A forensic investigation report is carried out when a general visual-standards building inspection is insufficient to resolve an issue. In those cases, the matter is referred to a forensic engineer to investigate and identify the contributing factors or causes of building distress. Building distress may include mould problems, water ingress, cracking, localised settlement or heaving, among others. At Altez we have experienced technical personnel who attend to each situation based on its nature. We combine engineering expertise with a structured on-site assessment to determine precisely how and why a defect has developed.
At the property we first undertake a visual assessment to locate and understand areas of concern. We then proceed to a more detailed assessment, which may include a floor-level survey test, crack assessment and monitoring, thermal imaging or moisture readings, depending on the purpose of the inspection. All collected data are thoroughly analysed and incorporated into the investigation report.
Our personnel have been engaged as forensic assessors by tribunals, insurance companies, builders and building inspectors. When a standard building inspection does not resolve the problem, engage a professional forensic assessor and let us get to the bottom of it.
Forensic engineering is inherently challenging, as it requires a specialised skillset that few professionals master. It demands rigorous problem-solving and fact-investigation skills. There is no room for guessing or assumptions that lack evidence. Effective forensic engineering relies on professional estimation and analysis based on past experience, collected data and actual case studies.
At Altez our team embraces challenging problems that demand effective solutions. Our skillset has been honed through tens of thousands of building inspections and complex problem solving across the industry giving us a wealth of case studies and hands on experience. Our forensic investigations have been relied upon by building inspectors, tribunals, insurance companies and legal practitioners and have provided essential evidence in expert reports and dispute resolution.
