Chris Milnes

Expertise

Chris is Head of Expert Services at Gateley Vinden. He is an experienced chartered building surveyor, with particular expertise in structural and defect diagnosis, and safety, health and environment issues.

Chris has considerable experience of the investigation, negotiation and resolution of technical and construction related claims and in the preparation of expert witness reports for litigation or dispute resolution procedures and protocols. 

He has been appointed as Expert Determiner on numerous construction and technical disputes.

Within Gateley Vinden, Chris takes on appointments in the following areas:

• Expert witness in the field of building surveying. Preparation of technical reports including structural, condition, risk, maintenance, feasibility and dilapidation surveys.
• The design, specification and contract administration for commercial and domestic construction projects, including architecturally significant and/or listed buildings.
• The negotiation and resolution of technical/construction related disputes including public liability and professional indemnity claims for private and insurance clients.
• Party Wall and Boundary matters.
• Technical advice for a wide range of clients, including utility supply companies, public and private education providers, social housing landlords, solicitors and contractors.
• The organisation and implementation of large-scale survey programmes.
• The inspection and prioritisation of repairs, adopting planned preventative maintenance techniques to residential and educational buildings for both public and other responsible bodies.

How do you help your clients?

I help clients develop their understanding of the strengths, and weaknesses in their dispute. When acting as an expert advisor I can discuss and obtain evidence to allow their dispute to be resolved in a cost effective and satisfactory manner, liaising with legal and other representatives as appropriate.

I provide a range of expert services including:

• Building surveying, remedial work management and contract administration;
• Dispute resolution and Expert Witness;
• Structural and defect diagnosis; 
• Party Wall and boundary issues;
• Negotiation and resolution of technical construction related disputes.

Experience

1. Providing expert evidence in a claim for £43m of defects to a residential apartment development. Chris valued defects as existed at just under £1m and this is what was awarded.  
2. Acting as single joint expert in a high-profile and reported case eventually reaching the Court of Appeal. Chris’ expert opinion was uncontested by either party. 
3. Appointed as expert determiner numerous times to resolve construction disputes including dilapidation claims. 
4. Providing technical advice and dispute resolution services to a major utility provider. 
5. Delivering expert advice to an Ombudsman.