Expertise / Latent defects
Latent defects engineers
Thirty years of finding, scoping and fixing the defects that show up after a building is finished, for insurers, warranty providers, developers and owners in Ireland and the UK.
We have over 30 years of latent defect investigation and remediation experience in Ireland and the UK. AOCA Engineering Consultants were the sole engineering consultant for Liberty Syndicates and their Premier Guarantee LDI policy, managing the full investigation and remediation of over 1,000 residential homes.
From our UK office in Manchester we have managed over £200m of latent defect remediation projects, from investigation, scope of works and design through to construction and handover. Through our sister company Fire Safety Consultants, AOCA is currently remediating apartment schemes throughout Ireland under the apartment defects remediation scheme.
Technical audits during construction
AOCA has in the past managed the entire LDI portfolio for Liberty Syndicates through its sister company National Property Audit Services (NPAS). We still routinely carry out detailed evaluations to support insurance claims and risk management, inspecting construction work to identify potential issues and prevent them from turning into future claims for underwriters.
Investigation and scope
When a defect appears after completion, the first job is to establish what it is, how far it extends and whether it is a design, workmanship or materials failure. We open up, test and survey as needed, then write a scope of works that a contractor can price and a warranty provider can approve.
Remediation management
AOCA specialises in the management of building defect remediation projects, including pyrite, fire safety defects, water ingress, structural defects, façade defects and legacy construction issues. We manage the process from investigation and scope development through to design, procurement, site works, stakeholder communication and close-out.
Who we work for
Latent defects insurers and warranty providers, developers and contractors, owners' management companies, housing bodies and local authorities, and their solicitors. In the UK, brokers and underwriters who need an engineer's view before a policy is written or a claim is settled.
Common questions
What counts as a latent defect?
A defect in design, workmanship or materials that was not apparent at completion and shows up later, typically within the ten-year structural warranty period. Water ingress, fire-stopping omissions, foundation movement and façade failures are the common ones.
Do you work on apartment schemes?
Yes. Through our sister company Fire Safety Consultants, AOCA is remediating apartment schemes throughout Ireland under the apartment defects remediation scheme. See the apartment defects page.
Do you cover the UK?
Yes, from the Manchester office, where we have managed over £200m of latent defect remediation projects.
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