Construction disputes can involve any number of issues relating to design and construction. In many cases, these issues can be highly technical and may not be easy for people unfamiliar with the engineering and construction process to understand. The same is true for determining and quantifying the damages and costs associated with these issues.
In the US, the term damage expert is used; however, on international projects, the term quantum expert is used. The terms damage expert and quantum expert can be used interchangeably. Interface Consulting’s experts are experienced and knowledgeable about analyzing and pricing change orders and construction claims during projects, as well as quantifying damages as experts in litigation and arbitration. There are numerous ways to calculate the damages associated with changes, disruptions, delays, and interferences on construction projects. Our experience and expertise allows us to determine the most effective methodology to calculate damages, as well as the knowledge to clearly and persuasively communicate those damages in an easy to understand manner.
There are many types of damages (i.e., cost impacts) that can occur on construction projects including, but not limited to, the following:
- Direct costs (e.g., labor, material, construction equipment, consumables, etc.)
- Indirect costs (e.g., management, warehouse, etc.)
- Extended project costs and general conditions
- Additional home office overhead costs
- Unpaid changes
- Cost escalation
- Additional costs due to labor productivity losses and inefficiencies
- Acceleration costs
- Delay damages
Additionally, there are numerous methods for quantifying these damages. In order to determine the most effective methodology for quantifying the damages, our consultants perform a thorough evaluation of the project, including reviews of contemporaneous project records, fact witness testimony, and key project cost and schedule data. Through this analysis, we then assess the proper cause-and-effect relationships for damage allocation, as well as the level of information available to determine which quantification method will most accurately quantify the related damages. Not all situations call for the same damage models and, depending on the situation, our consultants may utilize one or more of the following in their analysis:
- Discrete pricing/actual cost analysis
- Contractual rates
- Total cost/modified total cost
- Measured mile productivity analysis
- Accepted industry studies for productivity inefficiencies (e.g., MCAA, CII, Business Roundtable, and NECA)
- CPM schedule delay analysis for extended project costs
Quantifying damages is important; however, being able to clearly and persuasively explain the damages is equally as important to judges, juries, and arbitrators. Interface Consulting’s consultants recognize this fact and work with our staff of graphic artists to develop easy-to-understand illustrations and graphics that simplify and explain key damage quantification issues for our written opinions, as well as demonstrative aids for arbitration and litigation. Combining industry-proven methodology with innovative thinking allows Interface Consulting to be an industry leader in design- and construction-related damage quantification.