Main Entry: fo-ren-sic
Pronunciation: fa-‘ren(t)-sik, -‘ren-zik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin forensis public, forensic, from forum forum
Date: 1659

1. belonging to, used in, or suitable to courts of judicature or to public discussion and debate
2. relating to or dealing with the application of scientific knowledge to legal problems [forensic medicine] [forensic science]

The definition of Forensic will cause most people to think of a court trial. In truth, few of the cases in which we are involved ever reach the courtroom. While we are always prepared to testify, our thorough investigation of the facts usually results in a settlement.

Court cases always attract the most attention, but they actually account for a small percentage of our work. Most frequently, our forensic investigations involve the resolution of a contract matter, such as:

• Have the terms of a construction contract been fulfilled?
• Does a building have problems that will affect a purchase or sale?
• Is the contractor due the money he is requesting?

Often our forensic investigations involve compliance with governmental regulations or orders, such as:

• What is required to comply with the Historic Landmarks ordinance?
• What is required to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act?
• How can a building be brought into compliance with local building codes?
• What is required to have the condemnation order removed from a building?

But to us, the most important thing we do is to answer questions and solve problems, such as:

• Why is the foundation cracking, and how can it be fixed?
• Why is mold growing on the walls, and how can it be stopped?
• The buildings within this condominium complex are developing problems. How can a maintenance schedule be developed?

Because of our experience with historic structures, and the unfortunate neglect many of them have experienced, a large percentage of our investigations involve problems related to the renovation and restoration of these buildings.

• Why are the brick walls of this 150 year old house leaking? What is the correct way to solve the problem?
• The windows of this house are badly deteriorated. If the house must remain true to its historic character, what can be done?
• Can an historic building be saved?
  

Unfortunately, too many of our investigations fall into the category of “what you didn’t know really did hurt you.” Now what can be done?

• The local Landmarks Commission has stopped the project. What do I do?
• The recent renovations to my historic house have lowered the property value. Why? What can I do?
• I just spent thousands of dollars to solve a problem and it didn’t work. What do I do?

We hope none of this sounds familiar to you. But if it does, or before it does, contact us. We can help.