procedures, and residential building issues.
- Responsive communication with solicitors, professional advisers, contractors, developers and private clients.
- CPR 35-compliant reporting supported by ongoing continuing professional development.
When You May Need a Construction or Property Expert Witness
You may need an expert witness where there is a dispute involving construction costs, contractual entitlement, financial viability, build cost assessment, final account values, payment under a construction contract, the condition of a property, alleged surveying failings, defects, disrepair, or other technical and financial building matters requiring an independent professional opinion.
Construction and property expert witnesses are commonly instructed to assist courts, adjudicators, arbitrators, tribunals and parties involved in formal dispute resolution proceedings.
We will always consider at the outset whether the issues fall properly within our professional knowledge and experience. RICS guidance is clear that a surveyor should only accept expert witness instructions where they can act impartially and where the subject matter lies within their expertise.
Our Approach
Our approach is structured, transparent and aligned with RICS guidance and CPR 35 requirements. From initial instruction through to reporting and ongoing support, we follow a clear process designed to ensure independence, thorough analysis and well-reasoned expert evidence at every stage.
1. Initial discussion
We begin with a confidential initial discussion to understand the nature of the dispute, the subject matter involved (whether a construction contract, build cost, financial viability issue or property condition matter), the issues in question and the required timescale.
2. Review of instruction
Before accepting any appointment, we consider the scope of the issues, whether the matter falls within our expertise, and whether we can act independently and without conflict. RICS requires surveyors to be satisfied as to impartiality, expertise and appropriate instructions before acting as expert witnesses.
3. Inspection and analysis
Where appropriate, we inspect the property or works and review the available evidence, including contract documents, financial records, programmes, drawings, photographs, correspondence and prior reports.
4. Reporting
We prepare a clear CPR 35-compliant expert report setting out the relevant facts, our opinion and the reasoning behind it in a format appropriate to the matter and forum. RICS guidance specifically addresses report format and the need for clear instructions and terms of engagement.
5. Ongoing assistance
We cover Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire.Where required, we can provide clarification, respond to further questions, prepare joint statements, attend experts' meetings or support proceedings in accordance with the terms of instruction.
Our duty as an expert witness.
Our role is to work closely with you as our client, giving clear, practical advice and guiding you through what can often be a complex and stressful process. At the same time, when we act as expert witnesses, our overriding duty is to the court, adjudicator or tribunal — which means our opinion must always remain independent, objective and within our genuine area of expertise. By balancing a supportive, professional relationship with you and a strictly impartial approach to our evidence, we help ensure that the decision-maker, and all parties involved, can have confidence in both the process and the outcome.
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Contact Us For Your Dispute Resolution – Construction & Property Needs.
