Construction Defect Liability Expert Witness

Washington and Oregon

Experience:

2000 to Present
Expert’s  Consulting Inc.
Seattle, WA

Owner/President
Offering professional consulting services and expertise in areas of construction defect and liability; including investigation, analysis and resolution of issues, property and structure inspections.

1998 to 2000
Bowie Electric Inc.
Issaquah, WA

General Manager
Manager of Purchasing, and Health and Safety
Operations Manager

Special Projects Supervisor responsible for all rigging, lifting, trenching excavating and concrete work

Quality Assurance Development      .

Primary responsibilities include the management and coordination of equipment and delivery of supplies to over 100 electricians on up to eight projects in three counties.

The establishment of a computerized materials and equipment warehousing and delivery program was key to lowering cost and improving efficiency.

1996 to 1998
Sound West Environmental Services Inc.
Seattle, WA

Project Manager
Provided on-site hazardous materials inventories, lead based paint inspections and risk assessments.

1992 to 1996
Sound West Builders
Seattle, WA

Owner
Owned and operated a residential general contracting company. The company built custom homes and remodeled single-family homes. The company also performed various excavating services utilizing backhoes and large track-hoes.

1991 to 1992
OSH Construction
Seattle, WA

Project Superintendent
Responsibilities included management of employee health and safety, project scheduling and project management. Key operating responsibilities included the ordering of all equipment, materials and supplies, hands on plumbing, electrical, concrete, siding, finishing, carpentry, earthwork.

1989 to 1990
Self Employed
Vancouver, WA

Sole Proprietor
Constructed floating homes, including the construction of log floats, framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, siding, insulation and trim out. Homes sizes constructed included one and two story homes up to 1,800 sq. ft.

1984 to 1988
White Construction
Dallas, TX

General Manager
White Construction is an underground excavating contractor for Southwestern Bell and Texas Power and Light. A construction and 24 Hour repair company with crews on a 24-hour a day response. Majority of projects were deep trenching and excavation to place large multiple conduit runs, manholes, and (CEV) controlled environment vaults.

Overall responsibilities included bidding and scheduling of projects.  Key operating responsibilities included design, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive safety program, direction of purchasing of all equipment and materials and on-site management of multiple projects. Peak demand required the management of up to 35 employees working on 5 to 10 different locations. Operated cranes for all lifting and setting of equipment projects. Removal and installation of landscaping and irrigation systems. Removal and replacement of primary and secondary electrical conduit, CATV, storm and sanitary sewers and water mains.

1976 to 1984
Teton Exploration Drilling Inc.
Casper, WY

Project Superintendent

Hired as raise bore drill operator. Qualified as hydraulic, electrical and mechanical foreman. Successfully tested numerous times as welder. Tested and certified and operated cranes. All terrain cranes to 30 tons. Lattice and hydraulic truck mounted and track cranes. Grove, P&H, Manitowoc, American and Lorain 30 – 150 ton.
Received Detroit Diesel Engine Certification from Central Indiana Detroit Diesel.
Promoted to Project & Drilling Superintendent. Responsible for all, surface and underground drilling and construction operations. Bidding, scheduling, purchasing, transporting equipment and personnel to projects in more than 13 states and 5 countries. Maintained client relations.
Maintained a zero lost time safety record for seven years. Projects operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Managed a project workforce of up to 65 employees. Worked closely with the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration in the drafting of new Federal safety regulations surrounding this new process for drilling vertical mine shafts. Consulted with Hughes Mining and Construction Company in Corsicana, TX and the Robbins Company in Kent, WA. Innovated many electrical and hydraulic system modifications.  Provided photography for company and industry publications.

Professional Experience

Expert has over 30 years experience in the construction industry. He is the founder and President of Construction Defect Consulting Inc. and has served as an expert witness in well over 200 claims. His expertise ranges from site development to construction defects and property damage assessments to building envelope investigation and analysis. His experience also includes lead-paint and asbestos investigation and consulting. Due to his general contracting background, Steven Bechtold brings invaluable expertise and knowledge in construction remedial work with respect to damages resulting from building envelope failures and water intrusion.

Memberships

AAMA – American Architectural Manufacturers Association
ACI – American Concrete Institute
ASTM – ASTM International
CAI – Community Association s Institute (Washington & Oregon Chapters)
ICC – International Code Council
NWWCB – N.W. Wall & Ceiling Bureau
RCI – Roof Consultants Institute
SBEC – Seattle Building Enclosure Council