Site & Facility Inspections
On-site inspection and forensic evaluation for construction defect, premises liability, and workplace safety litigation. Inspectors matched by structure type, defect category, and applicable building code standards — not just specialty title.
The right inspector for the structure, the defect, and the jurisdiction.
Site and facility inspections are only as useful as the inspector conducting them. A structural engineer evaluating a roofing defect, or a general contractor reviewing a complex MEP failure, produces findings that opposing counsel will dismantle. Criterion matches inspectors to the specific structure type, defect category, and code standards applicable to the matter.
When a case turns on what happened to a building — whether it was built wrong, maintained negligently, or failed to meet code — the inspector who goes on-site needs to be the right person for that specific claim. Criterion evaluates the structure type, the nature of the alleged defect or hazard, the jurisdiction's applicable building codes, and the specific forensic questions the inspection needs to answer before selecting an inspector.
Criterion coordinates site access, schedules inspection dates, manages communication with opposing counsel where joint inspections are required, and tracks inspection report delivery. We handle the logistics so the attorney can focus on the case.
"An inspection report from a specialist whose expertise precisely matches the defect category carries far more evidentiary weight than one from a generalist who happens to be licensed in the right state."
Inspections across the full range of construction and premises litigation
Criterion coordinates inspections for the following matter categories. If your case involves a structure or facility, we can find the right inspector for it.
- Single-family home defect claims
- Condominium and HOA matters
- Apartment complex construction issues
- Water intrusion and waterproofing failures
- Foundation and grading defects
- Commercial building envelope failures
- Structural deficiencies
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) failures
- Fire suppression and life safety defects
- ADA compliance issues
- Slip, trip, and fall site conditions
- Inadequate lighting or signage
- Unsafe walkways, stairs, or entryways
- Parking lot and exterior conditions
- Property maintenance failures
- OSHA violation documentation
- Industrial equipment safety failures
- Fall protection and scaffolding issues
- Hazardous materials and exposure conditions
- Warehouse and logistics facility safety
- Phase I and II environmental assessments
- Mold, asbestos, and lead investigation
- Soil and groundwater contamination
- Indoor air quality evaluation
- Remediation scope assessment
- Applicable code version identification
- Code compliance evaluation at time of construction
- Permit and inspection record review
- Standards deviation documentation
- Retrofit and upgrade code requirements
From case submission to inspection report
Criterion manages every coordination step. You provide the case details and site access information — we handle the rest.
Deliverables for every inspection engagement
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Inspector credentials and match rationaleThe inspector's qualifications, licensing, and the specific basis for their selection — including relevant experience with the structure type and defect category at issue — provided before the inspection is scheduled.
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Confirmed site access and inspection scheduleWritten confirmation of the inspection date, time, participating parties, and any access protocols or restrictions. Joint inspection coordination with opposing counsel included where applicable.
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Written inspection report with forensic findingsA structured report documenting the conditions observed, the inspector's forensic analysis of the defect or hazard, applicable code standards, and the inspector's opinions on cause and responsibility. Structured to support expert witness disclosure where the inspector will testify.
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Photographic documentationOrganized, labeled photographic documentation of all conditions observed during the inspection — keyed to the report findings and formatted for exhibit use.
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Code and standards analysisWhere applicable, identification of the building codes, standards, and specifications in effect at the time of construction, and an analysis of whether the work as performed complied with those requirements.
Cases that require an on-site evaluation
- Construction defect claims — residential, multi-family, or commercial — where the physical condition of the structure needs independent forensic documentation before mediation or trial.
- Premises liability cases where the hazardous condition needs to be documented before it is remediated, altered, or lost to natural deterioration.
- Time-sensitive matters where site conditions are at risk of change — construction being completed, repairs being made, or evidence being removed — and rapid inspection is critical.
- Joint defense inspections where the defense needs its own qualified inspector present alongside plaintiff's expert to observe and document the same conditions simultaneously.
- HOA and condominium disputes where the alleged construction defects span multiple units or common area components requiring systematic forensic survey.
- Workplace injury cases where the condition of the worksite, equipment, or facility is central to the liability theory.
- Environmental matters where on-site sampling, air quality testing, or contamination mapping requires a qualified specialist with both technical expertise and litigation experience.
Often used alongside site inspections
A site inspection frequently identifies the need for expert testimony or additional evaluation services.
Ready to request a site inspection?
Submit your case and site details. Criterion will identify the right inspector and confirm scheduling within 1 business day.