FLOORCOVERING CERTIFIED INSPECTION SERVICE - CA

  Gerald Peckham

 

    Office 949 218-1905  *   Cell 714 719-5023  *   Fax 949 218-1907    

 

                      floorcovering@cox.net                    

 

********************** 

Your Legal Representative

 

INDEPENDANT THIRD PARTY INSPECTIONS

 

The acknowledged advantage of the impartial third party inspection is that it saves time and goodwill for all concerned. We take time to develop consumer confidence during the inspection resulting in acceptance of the findings. The credibility comes with F.C.I.S.-CA accurately in reported complaint that is not glossed over with boiler plate rhetoric.

 

TIMELINESS
All inspections will be performed in a timely manner and there will be immediate notification of any delays due to consumer constraints or any other factors.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY
Inspections are held in the strict confidence of an inspector/client relationship and only the commissioning party may authorize release of any information contained in such reports.

   

COST
The affordable "Standard" inspection is thorough and complete with a written report and analysis either included or as an addendum. The emphasis is on a quality inspection from both the manufacture and consumers viewpoint with a reasonable fee schedule.

 

CONVENIENT
Our location between Venture and San Diego Counties gives us ready access to the entire

Southern California area with instant reports when necessary.

 

CORRECTIONS
F.C.I.S.-CA is equipped to correct most on-site repairable problems such as spots, installation, roll crush, etc.

 

EXPERT WITNESS
Our unchallenged credentials and many hours of court time have served our clients well.  Reports are written to fully defended in court if necessary.

 

INSTRUCTION/CONSULTATION
Seminars are available for retailers, sales representatives, claims personnel, or others with support material.

COURT APPEARANCES

* * * 

ARBITRATION, MEDIGATION, DEPOSITION

* * *

COURT READY INSPECTION & REPORTS

* * *

STANDARD INSPECTION & REPORTS

* * *

ON-SITE CONSULTATION (with ASSIGNOR) 

* * *

OUT OF STATE INSPECTIONS

* * *

INDEPENDENT LABORATORY TESTING& EVALUATIONS

* * *

CONSULTATION TELECOMUNICATION

* * *

GROUP SEMINARS

 

 

Most floor covering wear problems are not due to an installation  error or material defect. It is due to the wrong product picked to use in the wrong environment and, or with the wrong maintenance program.  Additional thought in the selection process can avoid a severe financial loss and  disappointment.  The like crisis can appear in a very short period of time.   Preventing problems that are associated with wear can be fairly simple and requires some effort to know how today’s flooring products wear, and are to be maintained.  

 

It is necessary to:

• Qualify the end use and end user
• Qualify the product and its application
• Establish expectations and meet or exceed them.
• Put the right product in the right place and properly care for it so that its appearance is maintained, without problems or complaints.
• Discover possible problems that can cause a flooring disaster
• Learn proactive strategies to prevent or mitigate potential problems.
• Develop a recovery plan to minimize downtime if a flooring crisis occurs.

List of related wear problems:

üWrong type of material

üWrong color

üWrong construction

üWrong specification

üWrong type of installation

üProduct not suitable for intended purpose

üLack of product understanding for how  and where to be used

üFailure to qualify the end use or user

 

This qualified service is offered free anytime.  If you need help, feel free to call  714.719.5023

   

GERALD R. PECKHAM  

FLOORCOVERING INSPECTOR

LIFETIME RESUME

 

CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSE C-15  Flooring Contractor #54-66-54

 

CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSE  C-54 Tile (Ceramic & Mosaic)

 

NOFMA/NWFA EDUCATED WOOD INSTALLER

Installation, Sanding & Finishing

 

IICRC & NICFI Certifications

10/5-6, 2023

Mohawk Manufacture Tour & Training

 

CFI Certification & Testing 11/2021 Assist Flooring Installation & Repair 

w/Documentry @ FULLER La Mirada, CA  

 

IICRC - NICFI 2021

10/3-5/2021 * Conference

 

INSTITUTE OF INSPECTION, CLEANING & RESTORATION ( IICRC )

Senior Certified Inspector #001076

Stone, Masonry & Tile Care

Floor Care (HARD SURFACES)

Odor Control

1076

 

ADVANCED FLOORING SPECIALISTS Institute of Flooring Specialists

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR

 

ADVANCED FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Certificate WOVEN INSPECTOR

 

NALFA - North American Laminate Flooring Association

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR

 

FCITS (SINCE 1988)

RESILIENT FLOORING CERTIFICATION

Flexible & Rigid Core Vinyl Tiles & Planks

Los Angeles 2019

 

NICFI National Institute Of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors

10/2019 Conference & Update Training

 

IICRC - Certified Stone, Masonry, & Ceramic Tile Cleaning

Director Dane Gregory

5/2017

 

GUILD SEMINAR - DALTON GEORGIA

Dr. Loferski - Virginia Technical Director

Rynlart/Highgins - Tramex Meters

Lauridson/Daubler/Grant - SHAW INDUSTRIES

Paul Laurenzi - Delmhorst Mdeters

May 8-10 2017

 

Floor Covering Inspector Symposium - Las Vegas

1/20/2016

 

NICFI - Inspectors Conference - Las Vegas

10/7 to 10/9/2015

Updates - Expert Witness Training

 

NICFI National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors

NICFI Inspector's Conference & Updated Training

10/6-8/2014

 

NICFI National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors Confrence

Building Enviroinment-New Fibers-Standards=CAN FLOR-CSI

10/21-23/2013



 INSPECTION SOLUTIONS Certified Inspector

 

FORMICA LAMINATES CERTIFIED INSPECTOR

 

FIBER-CLEANING Certified Inspector

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

 

ARDEX Engineered Cements Certified Installer

 

KONECTO Endorsed Installer

 

ARMSTRONG CERTIFIED Wood Flooring INSTALLER

 

DUPONT Orientation to DuPont Real Touch Flooring

Certificate Installer

 

FORMICA LAMINATES Certified Inspector

 

FORMICA CORPORATION Certified Inspector

Fabricated Counter Tops & Sinks

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR National Education Services for Inspections

LAMINATE, SOLID SURFACE, RESILIENT, & HARDWOOD FLOORING

 

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERES

Forensic Engineering Technical Group Inspection Cert.

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR for:

Mannington Vinyl-Wood-Laminate, Award, Formica, Pergo, Pickering, Universal, USA

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR for:

DuPont, Interface, Laminate, Carpet, Cleaning, Concrete

 

IICRC -Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

* Certified Odor Control Technician

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR Inspection Registry

 

Stiles & Custom Building Products CERTIFIED INSTALLER

 

The Floor Inspectors Educational Guild

"The Science behind Ceramic Tile Flooring Inspections"

5/4/2013

 

FIBER-CLEANING Certified Inspector

 

10/8/2012

NICFI CONFERENCE STUDYS

 Major Types Of Finish Issues / Capri Cork / Calculating Equalibriums In Wood

IVC US Mill Tour

 

2/22/2012
Carpet Spot Dye Training (New Products) A&I Services & Dyers Guild

 

2/15-17/2012

Schluter Systems

Ceramic & Stone Tile 2011 TCNA Tile Council Of North America

Industry Installation Standards & Studies

State of the Art Material & Installation Training

 

FLOORCOVERING INSPECTORS SYMPOSIUM

Inspectors Update 1/23-24/2012 Las Vegas

Field & Laboratory Testing

Ceramic Tile/Vinyl/Rubber/Linoleum/Issues

 

2/16/2011

IICRC - Odor Control Certification

 

1/29/2011

NALFA North American Laminate Flooring Association certification

 

10/18/2010

NICFI Update Seminar w/ President-Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.

NICFI Update Seminar w/ Carey Mitchell @ SHAW Industries 10/18/2010

NICFI Update Seminar w/ Ron Smith @ Wagner Moisture Meters 10/19/2010

NICFI Update Seminar w/ Anthony Palandro RE: laminate coupling

NICFI Update Seminar w/ Ralph Godfrey RE: Mediation Skills 10/19/2010

NICFI Update Seminar @ Mohawk Mill Tour (GA Residential Carpet) 10/20/2010

 

KONECTO Endorsed Installer Program

Manufactures Installer#: TWSP-021110-05

2/11/2010

 

NICFI National Institute of Certified Floorcovering Inspectors

Education Seminar 10/12-14/2009

 

EXPERT WITNESS Asso. Seminar

Arbitration or Non-judicial Neutral

By Geo Calkins II  7/21/2009

 

HARD SURFACE FLOORING INSPECTIONS

Will Stoner - Inspector Training Services

Completed 8/2008 Las Vegas

 

INSPECTION SOLUTIONS

ISU Inspector Education Course

Certificate Issued 4/2007

 

IICRC Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration

FLOOR CARE TECHNICIAN Training & Examination

ISSUED 12/2006

 

National Services

HARDWOOD FLOORING Education

Certificate Granted 4/2006

 

WOOD INSPECTION COURSE Inspectors

National Inspection Education Services

Completed Study 2/2006

 

ARDEX Engineered Cements

Education Program Moisture Control

Completed 9/2005

12th Annual Convention  

ARMSTRONG CERTIFIED INSTALLER

Wood Flooring Training & Education

Course Date 8/2005

 

DUPONT Orientation to DuPont Real Touch Flooring

Certificate Of Completion #11996

Studies Completed 3/2005

 

FORMICA LAMINATES

Inspection Training

Certificate Issued 3/2005

 

NATIONAL FLOORING EDUCATION Services, Inc.

LAMINATE, SOLID SURFACE, RESILIENT, & HARDWOOD FLOORING

GRANTED 3/2005

 

ADVANCED FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Certificate of Achievement WOVEN INSPECTOR

Training Completion Date 7/20/2002

 

FORMICA CORPORATION

L&N Surell Inspection Training

Certificate Issued 6/2002

 

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERES

Forensic Engineering Technical Group

Expert Services For Construction Related Cases  5/2000

 

NOFMA/NWFA

Certificate of Achievement Installation, Sanding & Finishing

Training School Class  2000-42,  3/2000

 

ADVANCED FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Institute of Flooring Specialists CERTIFIED INSPECTOR

Training Advanced Flooring Specialists Symposium

Included: Textile Performance Field Testing

Completion 3/2000

 

LAMINATE & ENGINEERED WOOD - L&N Inspection & Claims Training

Award, Formica, Pergo, Pickering, Universal, USA

Certificate Issued 8/1999

 

PERGO - PERSTORP FLOORING INSPECTION SCHOOL Claims Training

Product Knowledge - Independent Inspection School

Issued 9/1998

 

A.T.F. Conference / Symposium

Manufactures, Retailers, Installers, Cleaners & Insurance Claims Managers 1998

Forensisics & PHOTO COURSE

 

ACADEMY of TEXTILES & FLOORING Conference

DuPont, Interface, Laminate, Carpet, Cleaning, Concrete

Presented 2/1997

 

MANNINGTON

Advanced Vinyl & Laminate Inspection Training

Certificate Issued   3/1998

 

PERGO - Perstorp Flooring

Inspection & Claims Training School

Certificate Issued 10/1997

 

MANNINGTON

Authorized Resilient flooring Claim Adjuster

Certificate Issued 6/1997

 

ACADEMY of TEXTILES & FLOORING Conference

DuPont, Interface, Laminate, Carpet, Cleaning, Concrete

Presented 2/1997

 

A.T.F. Conference / Symposium

Inspectors & Claims Managers 1996

 

CIA Investigator-Washington Bureau Claims Settlements

Correction Consultation-Inspections Investigation-Adjusting Arbitration

June 1993

 

CERTIFIED REGISTRY

Carpet Inspectors Round Table

San Francisco 1993

 

L D  BRINKMAN

Stiles & Custom Building Products Installation Clinic

Completion 8/1991

 

CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSE

Studies C-54 Tile (Ceramic & Mosaic) #629440

Issued 9/1991

 

FLOORING & TEXTILE SEMINARS of America

Major Carpet Problems - Round Table

Update -90  Portland Oregon 8/1990

 

F.I.A. FLOORCOVERING INSPECTION ASSO.

Inspectors Symposium Hosted by DuPont

DuPont PLANT TOUR Newark, Delaware 1988

 

CALIFORNIA STATE LICENSE

Studies C-15  Flooring #54-66-54

Since 11/1988

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR REQUIREMENT SCHOOLS

Certified Inspector - Senior Grade

Issued 5/1986

 

FIBER-CLEANING SCHOOL

International Institute of Carpet & Upholstery Certification, Inc.

Certified Inspector Certificate of Completion 3/1986

 

CONGOLEUM

Sheet Vinyl Installation Traning

9/27/1984

 

Update to 11/2015

Pending additions

 

ADDITIONAL Certifications & Training

 

IICRC Institute of Inspection & Cleaning Restoration Certification-Senior Carpet Inspector-56905

 

Also certified by IICRC as a Master Cleaning & Textile Specialist & Master Fire, Smoke, & Water Damage Restorer, Carpet Cleaning, Commercial Carpet Cleaning, Odor Control,  Advance Spot Cleaning, Color Repair, Repair & Reinstallation, Color Repair, Upholstery Textile Cleaning Specialist, Rug Cleaning, Hard Surface Floor Cleaning Specialist,

Certified Floor Covering Installers Technical Inspector-Jim Walker

 

International Certification Registry-357

Certified Carpet Inspector

Advanced Flooring Specialists (Fred Gamble) Certified Commercial Carpet Inspector

Advanced Flooring Specialists (Fred Gamble) Certified Commercial Carpet Correction Specialist

 

L & N Services Certified Resilient & Laminate Floor Inspector

L & N Services Certified Hardwood Floor Inspector

L & N Services Certified Sink & Solid Surface Countertop Inspector

L & N Services Certified Carpet Inspector

Ceramic Tile Education Foundation Inspector Training -CTEF

National Oak Floor Manufacturer’s Association Training -NOFMA

National Wood Floor Association Certified Wood Floor Inspector-CP200805

 

Also trained by: Pergo, Formica, Alloc, Unilin, Bruce, Armstrong, Shaw, Mohawk, Congoleum, Mannington, CalFlor, Metro Floor, Tarkett, Witex, & Wood Floor Manufacturer’s Association  (NOFMA)

 

Memberships or training currently or in the past:

 

IICRC Certified Firm, National Institute of Certified Flooring Inspectors-Convention Update Training, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, & 2008, Flooring Consultants Inspector  Training Services Seminars & Workshops 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, & 2009, CCIA, Member Carpet & Rug Institute, World Floor Covering Association, IICRC Certified Firm, International Society of Cleaning Technicians, ASCR-Association of Cleaning & Restoration, Certified  Fabric Institute

 

Acton, Adelanto, Aerial Acres, Agoura, Agoura Hills, Agua Dulce, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Alpine Forest, Alta Loma, Altadena, Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, Angelus Oaks, Apple Valley, Arcadia, Arco Station, Arco-plaza, Arlanza Village, Arleta, Arnold Heights, Arrowhead Farms, Artesia, Arvin, August F. Haw, Azusa

  

Bakersfield, Baldwin Hills, Baldwin Park, Baldy Mesa, Ballard, Banning, Bar Code Term Annex, Barrington, Barstow, Base Line, Bassett, Beach Center, Bear Valley Springs, Beaumont, Bell, Bell Canyon, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Belltown, Belmont Shore, Beverly Hills, Bicentennial, Big Bear, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Bixby Knolls, Bloomington, Bodfish, Bonsall, Boron, Bouquet Canyon, Box Canyon, Box Springs, Boyle Heights, Bradbury, Bradley International, Brea, Brentwood, Briggs, Bristol, Broadway Manchester, Brookhurst Center, Buena Park, Bulk Mail Center, Burbank, Buttonwillow

  

Cabrillo, Cajon Junction, Calabasas, Calabasas Hills, Caliente, Calif City, California City, Calimesa, Camarillo, Camp Pendleton, Canoga Park, Cantil, Canyon Country, Canyon Crest, Canyon Lake, Capistrano Beach, Carpinteria, Carson, Casa Blanca, Casitas Springs, Castaic, Center Ave, Century City, Cerritos, Charter Oak, Chatsworth, Cherry Valley, Chino, Chino Hills, Cimarron, City Of Commerce, City Of Industry, City Ranch, Claremont, Cmp Pendleton, Colton, Commerce, Compton, Cornell, Corona, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Covina, Cowan Heights, Crenshaw, Crestmore, Crestmore Heights, Crystalaire, Cucamonga, Cudahy, Culver City, Cuyama, Cyn Lake, Cypress

  

Dana Point, Del Kern, Del Sur, Del Valle Finance, Desert Lake, Devore Heights, Di Giorgio, Diamond, Diamond Bar, Dockweiler, Dominguez, Dove Canyon, Downey, Dowtown Carrier Annex, Duarte, Dunlap Acres

  

Eagle Rock, East Highland, East Irvine, East Long Beach, East Los Angeles, East Rancho Dominguez, Echo Park, Edendale, Edward, Edwards, Edwards Air Force Base, El Mirage, El Monte, El Segundo, El Sereno Car, El Toro, Elizabeth Lake, Encino, Etiwanda

  

Fair Oaks Ranch, Fairmont, Fallbrook, Fallsvale, Farmer Market, Federal, Fellows, Fillmore, Firestone Park, Flint, Flintridge, Fontana, Foothill Ranch, Forest Falls, Fort Macarthur, Fountain Valley, Four Corners, Foy, Frazier Park, Fremont Valley, Friendly Valley, Ft Macarthur, Fullerton

  

Garden Grove, Gardena, Gaviota, Gilman Hot Springs, Glassell, Glassell Park, Glendale, Glendale Galleria, Glendora, Golden Hills, Goleta, Gorman, Granada Hills, Grand Terrace, Green, Green Valley, Greenacres, Greenmead, Griffith

 

Hacienda Heights, Hancock, Hansen Hills, Harbor City, Hardman Center, Havilah, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hazard, Helendale, Hemet, Hermosa Beach, Hesperia, Hi Vista, Hidden Hills, Hidden Valley, Highland, Highland Park, Hinkley, Hodge, Holiday, Holly Park, Hollywood, Homeland, Huntington, Huntington Beach, Huntington Park

  

Indian Hills, Inglewood, Irvine, Irwindale, Isla Vista

  

Juniper Hills, Jurupa

  

Kagel Canyon, Keene, King, Kramer Junction

  

La, La Canada, La Canada Flintridge, La Conchita, La Crescenta, La Habra, La Habra Heights, La Habra Hts, La Mirada, La Palma, La Puente, La Tijera, La Tuna Canyon, La Verne, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Balboa, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Elsinore, Lake Forest, Lake Hughes, Lake Isabella, Lake Los Angeles, Lake Sherwood, Lake View Terrace, Lakeview, Lakewood, Lamirada, Lamont, Lancaster, Lane, Lawndale, Lb, Lebec, Leimert Park, Lennox, Leona Valley, Lincoln Heights, Littlerock, Lk Elsinore, Llano, Lockhart, Loma Linda, Lomita, Long Beach, Long Beach Shared Firm, Loraine, Los Alamitos, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Afb, Los Feliz, Los Nietos, Lucerne Valley, Lugo, Lynwood, Lytle Creek

  

Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Mar Vista, March Afb, March Air Reserve Base, Maricopa, Marigold, Marina Del Rey, Marine Corp Base, Market, Maywood, Meiners Oaks, Menifee, Mentone, Mesa Center, Metler Valley, Mettler, Midway City, Mint Canyon, Mira Loma, Miracle Mile, Mirada, Mission Hills, Mission Viejo, Modjeska, Modjeska Canyon, Mojave, Monarch Bay, Monarch Beach, Monolith, Monrovia, Montclair, Monte Nido, Montebello, Montecito, Monterey Park, Montrose, Moorpark, Moreno, Moreno Valley, Mount Wilson, Mountain Home Village, Mountain Mesa, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Muscoy, Mv

  

N Hollywood, Naples, Neenach, New Cuyama, Newbury Park, Newhall, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Norco, North Hills, North Hollywood, North Loma Linda, North Long Beach, Northridge, Norwalk, Nuevo

  

Oak Glen, Oak Hills, Oak Park, Oak View, Oakwood, Oceanside, Ojai, Ontario, Orange, Oro Grande, Oxnard

  

Pacific Palisades, Pacoima, Palmdale, Palms, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Panorama City, Paramount, Pasadena, Pearblossom, Perris, Phelan, Phillips Ranch, Pico Heights, Pico Rivera, Pine Mountain Club, Pinon Hills, Placentia, Playa, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Point Mugu Nawc, Pomona, Port Hueneme, Port Hueneme Cbc Base, Porter Ranch, Portola Hills, Portuguese Bend, Preuss, Pumpkin Center

  

Quail Valley, Quartz Hill

  

Rainbow, Rancho California, Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Dominguez, Rancho La Tuna Canyon, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rancho Park, Rancho Santa Margarita, Redlands, Redondo Beach, Reseda, Rialto, Rimpau, Riverside, Robinson Ranch, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Romoland, Roosevelt Corner, Rosamond, Rosemead, Rosewood, Rossmoor, Rowland Heights, Rubidoux, Rvsd

  

San Bernardino, San Buenaventura, San Clemente, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Jacinto, San Juan Capistrano, San Luis Rey, San Marino, San Pedro, Sand Canyon, Sandberg, Sanford, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Santa Susana, Santa Western, Santa Ynez, Saratoga Hills, Saticoy, Saugus, Seal Beach, Sepulveda, Seven Oaks, Shadow Hills, Shafter, Sherman Oaks, Sherman Village, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, Signal Hl, Silver Lake, Silver Lakes, Silverado, Simi Valley, Sleepy Valley, Smiley Heights, Soboba Hot Springs, Solvang, Somis, South, South El Monte, South Gate, South Laguna, South Main, South Pasadena, South San Gabriel, Spring Valley Lake, Stallion Springs, Stanton, Starlight Hills, Stevenson Ranch, Studio City, Sugarloaf, Sun City, Sun Valley, Sun Village, Sunkist, Sunland, Sylmar

  

Taft, Tarzana, Tehachapi, Temecula, Temple City, Terminal Island, Textile Boxes, Textile Finance, Thousand Oaks, Three Points, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Torrance, Trabuco, Trabuco Canyon, Trabuco Cyn, Tropico Village, Tujunga, Tustin

  

Ucsb Student Dorm Boxes, Univ Of Ca Santa Barbara, Universal City, Upland

  

Val Verde, Valencia, Valley Village, Valyermo, Van Nuys, Venice, Ventura, Verdemont, Vermont, Vernon, Veterans Admin, Veterans Administration, Victorville, View Park, Villa Park, Village, Vista Del Mar

  

Wagner, Walnut, Walnut Park, Weldon, West Adams, West Covina, West Hills, West Hollywood, West Los Angeles, West Toluca Lake, Westchester, Westlake Village, Westminster, Westvern, Whittier, Wilcox, Wildomar, Willow Springs, Wilmington, Wilshire-la Brea, Wilsona Gardens, Winchester, Windsor Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills, Wrightwood

  

Yorba Linda, Yucaipa, and vicinities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERT DEFINITIONS:

 

CERTIFIED INSPECTOR:

• F.C.I.S.-CA  is CERTIFIED by independent, accredited certification bodies recognized by the industry or profession, in which the inspector applies his knowledge and investigative skills.
• F.C.I.S.-CA Investigates, evaluates and provides written and/or oral opinions regarding his findings that assist his commissioned client to reach decisions regarding a perceived or actual problematic condition.

 

CONSULTANT:

• F.C.I.S.-CA is a recognized expert, in a specialized field of endeavor, who provides counsel to his clientele regarding matters pertaining to his field of expertise. Some consultants may or may not be licensed. F.C.I.S.-CA is licensed and as a consultant, findings are "privileged communication" between the consultant and the Attorney/client.

 

EXPERT WITNESS: Federal Rules of Evidence, Rule 702 defines an F.C.I.S.-CA

• Expert Witness as: EXPERT: "A person displaying special or knowledge arrived from training or experience"
•  

WITNESS: "One who has an acquired a personal knowledge of something".

• Once F.C.I.S.-CA consultant has been "designated as an expert"' in a legal matter, all of the consultants relative case files are open to "discovery" by the opposing attorney.

 

F.C.I.S.-CA EXPERT WITNESS: JOB DESCRIPTION

• F.C.I.S.-CA Physically investigates and reads available documentation pertaining to the conditions and situations that F.C.I.S.-CA has been retained to evaluate.
• F.C.I.S.-CA gather all necessary information in the form of, reports from others, photos, videotape, diagrams, plans and specifications that are necessary to reach an accurate assessment of all conditions that F.C.I.S.-CA will be required to testify about.
• F.C.I.S.-CA prepares all information so that it can be accurately organized and if required be transmitted to the retaining attorney or the client.
• F.C.I.S.-CA as needed educates the attorney/client regarding any and all aspects of your findings to ensure they have the most accurate and current information available to property evaluate the matter at hand. It will be necessary to provide your findings to the attorney or client at intermittent periods during the litigation process. This includes Deposition and Trial or arbitration testimony.
• F.C.I.S.-CA  is prepared to present your entire case file in an organized manner and provide your best testimony at deposition (under oath) before one or more opposing Attorneys.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   provides testimony (under oath) and your complete case file at trial. It is critically important that you are able to "paint a clear and concise picture" of the events, situations and conditions that you have observed during your investigation. It is your job to educate the judge and jury on the merits of your position and explain why your theories are valid and credible.

 

F.C.I.S.-CA LISTED EXPERT QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:

• Education
• Certifications
• Training and job history
• Specific need for your area of expertise

 

F.C.I.S.-CA SKILLS REQUIRED INCLUDE:

• The ability to speak intelligently, accurately, and succinctly in regard to any matter in your field of F.C.I.S.-CA   expertise. The ability to communicate, in writing, all of your opinions pertaining to your Findings. The ability to teach and educate your attorney and others in regard to your expertise and the pertinent aspects of the case, so he may select the appropriate questions to ask that enables the him to reveal F.C.I.S.-CA expertise and create a clear and concise mental picture of the case circumstances .
• F.C.I.S.-CA displays confidence in ability, credibility and is stubborn enough not to be intimidated by attorneys during aggressive direct and cross-examination.
• F.C.I.S.-CA constantly works at developing and maintaining credibility prior to and during any F.C.I.S.-CA investigation, deposition, trial or arbitration.  
• F.C.I.S.-CA expert/consultant plays an important role in litigation matters. F.C.I.S.-CA performs and the results of F.C.I.S.-CA investigation provides the basis for legal strategy in any litigation.

 

LAWYERS LOOK FOR

• Education and certification
• Experience
• Compatibility/Consultant/Attorney/Partnership
• Specific knowledge or unique area of expertise 

F.C.I.S.-CA JUSTIFICATION OF AMOUNT CHARGED

• Education
• Experience
• Scarcity of other experts in your field of expertise
• Prior experience - previous litigations

 

ROLE OF THE F.C.I.S.-CA   EXPERT WITNESS:

• F.C.I.S.-CA   accesses the trior of facts to understand the evidence; or to determine responsibility or fault.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   tells the truth that your evidence reveals.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   assists the trior of fact to understand scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge & evidence to determine fault in regard to issues at hand, it F.C.I.S.-CA   legal responsibility to reveal, in a truthful manner, all of the information that you are requested to provide.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   inspects, evaluates and determines the actual conditions both pro and con based on the facts as they are discovered and any industry standards and practices that are applicable.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   evaluates all facts and conditions pertaining to the matter and advises the attorney/client of their options for defending or filing of any plaintiff action.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   is typically prepared to develop extensive records consisting of written documents developed by F.C.I.S.-CA   and other parties pertinent to the case. This file will also contain physical evidence, photographs, videotape and tape recordings when applicable. The F.C.I.S.-CA   file is typically well organized to retrieve information for months or even years after the materials have been cataloged. F.C.I.S.-CA is certain to be questioned in regard to any relative document written, any previous testimony provided, and in all probability F.C.I.S.-CA   will be cross examined about any verbal opinions you have rendered that can be verified.

 

RULES TO FOLLOW:

• F.C.I.S.-CA   is professional dressed, "coat and tie is always worn at deposition or any court gathering".
• F.C.I.S.-CA   is completely prepared to present your opinions and evidence.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   always stays within the limits of your personal knowledge and area of expertise.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   studies the question before providing an answer.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   answers only questions that are asked, relatively without offering additional information.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   always is credible and truthful.
• F.C.I.S.-CA   does not argue with counsel.

 

TACTICS OF OPPOSING ATTORNEYS:

• Discredit personally and/or devalue the consultants area of expertise.
• Tries to point out lack of experience.
• Tries to make it appear that the expert is not qualified.
• Makes it appear that the consultant is attempting to represent yourself as an expert in too many areas of expertise.
• Attempt to draw you into providing information about the case that is outside the scope of your expertise.

 

WHY BECOME AN EXPERT WITNESS:

Positives:

1. Prestige

2. Excellent income potential

3. Challenging work

 

Negatives:

1. Highly pressurized work demands and time frames.

2. Attempting to deal in an organized manner with law firms that are generally unprepared and disorganized.

3. Long drawn out cases, many cases will take from 2 to 3 years to resolve, if they don't go to trial.

4. Substantial initial cash outlay for equipment and additional staff that may not be covered by the amount of the initial retainer.

5. Slow paying clients - be prepared to carry receivables from a minimum of 60 days to as long as 1 year. These receivables can often exceed $100,000.00.

6. Mandatory attention to excruciating detail. If you don't have the personal ability or talented staff that can perform this function you should not attempt to enter this area of endeavor.

 

METHODS OF LITIGATION:

• Deposition - The process where by one or more attorneys are provided the opportunity to question the F.C.I.S.-CA   expert (under oath) and revue the entire case file. F.C.I.S.-CA   is typically fully prepared to provide your best testimony at deposition because any statements issued in deposition will become bound in a document that will encompass all of your findings and will be the benchmark for your testimony at time of trial
• Mediation - a party selected jointly by plaintiff and defense that will work diligently with both parties and assist the negotiations that will enable both parties to reach an agreeable settlement.
• Arbitration - Plaintiff and defendant appear before a judge or a judge pro-tern (often a practicing attorney who does not necessarily have experience in the subject matter of that case). There are two kinds of arbitration. Binding and non-binding. In each case the arbitrator hears all of the evidence and reaches a decision. The decisions of non-binding arbitration is subject to appeal. Binding arbitration means the decision is final and must be accepted by both parties.
• Trial by Judge - All matters are tried before a single judge. Decisions in these matters are subject to appeal. Many small claims court actions are tried before a Judge or Judge pro-tern.
• Trail by Jury - Evidence is presented by plaintiff and defendant before a Judge and Jury. The size of the jury can vary from 6 to 12 people. These decisions are subject to appeal in a higher court. The emotional and monetary rewards derived from the performance of expert services can be extremely gratifying. If one has the people skills, is highly organized and motivated to become a success, the profession of providing expert witness services can be one of the most emotionally rewarding and satisfying careers in the job market today. Just remember, F.C.I.S.-CA is not a mediocre expert.  

 

THE PERFECT FLOOR

Quality of any type floor project depends on the type of material used, its intended environment, the installer’s education, his hands-on experience, passion for perfection, needed time for completion, and knowledge of care conveyed to the end-user.   The end of a Perfect Storm so-to-speak.   Calm waters are not always encountered throughout the process.   The experienced installer requires complete control and consentration over job-site environment, in order to perform his or her skills as per a work of art.   With time and experience, the want-a-be expert installer must encounter some pit-falls during his demanding learning-curve.   When the project falls short of perfect (beyond the specified product), is when the floor must be subjectively evaluated as to being within or not, reasonable acceptability relating to industry standards as generally defined. 

 

NOTE: Not all complaints fall within a particular written standard.

 

The complaint('s) are many times as many as the number of out-side objectors, or know-it-alls, who may have all chimed-in with their (professional or unprofessional) opinions and experiences.  This can be a major hump to get over, since the floor may be so near perfect, or nearest reasonable acceptability.   Well-done but not perfect projects can sometimes be deemed  with overall quality and within standards.   So, who is the one that finds a reasonably-experienced, arbitrator/consultant-inspector type.   The consumer may want to find an older local tradesmen or building contractor to privately find a solution to any  of the problems.   The installer should want to look for a reference from another who may have exceptionable confidence in a professional inspector/consultant.   In some case, all four participants in meeting might seem to create a party for arguments, if this type of event is tried.  A 3-party assignment given to an outside expert must better be sold to the consumer first.  A pre-conference interview might be needed for all to agree on the event and its cost &  shared responsibility going forward.   Consultation between the two parties must be a pre-paid invitation for the qualified, experienced, un-biased, flooring-inspector to be present.   There are not many who I would trust to make that attendance, but there are a few.   If he or she can be found first, it goes a long way to expediting the solution in an equitable manner.

“Over-thinking”, complex, on-site evaluations, is what we all well consider the definition of a flooring inspector. Our mental computer runs through possibilities formed by our experiences, and past analysis. Even some new ideas typically succumb to being absurd in practical ways. We may even contact our piers or associates for any possible different perspectives. Time of thought spent composing the reports seem to linger even after wetting the stamp. Unforeseen distractions can threaten “Over-thinking” to any assignment. Good inspectors, absorbed by thoughts of “Over-thinking” each investigation, have the most integrity for their honest recorded evaluations.  Inspection reports should also include what is not related to the cause of problem they are hired to investigate.