| Expert Witness Services |

The specialists for every case.

Our expertise takes you further.

Our expert witness services ensure transparency and security in all phases of the construction project. We analyse construction schedules, review and prepare operational, technical and planning claims and stand as a reliable partner alongside both clients and contractors. With specialist knowledge and practical experience, we develop solutions that avoid conflicts, optimise processes and sustainably secure project success. A collaborative and interest-balanced approach to solutions is always our focus.

Frau mit gestreiftem Kleid baut ein buntes Magnetbaustein-Modell auf einem Tisch zusammen.

Drei lächelnde Frauen unterhalten sich in einem hellen Raum mit Konferenztischen im Hintergrund.

// Preparation and review of time-related claims
// Construction time analysis
// Technical claims review
// Preparation and review of claims from planning participants
// Special risk management according to AHO Booklet No. 19
// LEAN management
// Construction operations consulting
// Preparation of schedules incl. capacity analysis
// Contract and claims management
// Final invoice review / termination settlement review

Construction Time Analysis

When delays occur in the construction process, analysis and clear attribution of causes are crucial. Instead of assigning blame, what is needed is transparency and objectivity. An objective assessment forms the basis for process improvements, targeted countermeasures and fair contract settlement. Only in this way can conflicts be resolved constructively and project success secured.

Analysis and Preparation of Damages Claims

Disruptions in the construction process, defects or delays can cause considerable economic damage. We support clients and project owners in analysing and preparing damages claims: from cause analysis through the recording and quantification of additional costs to comprehensible documentation and preparation in auditable form. This creates a transparent basis for enforcing legitimate claims and defending against unjustified demands.

Preparation and Review of Claims from Planning Participants

Complex construction projects challenge everyone: tight schedules, high demands and recurring changes require clear solutions. Particularly with additional or repeat services and extensions of construction time, challenges arise. We help formulate, enforce or defend emerging claims – with technical and construction operations expertise, experience and a clear focus on the balance between service and remuneration.

Preparation and Review of Time-Related Claims

Construction projects are complex and susceptible to disruptions such as delays, design changes or supplementary claims. This frequently gives rise to claims for extensions of construction time and additional costs. We support clients, project owners and contractors in preparing and reviewing such claims: cause analysis of disruptions, documentation of construction schedules, assessment of deadline extensions, plausibility checks and development of fair decision-making bases. Our goal: transparency, efficient resolution and economically viable solutions.

Expert Opinions by Publicly Appointed and Sworn Experts (incl. Private and Arbitration Opinions)

Several expert witnesses work at KVL Group, three of whom are publicly appointed and sworn. We cover areas such as project management, construction cost estimation and accounting. Our expert opinions support courts, but primarily serve the out-of-court clarification, assessment and resolution of disputed matters. In this context we act, for example, as arbitration experts or conciliators to resolve conflicts by mutual agreement.

Contract and Claims Management

For construction projects with numerous individual contracts, contract management is central: our database keeps you on top of all contracts and supplementary claims – including all key data and status entries. We design reporting flexibly to your requirements and make information accessible at any time when needed. This keeps your contract and claims management efficient and transparent.

Claims Review

Many projects require numerous changes, whether due to complexity, ongoing planning or new user requests. We review supplementary claims objectively on the basis of the contractual situation and relevant assessment criteria, and negotiate or provide support in doing so. Our goal is to resolve differences promptly to avoid larger conflicts and ensure that all changes are settled by mutual agreement by the time of the final invoice review.

Risk Management

Risk management is a central component of the proactive delivery of construction projects. KVL offers objective risk analyses and develops tailored strategies – from standard processes to complex simulations such as Monte Carlo. Risks are identified, assessed and assigned appropriate measures to optimally manage the costs, schedules and quality of the project.

Construction Operations Consulting (Client & Contractor)

As expert witnesses with broad experience, we accompany construction projects and contribute sound construction operations knowledge – from analysing complex interrelationships to supporting the construction process. We advise clients, contractors and as neutral third parties: on calculation, tender and contract review, correspondence, statements, expert opinions and billing documents. We always focus on achieving economically optimal outcomes.

Schedule Planning & Controlling

Thanks to our experience in construction time analyses, we identify delays early and prepare disruption-modified construction sequence plans. Already in the planning phase, we review schedules and processes for feasibility. Depending on project requirements, we adapt the level of detail in schedules individually and offer formats for target-actual comparisons and automatic cash flow plans. This enables efficient schedule management and controlling.

Workshops, Training, Seminars

We regularly offer workshops and seminars – for our employees as part of internal professional development, as training within the programmes of relevant specialist providers, or gladly as in-house training for the further development of your staff. The topics are diverse and we are happy to share our knowledge.

Dispute Resolution Management (FIDIC and Others)

Construction projects harbour significant conflict potential, which however need not end up in court. Alternative dispute resolution such as arbitration opinions, conciliation or mediation saves time and costs. We advise you during contract preparation and guide you through these procedures – as expert witnesses for construction operations opinions, to present claims, or as impartial third parties for fast, construction-accompanying solutions.

"Projects don’t always run smoothly – for a variety of reasons. When this happens, the goal is to carefully develop transparent and solution-oriented approaches and avoid potential conflicts."

Malika Klös, Managing Director

Passende Referenzen

Grundinstandsetzung Wehrgruppe Quitzöbel Altarmwehr, Los 1

Expert witness services for the Wehrgruppe Quitzöbel flood protection facility.

Ericusbrücke, Hafencity Hamburg

Expert witness services for the listed Ericusbrücke swing bridge in HafenCity Hamburg.

Mainzero, Frankfurt am Main

Contract and supplementary claims management for office building in Frankfurt.

Lahn’sche Höfe, Frankfurt am Main

Expert witness services for residential complex in Frankfurt's Gallusviertel quarter.

Bundesdruckerei GmbH

Expert witness services and technical real estate consulting for Bundesdruckerei GmbH.

Grazia I und III

Project management and expert witness services for residential complex in Astana.

Doppelschleuse Geesthacht

Renewal of lifting gates and replacement of mechanical and electrical systems at the Doppelschleuse Geesthacht.

Arge Teltowkanal Los 2

Renovation of the Teltowkanal in Berlin.

Sacrow-Paretzer Kanal

To accommodate the larger dimensions of vessels and the significantly increased traffic volume, Transport Project 'German Unity No. 17' provided for the expansion of the canal.

Complex construction projects need clear solutions

To prevent disruptions

Modern construction projects challenge all parties involved: tight schedules, ever-increasing requirements for planning and supervision, and unforeseen changes are part of everyday construction life today. This regularly creates challenges for clients and planning offices – particularly when additional or special services, repeat services or claims arising from extended construction time are required, and it becomes necessary to formulate and enforce or defend such matters.

We know the complexity – and deliver the necessary clarity.

With our technical and legal expertise and many years of project experience, we support you comprehensively in the assessment, justification and enforcement of legitimate claims, as well as in defending against unsubstantiated demands that typically arise during project delivery. A focus on the balance between service and remuneration is always important to us. We combine sound practical expertise with the ability to present complex matters in a clear and reliable way. Whether supporting your project team or for technically sound communication with contractual partners – we provide orientation where things get complicated.

We are robustly positioned. We have numerous experts in all areas relevant to construction operations and the construction and real estate industry.

Malika Klös

Bauzeitverlängerung

Berlin

Porträt eines lächelnden Mannes mit Bart, der ein braunes Hemd und einen dunkelblauen Blazer trägt.

Maximilian Kümmel

Forderungen Planungsbeteiligte

Berlin

Lächelnder Mann mit kurzem braunem Haar und Bart trägt schwarzen Anzug, weißes Hemd und dunkelblaue Krawatte.

Jakob Conrad

Technische NA Prüfung, Terminplanung und Risikomanagement

Berlin

Frau mit braunem Blazer und weißen Hemd steht mit verschränkten Armen und leichtem Lächeln vor weißem Hintergrund.

Sonja Kaltenborn

Schlussrechnungsprüfung Kündigungsabrechnung

Düsseldorf

Lächende junge Frau mit langen braunen Haaren und weißen Hemd, die mit verschränkten Armen in die Kamera schaut.

Thessa Fecht

LEAN-Management

Berlin

What you want to know about expert witness services

When things go wrong on site, apportioning blame doesn’t help – clear facts do. Here we explain what our expert witness services deliver, from construction time analysis to formal expert reports.

What does a publicly appointed and sworn expert do, and does KVL have any in the team?

What is a construction time analysis and when is it needed?

How does a claims review work at KVL?

What is the difference between arbitration opinions, conciliation and mediation in construction disputes?

How does KVL support damages claims in the construction sector?

How does KVL support claims from planning participants?

What does KVL’s contract and claims management cover?

What does construction operations consulting for clients and contractors include?

How does KVL support schedule planning and schedule controlling?

What is schwarzBUNT and how do clients benefit from it?

How does risk management with Monte Carlo simulation work in construction?

Does KVL also offer workshops and training in expert witness services?

Can you give a concrete example of construction operations expert services on an infrastructure project?

What role does KVL play in public-sector waterway and infrastructure projects?

Does KVL also provide expert services for listed buildings?

On which office buildings and residential projects has KVL acted as expert witness?

Is there further specialist literature from KVL on supplementary claims and remuneration in construction law?

Which standard work on construction time has KVL co-written?

Pooled expertise for successful construction projects

Since 2022, we have also combined our construction operations expertise with the construction law competencies of franz + partner Rechtsanwälte and are thus part of schwarzBUNT – a company consisting of construction operations and construction law specialists who advise legally, economically and technically, and with a focus on communication ensure that every project hits its target.

Related Literature

Change Management

Change orders remain one of the most pressing and difficult issues in the execution of construction contracts. Construction professionals and legal experts are confronted daily with questions and disputes arising from compensation claims due to changes to the original contract. The subject of change orders is fraught with significant legal confusion, making economically costly errors almost inevitable.

This book therefore not only addresses the current legal situation but also presents new solutions and approaches, particularly regarding the legal binding nature of change order agreements, the right to refuse performance during disputes over the basis and amount of compensation, and the substantiation of claims for construction time extensions. The existing Federal Court of Justice (BGH) case law on the interpretation of construction contracts is presented systematically, allowing both legal and construction professionals to determine whether their specific situation warrants entering into compensation disputes. Furthermore, the authors provide practical application and drafting suggestions to avoid certain legal uncertainties or to address them strategically should they arise.

This book is ideal reading for consultants on complex construction projects, but it also helps readers build a fundamental understanding of the topic of change orders.

// Series

Legal Practice

// Editor

Deutscher Anwaltverlag

// Publication

2008

// ISBN

// Author/Authors

Ursula von Minckwitz, Steffen Schmitt, Markus G. Viering

// Edition

1st Edition

// First Publication

2005

Rights arising from construction delays by claim type

Decision-making support for clients, contractors, and project managers

This practical guide provides construction lawyers with an introductory overview and construction professionals with a constant reference, offering a comprehensive look at the relevant VOB/B regulations and supplementary BGB provisions regarding "disrupted construction sequences." The systematic approach and clarity of the content are enhanced by numerous charts and flow diagrams, making it easy for readers to navigate and find answers to specific questions.

// Series

Construction and architectural law by claim type

// Editor

Springer Verlag

// Publication

December 23, 2020

// ISBN

978-3-8348-2600-8

// Author/Authors

Christian Zanner, Birthe Saalbach, Markus G. Viering

// Edition

2nd edition

// First Publication

2014

Remuneration, Variations, and Settlement of Claims

Decision-making aids for clients, planners, and contractors

This specialist book provides construction professionals with the essential legal know-how for all issues arising from contractual claims regarding remuneration, variations, and settlement for both clients and contractors. The work is particularly accessible to non-lawyers thanks to its presentation, which includes flowcharts to support decision-making and overview graphics for easy navigation.

// Series

Construction and Architectural Law by Claims

// Editor

Springer Verlag

// Publication

July 23, 2023

// ISBN

978-3-658-21666-5

// Author/Authors

Christian Zanner, Birthe Saalbach, Markus G. Viering

// Edition

1st Edition

// First Publication

July 23, 2023

Cover der 5. Auflage des Handbuch Bauzeit. Hier werden Bauablaufstören thematisiert und Lösungsmöglichkeiten aufgezeigt

Construction Schedule Handbook

Delays and exceeding construction schedules are among the primary challenges in construction projects. This is a complex matter, both factually and legally, where construction engineering, project management, and law intersect. The authors approach the topic from an interdisciplinary perspective, explaining the issues in a practical manner using numerous case studies. The team, composed of legal experts and construction management specialists, ensures a holistic and interdisciplinary analysis.

New in the 5th edition:

Inclusion of current case law and literature
Explanations regarding the current handling of geopolitical disruptions (e.g., consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine) and their impact on construction schedules and compensation

Contents include:

Planning and managing the construction process
Schedule and financial impacts of disrupted construction sequences
Managing construction schedules in litigation
Collaboration between legal experts, construction managers, and engineers

// Series

// Editor

Werner Verlag

// Publication

04/16/2026

// ISBN

978-3-8041-5652-4

// Author/Authors

Andreas J. Roquette, Markus G. Viering, Stefan Leupertz

// Edition

5th edition

// First Publication

2010

Construction Price Explosion - Pragmatic Planning for the Future

Quick Start Guide for Architects and Civil Engineers

The construction industry is facing a multitude of operational and legal challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These range from questions regarding the distribution of risk for increased material and procurement costs and how to handle supply shortages, to the legal basis for claiming price increases, and the interpretation of terms such as force majeure and the frustration of contract.

This essential provides guidance in an opaque situation and sheds light on the core issues currently being discussed in the construction industry. The primary goal is to maintain ongoing construction operations through a collaborative approach between contracting parties and the correct handling of critical operational and legal issues, such as price adjustment clauses. In addition, a pragmatic solution is presented that contributes to restoring the balance of risk between the parties based on expert construction management principles.

// Series

essentials

// Editor

Springer Verlag

// Publication

2022

// ISBN

978-3-658-38351-0

// Author/Authors

Matthias Linnemann, Sonja Kaltenborn, Markus G. Viering

// Edition

1st Edition

// First Publication

2022

Things stalling on site? We create clarity.

Jakob Conrad

Managing Partner

conrad@kvlgroup.com +49 30 25410729