What a Construction Workmanship Expert Witness Does
Most construction disputes come down to a short list of practical questions. What was the contractor required to build? What was actually installed? Does the installed work meet the requirements that applied to it? If it does not, what will it take to correct it? A construction workmanship expert witness answers those questions from the perspective of someone who has done the work, supervised it and inspected it.
Paul Gaston brings that perspective from more than 30 years in the field. He started as a union carpenter, ran crews as a lead carpenter and foreman, managed projects as a superintendent, and since 2007 has served as a General Foreman for the City of Chicago Department of Aviation at O'Hare International Airport, directing more than 25 skilled trades on renovation, maintenance and finish work in a facility that never closes.
That background matters because workmanship opinions are tested at deposition and trial. An opinion that rests on how the work is actually laid out, fastened, sequenced and finished holds up better than one that rests on general impressions. Paul explains the method he follows so that counsel, the fact finder and the opposing expert can follow each step.
Matters Paul Is Retained On
Paul is retained on disputes where the quality of installed construction work is at issue. Typical matters include:
- New home and remodeling disputes involving framing, trim, cabinets, doors, drywall, flooring and finishes (residential workmanship)
- Commercial renovation and tenant improvement work, including subcontractor scopes (commercial workmanship)
- Allegations of defective or incomplete workmanship and the documentation that supports or answers them
- Questions about contractor supervision, sequencing and performance
- Repair scope and cost of repair for work that does not meet project requirements
- Insurance coverage and subrogation matters where the cause of a condition and the quality of the original work are disputed
He has been retained by attorneys for owners, homebuyers, general contractors, subcontractors and insurers, on both the plaintiff and defense side.
Who Retains Paul
Attorneys. Plaintiff and defense counsel in construction defect, breach of contract, warranty and negligence matters retain Paul as a consulting or testifying expert. He works within the deadlines and disclosure rules counsel sets.
Insurance professionals. Claims professionals, coverage counsel and subrogation counsel use Paul to separate defective workmanship from wear, damage and other causes, and to document what correction requires.
Property owners and homeowners. Owners who believe they received work that does not match what they paid for can contact Paul directly for an initial discussion. Where a matter is heading toward litigation, he will usually recommend that the owner involve an attorney so that the engagement is structured correctly from the start.
What Sets a Builder's Opinion Apart
Paul is not an engineer or an architect, and he does not offer structural design, engineering or architectural opinions. His opinions are those of a licensed general contractor and journeyman carpenter on how construction work is performed, supervised, inspected and corrected. In workmanship disputes that is often exactly the question in front of the court.
| Credential | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Licensed General Contractor, City of Chicago (active) | Opinions on how a contractor plans, supervises and delivers work |
| Journeyman Carpenter, Carpenters Local 10, since 1989 | Opinions on framing, carpentry, finish work and installation methods |
| General Foreman, Chicago Department of Aviation, since 2007 | Large-scale renovation, crew supervision and quality checks in an occupied facility |
| OSHA 30-Hour Construction Outreach | Jobsite practice and the conditions under which work is performed |
Prior matters include testimony at deposition and trial in the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois, an AAA arbitration hearing, and a deposition in a Wyoming residential construction matter. His current CV lists his testimony history.
Nationwide From Chicago
Paul is based in Chicago and handles matters throughout Illinois. He also accepts engagements in other states where the work involves construction practices within his experience, and has been retained in Wyoming. Out-of-state inspections are scheduled around travel, and document review can begin as soon as an engagement is in place.
To start, send a conflict check request with the party names and a short description. You can also download Paul Gaston's CV or review his engagement fees before you call.
