How it works
- The parties in a dispute agree to submit the matter to an expert
- The expert makes a binding decision on the matter
- The expert can ask questions of the parties before making their decision
When would it be used?
- Expert Determination is often used to resolve technical issues.
- When a homeowner and an installer can’t resolve a dispute, an independent party can provide expertise in a legally binding manner.
How much does it cost?
The cost for an Expert Determination report is £xxx. Typically the costs are split evenly between both partes or the expert is asked to decide upon the cost as part of the determination.
How Long Does It Take?
The average time for the process to be completed is 28 days. But the timeline is set by agreement between the parties and the expert at the outset.
What is Expert Determination?
Expert Determination is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution, it is less known than other forms of ADR such as Arbitration and Mediation but is particularly suited to disputes of a technical nature such as those involving window and door installations.
Expert Determination offers substantial benefits to the parties in dispute compared to legal action through the courts including;
- Cheaper, often fixed cost
- Legally binding
- Much faster than the courts
- Decision is made by an experienced industry expert
- The process is confidential
Where do RISA Help?
RISA have RICS certified experts who offer independent, impartial reports on dispute resolution. We step in to help both parties reach a legally binding resolution in a cost effective and time saving manner.
Who Can It Help?
Installers
By adding the use of Expert Determination to their terms and conditions installers can protect themselves from the potentially huge costs involved in taking or defending legal action.
Solicitors
Solicitors can use expert determination to provide clients with a quicker and more cost-effective resolution to disputes, bypassing lengthy court procedures. It also offers specialised, independent opinions from RISA in their field, windows and doors. This ensures a fair and informed decision-making process.