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ARCHforensic®️ Expands Services to Include Delay Claims
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ is proud to announce the addition of delay claim services to our list of a la carte options. Delay claims are among the most common types of demands made against parties to a construction project. We know the way that one meets inevitable challenges in construction make all the difference and ARCHforensic® is prepared to assist clients with these challenges.
ARCHforensic’s experienced delay experts will identify, analyze and assist you with construction delay claims and disputes. When constructions claims arise, our worldwide experienced experts help assess or validate entitlement and quantification of damages to resolve disputes in an effective, timely and efficient manner.
ARCHforensic’s experts have worked on delays for thirty years on projects as small as a residential addition, and as large as the World Trade Center Reconstruction and the retooling of the Panama Canal.
ARCHforensic® specializes in analyzing, preparing and validating construction schedule delay and disruption claims whether the delays are related to design, procurement of materials, construction, labor forces, or a combination of these and other factors. Our CPM scheduling and project control experts are experienced in identifying, developing and mitigating schedule delays and disruptions, as well, as provide ongoing support to assess or validate a party’s entitlement or quantification of damages.
According to Timothy P. Ronan, PE and Principal at ARCHforensic, “a period of time that a construction or design project has been extended or work has not been performed due to occurrences that were not anticipated by the parties, is a delay to the project and an equitable time extension and financial recovery should be provided by the party who delayed the project. Sometimes there are unforeseen delays such as the COVID 19 outbreak, while others more common delays include differing site conditions, change orders, labor unavailability, unavailability of materials or specialized equipment, defective plans and specifications, as well as interference by a party in the contract.”
“The delay must be excusable in order to serve as the basis for a time extension or additional compensation, both of which should be prescribed in the contract or agreement. The current COVID 19 situation is described as Force Majeure, which is an excusable delay. There also may be financial impacts due to COVID 19 outbreak delays that should be examined further to determine the magnitude of the time and financial impacts,” Mr. Ronan added.
ARCHforensic® utilizes standard industry means and methods in all our delay claim work.
• Time Impact Analysis (TIA)
• Windows Delay Analysis (typically 3 months to 6 months windows)
• CPM Schedule Analysis
• Longest Path Analysis
• As-Planned vs. As-Built Analysis
• Collapsed As-Built
• Cumulative Impact of Change Orders
• But For Analysis
Damage Quantification Methods for Delays & Disruptions
• Actual Damages
• Total Cost v. Bid Cost
• Modified Total Cost
• Measured Mile
• Material Escalation
• Liquidated Damages
• MCAA Labor Factoring
For more information about ARCHforensic’s delay claims services, please visit archforensic.com.
May 2020
ARCHforensic®️ Now Offering Continued Education Credits for CMCA’s
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ is pleased to announce the approval a credited course for managers who hold the CMCA designation through CAMICB. This course is worth one (1) credit and entitled “Forensic Architecture, Forensic Engineering, Construction Defects and Transitions.”
It will be the first of many programs we are developing and will submit to CAMICB for approval in the upcoming months. These FREE TO YOU courses will be offered in a variety of formats to allow for in person, classroom style programming, as well as webinar formats. A variety of formats ensures that we can continue to reach and educate during unprecedented times.
To set up this credited program for your management company, please contact Jennifer Brick, Senior Consultant, Marketing, at [email protected]. We encourage you to reach out with topic ideas for future programming. Once a course is completed through ARCHforensic®️, we will send you a completion certificate together with a company branded gift. In addition, we will hold a drawing once per quarter for a gift card for program participants.
For more information, please visiit archforensic.com.
May 2020
ARCHforensic®️ Partners With Vail Marketing Solutions to Expand Operations
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ LLC is proud to announce that it is partnering with Vail Marketing Solutions to support its marketing and business development initiatives in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Vail Marketing Solutions, led by Jessica Vail, is a New Jersey based, multi-service consulting firm providing marketing, communications and business development solutions within the construction and real estate industries. Ms. Vail has over 12 years of experience in the industry and will add significant value to the firm’s marketing objectives. She is also an active member of Community Associations Institute –New Jersey chapter.
“We are building our team and positioning our company for significant growth,” says Owner and Managing Principal, Christopher D. Ling, AIA, NCARB. “We feel confident that Jessica Vail and Vail Marketing Solutions will compliment our marketing plans to help increase our presence in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Ms. Vail brings considerable knowledge and leadership in the industry, and will advance our strategic growth.”
For more information about Vail Marketing Solutions, please visit: vailmarketingsolutions.com.
May 2020
Timothy P, Ronan, PE to Head ARCHforensic’s South Jersey Office
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️LLC is excited to announce the addition of Timothy P. Ronan, PE to our team of experienced experts. Mr. Ronan is joining the firm as a Principal and will be heading our office in Marlton, New Jersey.
While the firm is still headquartered in Chester, New Jersey, ARCHforensic recently opened a second location at
525 Route 73 North, Five Greentree Centre, Suite 104 in Marlton, NJ.
Mr. Ronan is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in design, construction, construction management, construction inspection, claims avoidance and management, CPM scheduling, risk assessments, consulting, delay analysis, labor inefficiencies and cost estimating. Mr. Ronan has a Professional Engineering license in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a member of American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM).
Mr. Ronan is an experienced expert who has written reports in cases totaling over $1.5 billion in claims and has provided testimony in mediations, arbitrations and court appearances. Mr. Ronan analyzes all aspects of construction projects to support clients in resolving disputes and litigation.
As a testifying expert, Mr. Ronan handles Errors and Omissions, Construction Defects, Delay and Damages claims. His experience includes actual nut and bolt construction to construction claims consulting services from single-family dwellings through high rise properties and developments with over 1,800 single family dwellings to power plants and larger public works projects.
Mr. Ronan has been involved with numerous investigations and analysis of water infiltration through building envelopes and systems. He provides litigation assistance and expert witness services for both plaintiff and defendant clients, which include government agencies, design professionals, owners, developers, prime contractors, subcontractors, insurance companies, material manufacturers and construction managers.
In addition, Mr. Ronan’s engineering and construction experience includes project design, detailing, code analysis, value engineering studies, prepared and reviewed construction documents for quality assurance and quality control. He has performed construction management services for owners, provided bid recommendations, and provided construction administration by performing inspections and change order negotiations during the construction of various projects.
February 2020
ARCHforensic®️LLC Completes Largest Transition Study for the Tallest New Jersey Condo Building in Two Weeks
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ LLC may be a small forensic architecture firm but it has the capability to complete large projects in a short period of time. With the use of cutting edge technology and highly skilled staff, ARCHforensic streamlined the Transition Study process and completed a very large project within a two-week deadline.
The client, Trump Plaza West (TPW) Condominium Association, is the representative Board for the residents of a 57 story high-rise located in Jersey City, New Jersey. As of 2019, it was the tallest condominium building in New Jersey. TPW has five penthouse levels, an amenities deck with a grotto, a high-end massage and spa area, an indoor driving range, billiards, a full size gym, an outdoor pool, a children’s playground, a parking garage, and limited commercial space on the ground floor. The building also provides spectacular views of Manhattan and is just a short walk to the NY Waterway Ferries and NJ Path to New York City.
TPW hired ARCHforensic to conduct a Transition Study. The purpose of the study was to review the as-built development for conformance with the design drawings and building codes to confirm that no defects exist. In this case, the Board gave ARCHforensic a two-week deadline to provide the homeowners with a verbal report and presentation of all critical issues. ARCHforensic’s presentation included photos, descriptions and cost estimates for the recommended repairs.
When providing consulting services, ARCHforensic uses cost effective means for completing investigations and is at the forefront of incorporating cutting edge technology together with specialized experts. While transition studies normally take two to three months to complete, ARCHforensic completed the TPW Transition Study in a two-week timeframe.
ARCHforensic fast-tracked the transition process by leveraging technology for the owner’s survey, building inspections and exterior facade investigations, which were done via infrared drone technology. ARCHforensic also performed a three-day building inspection of forty units and all common elements, including the exterior envelope and all building systems.
Moreover, ARCHforensic’s experienced staff work at a very high level, quickly and efficiently with strong attention to detail and deadlines. The condominium’s attorney, Richard B. Linderman, Esq. of Ansell, Grimm and Aaron PC, said “Chris and his team were a great fit for this project and it was a pleasure working with him on this Transition.”
In addition to the Transition Study, ARCHforensic also completed a Reserve Study to project how much money the condominium will need to reserve for future capital improvements.
According to forensic architect Christopher D. Ling, “In order to complete this project quickly and efficiently, it took a strong team effort between ARCHforensic’s architects and engineers, the management company, attorneys, onsite staff, and Board members. Our ability to seamlessly work together led to a very successful and expedited Transition Study.”
May 2019
Which House Will Christopher D. Ling and His Family Choose on HGTV’s Househunters?
CHESTER, NJ – Which house will Christopher D. Ling and his family choose on a New Year’s Day episode of HGT’V’s Househunters? The family recently purchased a home in Southern Vermont and the popular HGTV program was there to document some of the process.
The Ling family appeared on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 10pm EST in Season 158, Episode 4, entitled “Ski Condo or Lake House in Vermont” on HGTV. To view the episode, see Ski Condo or Lake House in Vermont
January 2018
ARCHforensic®️ LLC Partners with J Brick Consulting, LLC to Expand Operations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ LLC is proud to announce that it is partnering with J Brick Consulting, LLC to support its marketing and business development initiatives in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. President of J Brick Consulting, Jennifer Brick, has over 21 years experience in the Condominium/HOA industry that includes working as the Business Development and Practice Manager for two leading New Jersey law firms that specialize in Community Association Law before launching her consulting firm.
With Ms. Brick’s industry relationships, impeccable reputation and extensive Condo/HOA background, this collaboration will facilitate ARCHforensic’s continued growth in Condo/HOA operations in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions with a focus on complex transitions, reserve studies, forensic architecture and construction claims consulting.
To learn more about J Brick Consulting, please visit www.jbrickconsulting.com
December 2018
Inside Edition Interviews Forensic Architect Christopher D. Ling Regarding Arena Safety Concerns
CHESTER, NJ – CBS Inside Edition interviewed ARCHforensic’s Christopher D. Ling, AIA in a segment that aired on November 16, 2017 and focused on steep seating in arenas. To view the segment and read the corresponding article, please click on the following link: Inside Edition’s Steep Seating Hazards
November 2017
Christopher D. Ling, AIA Lead Presentation at NJ State Bar Construction Law Section Seminar
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic’s Christopher D. Ling, AIA and co-speaker Martin Cabalar, Esq. of Becker & Poliakoff led a discussion about “Construction Defects, Piercing the Corporate Veil and Fraud” before the NJ State Bar Association on November 8, 2017. This seminar referenced the landmark case, Grandview at Riverwalk Port Imperial Condominium Association v. K. Hovnanian at Port Imperial, where Mr. Ling was the lead expert. According to Mr. Ling, “This seminar was well-received and well-attended. There were a lot of good questions that drove a lengthy discussion about the paradigm shift in the way people develop condominiums in New Jersey. For more information about this case, please read article below.
November 2017
Forensic Architect Christopher D Ling, AIA Provided Lead Expert Testimony for the Plaintiff in a Multi-Million Dollar Jury Verdict in Landmark Construction Case
Jury finds National Developer’s Subsidiary Liable for Breach of Contract and Violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act
CHESTER, NJ – ARCHforensic®️ Owner and Forensic Architect, Christopher Ling was the lead expert testifying in a construction defect, architectural standard of care and building code classification case against a major building developer and their internationally known architect. The court qualified Mr. Ling as an expert in forensic architecture, architecture, cost estimating and construction administration/project management and he testified before a jury for several days at the Hudson County Courthouse. The jury relied on Mr. Ling’s testimony to award a $9 million verdict. With the finding of fraud, the ultimate recovery against all parties could exceed over $20 million.
ARCHforensic, LLC consulted for Becht Engineering BT, Inc. regarding the forensic architecture component of the litigation. ARCHforensic and Becht performed test cuts, analysis, code review, cost estimating and expert report writing for the plaintiff.
According to Mr. Ling, “This case changes the paradigm on how condominium claims will be analyzed, tested and litigated. The significance of the jury’s findings will also impact the way developers produce, contractors build, and architects design, condominiums.”
This construction claim arose from an improperly designed six-story, 132-unit condominium building in New Jersey. The building was designed and submitted to the town as a non-combustible building type.
At the conclusion of a six-week trial, the jury agreed with the plaintiff and determined that after the developer learned the building was being improperly constructed with plywood, the developer chose to continue construction. The Architect sought to reclassify the building type to a mix of combustible and non- combustible, but the jury found that the reclassification was never approved by the local code officials.
Moreover, the verdict included a $3 million finding against the developer but the damages are tripled (also known as treble damages) for violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which entitles the plaintiff to recover attorneys’ fees, triple damages and prejudgment interest.
The ultimate recovery against all parties, including the project architect and geotechnical engineer, could exceed $20 million.
For additional information please click on the following:
June 20, 2017
Lawyer-Monthly Magazine Features Forensic Architect Christopher D. Ling, AIA and ARCHforensic in the June 2017 Issue
CHESTER, NJ – Christopher D. Ling, AIA, Principal and Founder of ARCHForensic LLC was recently featured in an interview with the editor of Lawyer-Monthly Magazine. Check out Mr. Ling’s perspective on the evolving fields of Forensic Architecture and Construction Litigation in the United States. To read the article, please click on the following: Lawyer Monthly
June 2017
