Expert Insight
Commercial Clarity

Independent advice built from first principles

Chris Potter Associates was founded in 2005. We’re a specialist firm of Chartered Surveyors advising on latent defects and construction insurance risks. Our team of Quantity Surveyors, Building Surveyors and Delay Analysts, brings experience from both contracting and consultancy backgrounds, providing a genuine 360-degree understanding of how buildings are delivered, where risks arise, and how problems should be resolved. We combine rigorous technical investigation with first-principles cost analysis to deliver clear, independent and evidence-based advice, supporting clients from initial instruction through to final settlement.

Expert Services

We are specialists in insurance property losses, and we have become a trusted partner to many insurers, lawyers and loss adjusters. Our multidisciplinary team provides complete end to end services from initial notification to settlement. We have particular focus on claims relating to Inherent Defects and Construction All Risks policies.

We follow a tried and tested 10 step approach to ensure the successful repair and resolution of Latent Defects Claims to newly built properties.

By raising the following questions, we can understand and evaluate and in turn, we expect to arrive at the root cause of the defect and the most appropriate course for repair and or reinstatement.

  1. What was originally designed?
  2. What has actually been built and how does this compare with what was originally designed?
  3. Is the ‘As built’ design fit for purpose?
  4. If the design is not fit for purpose, what might a new design include?
  5. Is the workmanship good?
  6. If the workmanship is not good is this the single cause of defect or is it contributory to a design that is also not fit for purpose?
  7. Are further explorative works required to get to the root cause of the defect?
  8. If further explorative works are required, what are these and how can they be carried out sympathetically to mitigate disruption to the occupant(s)?
  9. What do the explorative works tell us and is specialist testing required?
  10. What is the scope of repair or reinstatement and is it necessary to all areas or only isolated areas?

This allows insurers to:

  • apply the policy accurately,
  • ensure recovery options are not overlooked and;
  • policyholders to receive their entitlement.

We act as quantum and delay experts, typically in construction insurance claims.

Our work is built on a first-principles quantity surveying approach, supported by forensic delay analysis and real main-contractor experience within our team.

What makes us different is that we understand cost and time are inextricably linked. By combining quantum analysis, delay expertise and defects investigation, we provide a complete view of complex construction losses.

We drill down into the detail of labour, plant and materials, analysing both the true cost of reinstatement and the programme impacts on the project.

And whether we’re analysing cost or time, our approach is always the same.

We bring significant specialist experience in the commercial management of historic and listed buildings, having worked extensively across Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II properties. Our approach is grounded in first principles estimating, which is essential in the heritage sector where standardised cost data is frequently absent or unrepresentative. By interrogating each element of the works at a fundamental level, we produce accurate, transparent and fully substantiated cost assessments. This is particularly important when undertaking Value at Risk assessments, where limited or unreliable reinstatement cost data can give rise to underinsurance. Our methodology provides a clear, evidence-based position that can be confidently relied upon by insurers and stakeholders alike. In our experience, heritage projects require a depth of understanding beyond conventional cost management, encompassing the complexities of conservation, specialist materials, and sensitive construction techniques.

We provide Quantity Surveying and Project Management services for the decarbonisation of commercial buildings, with experience across leisure centres, office buildings and libraries. Decarbonising existing assets presents a complex set of commercial challenges, particularly where works must be balanced against operational constraints, building fabric and, in some cases, heritage requirements. Measures such as insulation upgrades, low-carbon heating systems and on-site energy generation are often highly project-specific, with limited reliable cost data available. We provide clear, reliable cost advice to support informed decision-making throughout the project. Acting as Project Managers, we ensure projects are well coordinated, delivered on time and kept within budget. This results in practical, cost-effective solutions aligned with funding and net zero objectives, supporting successful delivery at every stage.

Case Studies

Who we work with

Rsa Chubb Hsb Kennedys Canopius Liberty
Penningtons Woodgate Clark Dacb Hdi Starr Integra
Aston Martin Lv Ecclesiastical Clyde And Co John Fowler Devon
Axa Aviva Camden Castel Allianz Keoghs
Charles Taylor Munich Re Transre Zurich Qbe Generali