FAQ

As Publicly appointed and sworn expert for the metalworking trade, IWE welding engineer and VT2/PT2 tester I am regularly contacted on technical, organizational and legal issues in connection with expert opinions, inspections and approvals in metal construction. 
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

An expert is always commissioned if technical disputes or defects occur in connection with metal construction work - for example with: 

• Defects in stairs, railings, facades, balconies or steel structures 

• Disputes between client and metalworker 

• the acceptance of construction services or production parts 

• Insurance claims (e.g. corrosion, glass breakage, construction failure) 

• judicial proceedings, if a independent expert opinion is required 

I work for both Private client, Courts as well as for Insurances. 
The aim is always Objective, comprehensible and standard-compliant assessment of the facts. 

The costs depend on the Scope, level of difficulty and time required from.
In the case of private appraisals, invoicing is generally based on hourly or daily rates; in the case of court appraisals, invoicing is based on the Judicial Remuneration and Compensation Act (JVEG).

• Contact us (by telephone or e-mail)
• Brief description of the facts
• Inspection of documents or photos
• On-site appointment / inspection / documentation
• Preparation of the expert opinion or test report
• Discussion of the results
• I work nationwide - especially for courts, architects, engineers, insurance companies and building owners.

Depending on the case are helpful:

• Building and construction drawings
• Service specifications or workshop plans
• Photos of the damage
• Assembly protocols
• Invoices, order documents or correspondence

The more technical information is available, the more precise and faster the expert opinion can be prepared.

The duration depends on the scope and complexity.

• Brief examinations / statements: approx. 1-2 weeks
• Technical reports with test procedures: approx. 2-4 weeks
• Expert opinion: depending on the court's schedule

Urgent cases (e.g. preservation of evidence after damage has occurred) are Prioritized treatment.

Before each order you will receive a transparent offer with service description.

Non-destructive testing is used to Fault detection without material damage.
I test weld seams, surfaces and fasteners using certified procedures:

Test procedure (using the example of the PT2 penetrant test):

1. Cleaning the surface
2. Application of the penetrant
3. Application time (10-15 minutes)
4. Removal of the surplus
5. Applying the developer
6. Visual inspection under white or UV light
7. Documentation with photo and assessment of findings

The results are presented after DIN EN ISO 9712, DIN EN ISO 3452-1 and DIN EN ISO 17637 and are incorporated directly into the report.

The Public appointment and swearing-in is carried out by the Rheinhessen Chamber of Crafts and represents a State-recognized qualification represent.
It confirms special expertise, personal suitability and independence.

Publicly appointed experts are obliged under § 36 of the German Trade Regulation Act:

• independent and impartial to work,
• to the best of our knowledge and belief to inspect,
• exclusively according to the recognized rules of technology to evaluate,
• and Confidentiality for all orders.

The „publicly appointed and sworn“ seal of approval therefore stands for Highest professional and legal quality.

I provide expert opinions and inspections for:

• Courts and authorities
• Building owners, architects, engineering offices
• Metal construction companies and contractors

Insurance companies and expert colleagues

Further information: About me »

Cracks and pores on weld seams

Corrosion on stainless steel and galvanized components

Peeling coatings

Leaks in windows, doors and facades

Dimensional deviations, deformations and fixing errors

Insufficient preload on screw connections

Examples from practice: Case studies in metal construction