Substantial sums of money - one thousand million pounds a year, according to conservative estimates - are spent on remedying defects in buildings, and inevitably building owners are anxious to secure some redress for this enormous expenditure. This new book guides the owner of a defective building, his professional advisers, and those thought responsible for the problems through the entire sequence of events, from the first symptoms of trouble to agreed settlement, arbitrator's award or court judgment. It shows how and when to get specialist advice; explains the investigation of defects and preparation of experts' reports; and examines the pros and cons of arbitration, litigation and settlement negotiations.