Yes it can be a financial disaster and you will need the best advice you can get to navigate through a minefield of conflicting interests and conflicting information and misinformation.

On a recent “big bust” I was engaged to carry out assessment on dozens of units to determine the level of completion and the extent of defects. My client had the wisdom not only to employ me but also independent insurance expert to help with the claim against insurer. This is what the expert said:

Good Morning Branko,

I refer to the above matter and the attached sample of your report.

I have read through the attached and feel that this is exactly what is needed. It reads well, is easily understandable and puts forward  XXXXXXXX  Developments position clearly.

Ill call XXXXXXX this morning to discuss but I feel confident that he will be happy with the report format and will want the final report asap to serve on the Insurer and their lawyers. What is the ETA on a final report and can I have a complete copy burnt to a disc for my records?

Thank you for your assistance in this.

Regards,

(name and organisation withheld)

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Needless to say the success of your claim will depend on the quality of people you employ and the quality of the advice you get from them. Can you take a risk with free advice? Can you take a risk with second best advice?