Coe and Company specializes in forensic construction consulting, construction defect investigation, litigation support, and expert witness testimony for an entire project or specific trades only as requested.

We assist attorneys, property owners, insurance carriers, developers, and public agencies in identifying causes of failure, evaluating damages, and providing clear, defensible technical opinions in construction disputes.

A forensic construction consultant investigates construction defects, design issues, and performance failures to determine what went wrong, why it happened, and who is responsible.

Our role is to provide factual, unbiased analysis supported by industry standards, codes, and specifications — often for use in litigation, arbitration, or mediation.

All professional work begins with a written Retainer Agreement or Engagement Letter.

After reviewing a conflict check of the parties involved in your case or project details, we provide a scope of work and budget estimate. Once the agreement and retainer are received, our investigation and analysis begin. Findings are delivered through reports and consultation as appropriate.

Rates and retainers are detailed in our 2025 Fee Schedule, which can be requested at any time. Typically, professional consulting work requires an initial retainer, applied toward final billing. Initial services typically require 15-20 hours of labor for a site inspection, travel, detailed report with photo documentation, and phone consultation with attorney and client.

Yes. Coe and Company provides independent, impartial evaluations and may be retained by either plaintiffs or defendants. Coe and Company has also been retained as a neutral expert by both parties at the same time as directed by the court or arbitrator.

Our duty is to the facts and the truth, not to any particular side, ensuring credibility in every matter we handle.

We have experience with a wide range of projects, including:

• Multi-family and single-family residential construction

• Commercial and public works projects

• Industrial facilities and processes

• Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and control systems (MEP/HVAC)

• Roofing, waterproofing, and envelope failures

• Civil site work, concrete, and structural systems

• Cost estimating and change order disputes

• Fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems

Yes. Lyle Coe has served as an expert witness in state and federal courts, providing testimony in depositions, arbitrations, and trials.

Our testimony is based on factual evidence, technical expertise, and adherence to professional standards of practice.

Absolutely. Many of our clients engage us early in the claims process — before litigation begins — to analyze technical issues, document defects, or support negotiation and mediation.

Early expert involvement often reduces overall dispute costs and leads to faster resolution.

We maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client materials, case data, and communications.

Information is shared only with authorized parties involved in your matter, and all records are stored and protected under our Data Protection & Security Policy. Non-disclosure agreements can be signed if required. Site photo documentation can be protected if it includes any valuable art work or personal property.

Coe and Company is based in Lodi, California, and primarily provides services throughout the Bay Area and central California.

Remote consultation and document review services are also available for other areas.

You can begin by submitting a Case Review Request through our contact form, phone call inquiry, or by emailing us directly.

Once we review your information, we’ll discuss the case details, engagement terms, and next steps.

📧 Email: lcoe1@att.net 📞 Phone: +1 (209) 403-8186