Forensic Quantity Surveying

When construction projects become commercially distressed, encounter disputes and delays, unexpected variations arise or costs overrun, an independent forensic review can provide the clarity needed to resolve commercial issues. Paul combines practical project experience and detailed analysis techniques to identify facts and quantify entitlements providing clients with clear commercial positions. When needed Paul supports clients through negotiation, or formal dispute resolution processes. Paul's forensic services include:

• Independent analysis of project costs, payment claims and opinions of contractual entitlements.
• Independent assessment and valuation of variations, delays and disruption costs.
• Critical review of final accounts, cost records and financial evidence.
• Reconstruction of delinquent variation accounts and incomplete cost forecasting.
• Preparation of commercial analyses, evidentiary documentation, and claim support for adjudication and arbitration.
• Preparation of clear, evidence-based reports to assist legal advisors and project stakeholders.
• Working closely with legal advisors and expert witnesses during formal dispute resolution proceedings.
• Preparation and review of expert quantum reports and supporting documentation.

  Construction claims are often an unavoidable part of complex projects where changes, delays or unforeseen events impact time and cost. Paul assists clients with preparation of well-supported claims backed by robust contractual and commercial evidence to maximise the likelihood of successful outcomes while helping to resolve issues efficiently to minimise the potential for disputes. Paul's claim support services include:

• Preparation and assessment of variation and change claims.
• Preparation and assessment of construction insurance claims.
• Preparation and review of payment claims. 
• Preparation and assessment of delay, disruption and acceleration costs.
• Detailed review and interrogation of supporting records, cost data and contractual documentation.
• Strategic commercial advice to support claim negotiation and resolution.  

 Paul's primary objective is to resolve outstanding commercial issues through early engagement, negotiation, and via implementation of practical commercial solutions, helping to minimise the likelihood of formal dispute, and achieve equitable final accounts.

Where formal dispute resolution cannot be avoided, Paul has extensive experience providing commercial and contractual support throughout adjudication and arbitration processes. He works closely with clients and their legal advisors to prepare robust commercial submissions and achieve the best possible outcome.

Services provided during the commercial close out phase include:

• Final account forecasting, interrogation, negotiation, and settlement.
• Review and reconciliation of project costs, commitments, and quantification of contractual adjustments.
• Identification and provision of strategy to resolve outstanding contractual and commercial issues.
• Evidence based strategic commercial advice to assist clients in achieving commercially sound dispute outcomes.

 The construction phase requires proactive commercial management to ensure projects remain financially controlled and contractual obligations are effectively administered. Regular monitoring of project costs, risks, and contractual matters enables informed decision-making and helps minimise commercial exposure.

Paul works closely with clients, contractors, and project consultants to monitor project finances, provide timely commercial advice, and keep clients fully informed of project commercial performance, potential risks, and emerging opportunities. Services which Paul provides during the construction phase include:

• Regular project cost / revenue / profit forecasting to support informed project decision-making.
• Contract administration and commercial advice.
• Identification, assessment, and quantification of commercial risks and opportunities.
• Compilation and assessment of payment claims and payment recommendations.
• Recurring participation in project meetings to provide ongoing commercial advice to the project team.

 Selection of the most suitable contractor and subcontractors can be one of the most commercially significant decisions in any construction project. An effective procurement process reduces commercial risk, promotes value for money, and contributes to successful project delivery.

Paul has extensive experience in construction procurement and Paul is recognised by his peers for his meticulous, commercially focused, and collaborative approach. During the procurement phase, he provides the following services:

• Procurement strategy advice, including recommendations on appropriate procurement routes, practical form of contract advice, and proposed tendering method.
• Preparation of tender documentation, including production of detailed or high-level schedules of quantities.
• Management of the tender process including compiling and issuing tender documentation, responding to and closing out tender queries.
• Tender evaluation including scope gap analysis, normalisation of bids, assessment of commercial compliance, and provision of reasoned recommendations for contractor selection.
• Commercial risk analysis and advice on contingency allocation.
• Review and negotiation of tender qualifications, exclusions, and proposed contract departures.
• Post-tender clarifications and support during contractor negotiations prior to contract award.

 The pre-construction phase is where the Quantity Surveyor can have the greatest commercial impact on a project's overall cost. During this phase, Paul provides a range of Quantity Surveying services designed to optimise project value, manage costs, and support informed decision-making, including:

• Project cost estimating and cost planning throughout all design stages.
• Preparation and management of project budgets.
• Value engineering optioneering to identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining quality and intended purpose.
• Cost advice on alternative design and construction solutions.
• Feasibility studies and preliminary cost assessments.
• Cost benchmarking against comparable projects and current market rates.
• Advice on construction escalation, market conditions, and cost allowances.