EXPERT EXPERIENCE expert witness

Professional Experience  

Over the past forty years, Mr. Lafayette has successfully completed thousands of construction projects in, but not limited to, single and multi-family residential, commercial, public, institutional, and defense sectors. 

He has provided consultation and expert witness testimony in the areas of general contracting and construction for legal considerations over the last 40 years. He is considered to be a leading expert in his field in the Northern California area.

He has been called upon by the State of California   Contractors State License Board as an industry expert, as well as being asked to evaluate hundreds of buildings to determine if existing conditions are in line with common practices, codes and standards. These investigations entailed investigating and documenting causes of construction defects, damages and failures as well as cost of repair and/or suggesting corrective methods through the submission of detailed reports. 

Mr. Lafayette is recognized by the Superior Court of California, U.S. Federal Court and California Workers Compensation Court as an expert witness in many construction disciplines, practices and standards.

Professional Licenses 

California  Lic 375409  40 years
B- General Contractor
C-10 Electrical 

Real Estate Lic  01932370 

Areas of Expertise 

Underground work
Site prep, cut and fill, engineered soils
Concrete slabs, foundations, engineered concrete and retaining walls
Water intrusion & water damage
Framing and engineered structures
Drywall applications and patchwork
Electrical residential, commercial and industrial
Earthquake damage assessment
Industry standards of workmanship
Cost estimating
Contractor’s License Law & Code Compliance
Professional standards
Interior and exterior finished product evaluation
Residential and commercial construction and remodeling 

Compliance

ADA Compliance

CalEPA Compliance

Cal OSHA compliance

CCDA Compliance

Code Compliance

Title 24

Claims and Disputes

Mr. Lafayette assists clients with preparing and analyzing construction claims. Owners and contractors who realize the potential for disputes and conflicts rely on his years of expertise in multiple disciplines.

Mr. Lafayette assists legal teams in evaluating expert reports, depositions and discovery. When multiple experts are required he offers team coordination and summary writing services.

Claim issues including: Liability Identification , Document Analysis, Contract Analysis,
Cause/Effect Relationship Analysis, Damage Assessment, Claims Management,Cost Analysis, Forensic Analysis, Delay Damages, Value Appraisal, Claim Preparation,
Claim Analysis, Educational Seminars, Dispute Resolution, Schedule Acceleration,  Cardinal Change, Constructive Change, Construction Defects, Defective Contract, Documents, Delays, Differing Site Conditions, Construction Disputes, Implied Warranty,
Claims Evaluation