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How we can help
Solutions to meet your objectives
At Hawkins, our aim is to provide technical and scientific assistance to our clients, whilst being approachable and remaining commercially aware. The following list provides examples of issues we regularly deal with, but please contact us if you would like to discuss specific requirements.
Cover and repudiation
Since the beginning, we investigated all types of incidents to assist our clients making tough decisions.
This can include whether a policy is applicable to a claim, whether warranties apply, how the claim has arisen, and if there is any third-party negligence involved.Â
Defending third party claims
Our experts are familiar with working for both Claimants and Defendants.
With our depth and breadth of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, we can investigate third party claims and review the accuracy of other expert findings and reports. Many of our experts have worked in the field and can provide insight on common practises, guidance, and legislation.
Fraud identification
With a vast range of knowledge and experience, our experts are adept at the identification and investigation of potential fraudulent cases.
Their evidence gathering and swift reporting can assist to help clients make decisions regarding cover and if necessary criminal proceedings.
Quantum
Our experts are experienced in providing headline costs for repair, mitigation, or alternative solutions.
We can also review the claimed quantum, to check it is reasonable. For example, one of our civil engineers was able to estimate the costs in a foundation dispute, showing that the Defendant’s method was not the only viable option at that price, and so the Claimant’s full claim was justified.
Recovery
We can assist with identifying third parties, who might be liable for your incident, and determining whether a recovery might be possible.
Our experts are trained as expert witnesses and can provide support to a case throughout a recovery process if required.
Risk assessment & management
Hawkins takes a realistic, common-sense approach when assisting our clients to identify and implement practicable steps to reduce risks on their sites.
Having experience of what can go wrong allows us a unique perspective when advising our clients to help prevent similar losses occurring in the future.
COMMON RELATED QUESTIONS
GENERAL
All our experts receive working at height and confined space training. In addition, we have several licensed drone operators, allowing us to reach difficult areas safely, which might be totally inaccessible otherwise, examples of this include sink holes, or buildings at risk of collapse.
Hawkins’ reports are tailored to meet the requirements of our clients. For domestic insurance claims, a brief screening service report after the site visit may be sufficient. If the investigation requires a more detailed investigation, i.e. involving laboratory examination or reviewing documents and records, then a Preliminary Appraisal report is provided. For litigation cases, Hawkins can prepare a full expert report that is compliant with part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
Absolutely. Our investigations often uncover crucial historical information such as aerial and satellite imagery, documents submitted with planning and building control applications, records from public authorities, news reports and archived manufacturer’s installation and maintenance manuals.
FIRE
Whilst there are situations where an investigation will not be viable, often more evidence remains than might be obvious to the untrained eye. For example, in the past our experts have been able to find traces of petrol in a room that appears to have been burnt out, or they have recovered components from a faulty dishwasher in a warehouse that had been reduced to a shell. We’re always happy to offer free advice and will tell you quickly if a building has sustained too much damage for an investigation to be possible.
Hawkins has over 40 years of experience in fire investigations, determining where and how a fire started.  Using principles of fire spread, an understanding of fire behaviour and other techniques such as arc mapping and electrical fuse operation, we can create a picture of the sequence of events, allowing us to identify the seat of the fire and the likely causes.
ESCAPES OF FLUID
Yes. We regularly investigate escape‑of‑water, gas or fluid incidents after emergency repairs have been carried out. If the original fitting or pipe section has been replaced and kept, this provides the clearest evidence. But even when repairs have already been made, we can often examine the repaired parts in the laboratory and identify how the failure originally occurred. Any photographs taken of the failed joint before the repair, these can also help support the investigation.Â
We assess both the physical evidence and the wider context, including maintenance history and how the system was being used. Signs such as unusual damage patterns, inconsistent failure mechanisms, or discrepancies in reported timelines can indicate negligence or intentional damage. Laboratory analysis helps provide objective, evidential findings.
Often, yes. Detailed examination allow us to determine whether the issue arose from incorrect installation, a manufacturing defect, or external factors such as freezing or chemical attack. We compare what we find against recognised industry standards and manufacturer specifications.
Laboratory examination techniques reveal features that aren’t visible during a site inspection, such as fracture patterns, corrosion products, or manufacturing irregularities. This helps us determine whether the failure was caused by stress, fatigue, corrosion, contamination, or a defective component. Testing of a laboratory-made joint using the incident fitting, and/or an exemplar fitting, can demonstrate the performance of the joint under water pressure.
Yes, and often this can be very effective. The forensic investigator would ideally want to examine and photograph the leak location before any repair is made, but will also be able to take away the incident components that are being replaced as part of the emergency repairs. In some cases, the emergency repair may stop the immediate risk from the water leak, but a subsequent visit from a plumber is also necessary, for example to remove and replace larger appliances, or to fully repair inaccessible pipework. Hawkins may also need to return to the property when this subsequent visit is made.
Leaks can arise from failed joints, burst pipes due to freezing, corrosion of metal pipework, chemical degradation of plastic parts, defective materials or components, excessive stresses on the pipe joint such as vibration or bending, or poor installation practices. Water leaks can also originate from fixtures such as taps and valves, water cisterns and cylinders, kitchen appliances, boilers, roofing elements, or bathroom and kitchen seals. A forensic investigation focuses on pinpointing exactly where and why the leak started.
In many cases, yes. We can use staining patterns, moisture mapping, and the condition of surrounding materials to identify the source of the leak. Examination of any retained pipework or fittings helps us confirm whether a mechanical failure, corrosion or another issue was responsible.
You should:
- Turn off the water supply. The water stop valve is often under a kitchen cupboard, but if the one inside the property cannot be found, there is usually an alternative stop valve in the street outside. Also isolate the electrics in affected areas.
- Record the scene with photographs or video.
- Make sure that any relevant items such as failed components or sections of pipework are not thrown away.
Arranging an expert visit as early as possible helps preserve evidence, before repairs or drying-out reduces what can be learned.
Any retained components, photos and videos, repair invoices, component or appliance installation instructions, and maintenance records are particularly important. Reports from emergency services or contractors, as well as witness accounts, can also help establish an accurate timeline.
Recurring leaks in a building can often indicate that there is a common root cause that has not yet been identified. A Hawkins investigation would seek to find the root cause(s) of the water leaks, in order to resolve the over-arching issue. A recurrence of an escape of water incident can also occur when poor plumbing repair work has been done following a previous leak. When this occurs, the two leaks may have different causes and investigating them as separate, but linked, events can be more helpful.
DIGITAL FORENSICS
Our cyber forensic team is experienced at extracting data from a variety of devices that have been involved in serious incidents. For example, it is often possible for them to retrieve CCTV footage from recording devices that have been moisture or fire damaged.
Yes, our digital forensics team are experts in examining the metadata properties of image and video files, as well as various other file formats, to determine when a file was created. Further information relating to the last modified date and time, device make and model, and GPS coordinates of a file can also be obtained from the file’s metadata properties.
It is possible to examine devices and files that are password protected due to the expertise of our digital forensics team and the suite of industry standard hardware and software we have in our toolkit. Some passwords are easier to crack, or bypass, compared to others. The skill and time required is very much dependant on the complexity of the password and the type of device or file it protects. We would suggest contacting our digital forensics team to discuss your enquiry so they can provide you with the most suitable and efficient options.
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
If the failure concerns structures at or below ground level (e.g. retaining walls, basements, utilities, roads, railways, tunnels, dams, slopes and embankments) then a civil engineer will probably be most appropriate.   A civil engineer will usually be chartered through, and a member of, the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). If the failure concerns complex ground-structure interactions then a geotechnical engineer, a specialist civil engineer, may be required. If the failure concerns a structure above ground (e.g. a residential, commercial or industrial building, tower, freestanding wall, bridge) or specific elements of such a structure (e.g. cladding and facades) then a structural engineer will probably be most appropriate. A structural engineer may either be chartered through the ICE or through the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).  In other words, what is most important is the engineer’s experience and expertise, rather than the specific institution they are a member of.
Hawkins Built Environment team has a large team of civil, structural and geotechnical engineers, along with further specialists such as fire engineers, acousticians, hydrologists and architects. If you are unsure of what type of engineer you need, feel free to contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help you.
Hawkins’ Geotechnical Engineers specialise in the investigation of soil-structure interactions including shallow and deep foundations, tunnels, basements, slopes and embankments. Our geotechnical engineers have Masters’ degrees in soil mechanics as well as on-site experience of site investigations and site supervisions
This depends on the nature of the defect and whether it was designed by an engineer or an architect. If you need a defect investigated, we can offer you free impartial advice to help guide you to understanding what type of investigation is most appropriate.
This depends on the nature of the defect and whether it was designed by an engineer or an architect. If you need a defect investigated, we can offer you free impartial advice to help guide you to understanding what type of investigation is most appropriate.
Geotechnical Engineering
Ground movement can occur for a number of reasons and does not always indicate a serious problem. Settlement (downward movement) commonly happens when extra weight is placed on the ground, such as from new buildings or extensions, or when groundwater levels fall and the soil compresses. Heave (upward movement) usually occurs when the ground is unloaded, for example due to excavations nearby. Importantly, the cause of heave does not need to be directly beneath the affected property; adjacent activities can still have an impact. Lateral (sideways) movement of the ground is most often associated with excavations, that are not adequately supported, particularly where they are close to existing buildings. In some cases, ground movement can have more complex causes, such as subsidence, slope instability, or the effects of historic ground conditions.
Subsidence is the downward movement of the ground beneath a building or associated asset, not associated with the weight of the building, which can lead to cracking, distortion, or structural damage. It can occur for several reasons. In clay soils, subsidence is often linked to shrinkage during prolonged dry weather or the presence of trees and large shrubs, which remove moisture from the ground. Subsidence may also be caused by leaking drains, historic mining activity, or the dissolution of soluble ground, such as chalk or limestone, beneath the surface. Identifying the true cause is essential, as different causes require very different solutions.
Retaining walls can become stressed over time due to changes in loading, drainage or surrounding ground conditions. Early warning signs include leaning, bulging, sliding or settlement, all indicating the wall is no longer resisting ground pressure effectively. Common triggers of retaining wall failures include:
- Increased loading behind the wall (e.g., landscaping, stored materials, nearby construction)
- Poor or blocked drainage, allowing water pressure to build up
- Changes to surface levels or runoff, such as new paving or regrading that redirects water
- Walls located on slopes or drops in level, which increases sensitivity to ground movement
Structures close to slopes, including walls, patios, sheds, fences, driveways, and parts of buildings, can be affected by slope movement, leading to cracking, tilting or settlement. Even if the movement appears only at the base of the slope, the failure plane can extend much further upslope, meaning upper areas may be impacted without obvious early signs.
Ground movement is not always obvious, but it often shows up through changes to a property. Common signs include:
- Cracks appearing or widening in walls
- Doors or windows becoming difficult to open or close
- Sloping or uneven floors, paths, or driveways
Some of these changes may be purely cosmetic. However, ongoing or progressive movement can lead to more serious structural problems if not properly assessed.
The most important step is to understand why the movement is occurring. This is not always straightforward and requires experience and careful assessment. Ground movement can be seasonal or intermittent, so monitoring over time is often necessary to determine whether movement is ongoing or has stabilised. Seeking expert advice at an early stage can help identify the cause, avoid unnecessary repairs, and ensure that any remedial work is appropriate and proportionate.
Slopes, whether natural, landscaped, or engineered, behave differently from flat ground. Even small changes such as soil removal, added weight, or altered drainage can reduce stability and lead to ground movement or localised slippage. Key factors influencing slope stability and red flags to look for include:
- Downhill ground movement
- Steeper slopes have a stronger natural tendency to move, and disturbing the lower part (toe) through erosion or excavation can remove essential support
- Cracks forming at the crest
- New cracks (known as scarps) at the top of the slope are often the first visible indicators of instability
- Changes in water or drainage conditions
- Heavy or prolonged rainfall, blocked drains, redirected runoff, and leaking pipes can saturate the soil, reduce its strength, and trigger slope movement
- Subtle early deformation
- Gradual movement may present as leaning fences, bulging ground or uneven patches partway down the slope, often long before major failure occurs
Architecture
Design errors can lead to various issues which can affect a buildings fire safety, its structural stability and ability to withstand inclement weather conditions. In addition, errors during the design stage such as a lack of coordination across disciplines, incorrect detailing or ambiguous specifications can negatively affect the construction stage of a building. Our experts review architectural drawings, specifications, regulatory compliance and the as-built condition. They analyse the design and the construction to ascertain if issues that arise are attributable to negligent design or workmanship. They also review changes in the design to consider if they are valid variations to the contract.
HYDROLOGY & FLOODING
Not necessarily. There are often other factors involved such as poorly designed/installed/maintained waterproofing or drainage infrastructure. We can identify these issues and undertake specialised analysis such as hydraulic modelling to assess the return period of the rainfall/flood event and determine whether or not the damage would have occurred in any event.
Yes. Industry standards recommend protective measures such as anti-flooding valves or pumps to prevent this from occurring.
ACOUSTICS
There is an international standard which describes an objective method by which audible alarms can be assessed for audibility. We can provide measurements of the alarm signal, and by comparing that with the ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the lister, can assess the likelihood that that alarm was objectively clearly audible. However, as individual hearing sensitivity differs from person to person, this must be taken into account.
Yes. Loss of good privacy between rooms is normally the result of poor sound insulation between the rooms or very low ambient noise levels. By producing high levels of ‘pink’ noise, we can usually determine the dominant paths by which sound is transmitted between rooms. We can also measure the ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the listener to determine how likely it is that a speaker will be overheard.
The answer very much depends on the cause of the problem. In some cases, the noise is a result of reflective room finishes, particularly the ceiling, which results in that ‘noisy restaurant’ environment that many people experience. In other cases, the problem is not high levels of noise, but rather very low levels of ‘background’ noise, which causes increased clarity of distracting sounds.
Normally this requires a combination of medical expertise and engineering expertise. We can provide the latter and determine how loud the offending noise was likely to have been and compare it with certain limits relating to hearing damage. We can do so by measuring the noise ourselves, or by carrying out research into the sound source and considering the environment in which the noise exposure occurred. The medical expert can use these levels, together with other information, such as the claimant’s audiogram, to determine if a noise induced hearing loss was likely to have resulted from the exposure.
