Experts/Pre-action Meetings

As soon as possible once a substantive Response is received raising issue with the amount payable (usually within 28 days of receipt) there should be a meeting between the parties.

The first thing you should consider whether expert evidence needs to be obtained.  This may be from an architect, surveyor or other building professional.  Expert evidence can be obtained on a sole (you instruct the expert on your own) or joint (both sides instruct the expert) basis.

If you do wish to instruct the expert you should tell the other side first and give them a chance to agree.  Where you are to have a site meeting you may need expert advice first and the expert may also need to attend the meeting.

The aim of the meeting is to see if the matter can be settled and/or to reduce the issues between the parties. These can be highly emotive affairs, particularly for the property owner whose house cannot be lived in in the meantime.  More than one meeting may be necessary and you must consider whether Alternative Dispute Resolution (such as mediation) may be appropriate.

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