Ivy Group Consultants Services
Moisture Intrusion Analysis: One of the most important aspects of any building or structure designed for human occupancy is to keep it dry. Moisture intrusion is the leading cause of design and construction claims worldwide accounting for over 70% of all claims and lawsuits. Our investigation starts at the roof and continues to flashings, sealants, windows, doors, and walls. We analyze all elements of the building envelope in determining moisture intrusion issues. Our firm works with clients in a multi stepped process to analyze, diagnose, remediate and monitor moisture intrusion repairs for our clients. We have worked with qualified mold remediation experts and industrial hygienists to effectively diagnose and correct problem projects.
Architectural Forensic Investigation & Documentation: Our team has provided Architectural Forensic Services for over 20 years. Our clients range from lawyers to insurance companies encompassing both plaintiffs and defendants. In over 75 cases, we have provided effective services in a large variety of cases for many building types. Ivy Group Consultants is considered one of the leading Building Sciences and Architectural Forensic Consultants in the Southeastern United States.
ADA/Accessibility Consulting: Since the Americans with Disabilities Act became effective in 1991, attention has been focused on the ability for all persons to have equal access to our buildings, structures and sites. As a result the designers, builders and owners have become influenced by the ADA and State/Local accessibility codes and standards. We can provide expert analysis of a facilities requirements for ADA access.
Building Sciences & Product Research: Innovative materials and building sciences come hand in hand. We can provide research into those materials, building sciences and products and report back to the client our findings and opinions for better direction and understanding as to applicability and performance.
Energy & Environment/LEED Accredited Services: Sustainability of any project is dependant upon your professional’s ability to make the right choices. Now those choices can be qualified and quantified through Energy Audits, Environmental assessments and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification through the USGBC (United States Green Building Counsel). With LEED Accredited Professionals, we can oversee that Certification process and assist in guiding your project to a Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum USGBC Rating. This most valuable service will sustain your project well into the future by saving energy, reducing absenteeism and reducing environmental impacts.
Expert Witness Services: If a claim must go into a legal proceeding such as mediation, arbitration, jury trial or bench trial, we are here to serve your expert witness needs. Often we are retained for our report writing and analysis of a condition or claim and then are retained to provide expert witness testimony in support of our opinions. We have an excellent track record in presenting our opinions in these formal legal settings, and do so professionally and without bias. Ivy Group has strong relationships with allied consultants in the fields of Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Communications Engineering, Indoor Air Quality, Industrial Hygiene, Roofing and Waterproofing, Glass and Glazing, ADA/Accessibility, Scheduling, Cost Estimating, Construction and other fields to assist in whatever manner is most effective for the particular project or case.
Review of Expert Findings: In today’s complexity of design and construction we are often asked to review other expert findings and opinions. We will provide our opinions, whether we oppose or support, and offer them with confidence and clarity.
Report Writing & Publications: We prepare written opinions in the form of a report and publication of that report for use by out client or others. Our reports are concise, thorough, and professionally written. Photography and diagrams are often utilized to help explain our positions on claims and cases for which we are retained.
Visual/Graphic Presentations: Since our team includes Architects, we are very proficient at the preparation of visual and graphic presentations. Whether on large boards, booklets or PowerPoint, our presentations and reports are concise, thorough and professionally done to give our clients the best visual and graphic presentation.
2D & 3D Drawings: Representations can be drawn in both 2D and 3D to best represent expert findings for a claim or accurate simulation or representation of a scenario in a detailed case. We are very proficient in providing you the best visual display of the situation or condition being reviewed. We understand that simplicity and clarity are vital in communicating technical information to non-technical people. Our presentations can include: visual presentation via the preparation of a 3D Model, 3D electronic simulation or 3D video animation to suit your scale and detail needs.
Scene Reconstruction & Model Making: In a claim or case involving complex issues, sometimes the most visual and graphic communication is in scene reconstruction or the making of a scaled 3-Dimensional Physical Model depicting the actual scene or building condition. The presentation of a hands on model can bring life to any issue and an understanding to the members of the jury.
Construction Document Review & Peer Review: The experience of our people in architecture and claims allows us to effectively review a set of construction documents (plans, specifications, addenda) as well as review construction related follow-up documents (requests for information, submittals, proposal requests, supplemental instructions, construction change directives, change orders, certificates of completion, substantial completion and final completion) and to comment on their relevancy in a claim or case. We also provide Peer Review services for Architects and their insurance companies.
Cost Estimating: Cost is many times the reason for a claim or lawsuit. We prepare detailed cost estimates, comparison estimates, reviews of cost estimates and change orders as related to a construction project, claim or case.
Scheduling Analysis: Scheduling and delay claims are most troubling for many clients. We have been involved in hundreds of design and construction projects and can review your schedule and delay claims with experience and certainty. This thorough review and understanding can help settle a claim or win an important case.
Development Review & Feasibility Analysis: Our principals can review a development proposal and/or conduct a full scale Feasibility Analysis on a proposed project or project that has moved forward and give expert opinion as to the projects feasibility. Developers of multi-family housing, hotels, condominiums and mixed-use developments can trust our opinions in this critical area of service.
Other Services: Flexibility is the key to effective consulting services. We are willing to negotiate a specific scope of service, if not specifically listed, to best serve our client needs. Contact us about your specific needs and we would be glad to assist.