Solutions
Expert Witness Testimony
AKIVA’s designated expert witnesses have provided extensive deposition, arbitration and trial testimony and experience involving complex construction defect or personal injury claims. AKIVA experts have extensive mediation experience and have provided neutral expert services when parties are divided. AKIVA provides exhibits and graphics for effective use in mediation, arbitration and trial settings. AKIVA provides real time Cost of Repair estimates and can sign a contract to perform the repair. This has been especially effective in assisting our clients to settle matters quickly.
CONSTRUCTION
AKIVA has extensive experience in residential, commercial, and reconstruction. The company has rebuilt multimillion dollar structures including compete building envelop removal and replacement, large multi-level decks, windows, roofing, and drainage systems. If you need a ground up build or simple repair AKIVA can handle your building needs.
Defect Investigation, Research and Analysis
AKIVA’s staff of professionals assess a variety of existing projects including retail, mixed use, industrial, residential, high-rise condos and commercial construction. The process includes reviewing pertinent documents (defect reports, photos, contracts, etc.), performing site inspections, destructive testing and documenting as built conditions, ascertaining the failure mechanism(s) and preparing written reports, drawings, specifications and recommendations unique for each project. AKIVA’s goal is to always provide the most accurate and cost-effective solutions.
Building Envelope / Windows & Doors
AKIVA is an active builder uniquely qualifying us to assess the various building envelope systems. These include Windows & Doors, Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems (EIFS), Curtain Wall / Fenestration Systems, Stucco, hardboard and other cladding materials. Akiva professionals have achieved the highest-level Instructor certification from Installation Master (AAMA-now FGIA Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance).
Roofing and Waterproofing Systems
AKIVA’s professionals assess the performance of various roofing and waterproofing systems including TPO, PVC, Asphalt Shingle, Tile, Clay, Metal, BUR Built Up Roof, Modified bitumen and Cedar Shake.
Mold / Water Intrusion Remediation
The process starts with assessment of the conditions. It is critical that technicians are deployed to perform containment of the affected areas. Interior mold growth can be caused by an array of moisture factors including pipe leaks, floods, cracks in exterior walls, improperly balanced HVAC (heating/air conditioning) systems, as well as several other conditions. Our skilled team then performs a moisture survey and makes recommendations for destructive testing to determine the source of the water intrusion and develop a cost-effective scope and cost of repair. We have the knowledge and experience to perform the remediation. The final phase is to perform air quality testing to ensure the area is safe to re-occupy. AKIVA will assist you in selecting an Industrial Hygienist to perform tests.
Cost of Repair Estimates
AKIVA’s CPE’s prepare repair recommendations and Cost of Repair Estimates for existing, remedial and new construction projects. AKIVA’s detailed cost of repair estimates utilize itemized breakdowns and verifiable costs for building owners and litigated matters. AKIVA’s unique advantage is that we are real builders doing repairs in real time.
SB-800 Investigation-Evaluation-Resolution
AKIVA provides the timely investigation and analysis necessary for the fast pace of the legislative requirements of California Civil Code Section 896 et seq. AKIVA assist builders in the SB800 process from initial violation to final resolution.
Code Analysis
AKIVA’s extensive library of building codes and standards are utilized as reference for project design and evaluation of existing buildings. The appropriate Building Codes and applicable governmental local requirements are guidelines utilized and applied for specific project compliance.
Construction Disputes
AKIVA’s group of contractors, engineers and estimators will assist clients in the management of all disciplines necessary to address the claims arising out of complex construction disputes.
Contract Review & Allocations
AKIVA’s services include a comprehensive review and analysis of contracts relating to construction disputes. AKIVA will provide allocations of responsibility based on scope of work and deficiencies related to various trades. We know the importance of allocations in the settlement process.
Reconstruction
AKIVA is able to take the information and analysis gained during the forensic analysis process and apply it to the design and management of the reconstruction process.
Construction Disputes
AKIVA’s group of contractors, engineers and estimators will assist clients in the management of all disciplines necessary to address the claims arising out of complex construction disputes.
Geotechnical / Civil Engineering
The occurrence of building leaks, foundation settlement, excess moisture, slope movement, and structural failures create a need for answers. What happened, why, and who or what bears responsibility? As design professionals and forensic advisors/experts, our team has extensive experience answering civil and geotechnical questions for the Insurance Industry, Legal Profession and Property Owners.
We use our technical knowledge combined with a working understanding of the design and construction industries to develop succinct and elemental case summaries. Our summaries provide attorneys, insurance adjusters and others with the foundational basis needed to define cause and allocate responsibility. That foundational understanding, without excess noise, leads to better claims management, case development and resolution including appropriate remedies.