Diagnosing Building Failures: A Forensic Approach to Dispute Resolution
Join SOCOTEC for an expert-led webinar, Diagnosing Building Failures: A Forensic Approach to Dispute Resolution, where we examine how technical shortcomings, documentation gaps, and project decisions can evolve into complex claims and disputes.
This session takes a practical, real-world approach to forensic investigation—focusing not just on what failed, but why, and how those failures are identified, analyzed, and resolved.
Through a structured review of project records, data analysis, and stakeholder interviews, our presenters will walk through the critical steps required to diagnose building issues effectively. Attendees will gain insight into the types of documents to collect, key project data to evaluate, and common points where breakdowns occur across design, construction, and post-construction phases. The discussion will also highlight strategies to mitigate risk, improve project outcomes, and strengthen defensibility in the event of a dispute.
Led by senior experts with decades of experience in architectural practice and dispute resolution, this webinar draws on deep expertise in building science, forensic investigations, construction defect analysis, and expert witness testimony—offering valuable perspective for insurance carriers, owners, developers, architects, engineers, contractors, and legal professionals navigating today’s complex built environment.
Objectives
What You'll Learn
Identify the stages of evaluating damage claims.
Learn how forensic investigations can determine the root cause of a problem - Gain insight into the methodologies used by experts, including field inspections, moisture mapping, and document analysis.
Understand how design and construction failures translate into disputes and claims - Explore how defects, damages, deficiencies, and responsibilities are assessed in the context of claims and litigation.
Identify the impact of design, construction, and maintenance on building failures - Understand how failing to meet the standard of care, such as omissions in design documents, inadequate coordination, faulty construction practices, and deferred maintenance, contribute to building failures.
Explore several claims and discuss various points of their success or failure.
Identify the stages of evaluating damage claims.
Learn how forensic investigations can determine the root cause of a problem - Gain insight into the methodologies used by experts, including field inspections, moisture mapping, and document analysis.
Understand how design and construction failures translate into disputes and claims - Explore how defects, damages, deficiencies, and responsibilities are assessed in the context of claims and litigation.
Identify the impact of design, construction, and maintenance on building failures - Understand how failing to meet the standard of care, such as omissions in design documents, inadequate coordination, faulty construction practices, and deferred maintenance, contribute to building failures.
Explore several claims and discuss various points of their success or failure.
Who Benefits
- Engineers (structural, forensic, and building envelope)
- Architects and preservation professionals
- Building owners, developers, and asset/facilities managers
- Construction managers, general contractors, and restoration contractors
- Special inspectors and code compliance professionals
- Risk managers, insurance professionals, and claims consultants
- Attorneys and legal professionals involved in construction or failure cases
- Public-sector officials (building departments, housing authorities, public works)
About the Speakers
Robert W. Burnham – Senior Managing Director
Robert Burnham, AIA, NCARB, is a Senior Managing Director with over four decades of experience in architectural design, construction consulting, and forensic investigations. A licensed architect in Texas, he has worked across the full lifecycle of projects—from planning and design through construction and post-occupancy—bringing a comprehensive understanding of how buildings are conceived, delivered, and evaluated.
Mr. Burnham specializes in building diagnostics, construction defect analysis, and dispute resolution, providing expert consulting and testimony for complex commercial and residential projects. His work includes evaluating design and construction claims, assessing standard of care, conducting facility and due diligence reviews, and advising on risk management and claims avoidance strategies. Throughout his career, he has supported owners, developers, architects, contractors, insurers, and legal teams in resolving high-stakes construction disputes. His expertise spans building science, code analysis, contract administration, and forensic investigation of failures, including moisture intrusion and deficiencies.
John Bolig – Senior Consultant
John Bolig, RA, is a Senior Consultant with over 25 years of experience in architectural design, construction administration, and building science. A registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional, he brings deep technical expertise in building envelope systems, quality assurance, and the investigation of complex construction issues across a wide range of project types, including commercial, educational, medical, and mixed-use facilities.
Mr. Bolig specializes in building envelope performance, failure investigation, and dispute resolution, providing expert analysis and support for construction-related claims and litigation. His work includes building envelope commissioning, constructability reviews, and QA/QC oversight, helping project teams identify risks, improve performance, and ensure consistency in design and construction execution. Throughout his career, he has led multidisciplinary teams through all phases of project delivery, combining strong technical knowledge with practical, field-based experience. He has also served as an expert witness and is actively involved in mentoring emerging professionals, reinforcing industry best practices and high standards of performance.
