Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cadarn Services?

Cadarn Services Ltd is the trading name of David Darkin, a Chartered Architect (RIBA), providing professional architectural guidance and expert witness services to the construction industry.

Core services include:

  • CPR35 compliant expert witness reports
  • UK Finance compliant professional consultant certificates
  • Construction contract administration
  • Construction dispute support and expert determination
  • Land Registry compliant conveyancing plans
  • Party Wall Act advice and documentation
  • Schedules of Condition
What are David Darkin's qualifications?

David Darkin is a Chartered Architect registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). He holds professional qualifications in architectural practice and specialises in expert witness work, professional consultation, and construction contract administration.

He maintains full professional indemnity insurance of £2 million for standard projects, with larger cover available upon request for individual major projects.

What professional indemnity insurance do you have?

Cadarn Services maintains professional indemnity insurance cover of £2 million for standard engagements. For larger or one-off projects requiring additional cover, we can arrange supplementary insurance to meet specific project requirements.

What are CPR35 compliant witness statements?

CPR35 refers to Civil Procedure Rules Part 35, which governs expert evidence in English courts and sets out the duties of expert witnesses.

Our witness statements are prepared in full compliance with these rules and are suitable for use in:

  • Court proceedings and litigation
  • Dispute resolution and mediation
  • Expert determination
  • Professional negligence claims
  • Construction defects disputes
What is a Professional Consultant Certificate?

A Professional Consultant Certificate is a formal certification required by UK Finance (formerly UK Green Investment Bank) for construction projects requiring finance compliance.

It confirms that:

  • Professional architectural advice has been obtained
  • Design and specification standards have been met
  • The project meets required compliance requirements
What is a Conveyancing Plan?

A Conveyancing Plan is a technical drawing prepared to Land Registry standards that accurately shows the extent and boundaries of a property being bought, sold, or transferred.

It is essential for property transactions because it:

  • Must comply with Land Registry technical requirements
  • Clearly identifies the property boundaries
  • Is accepted by conveyancers and solicitors
  • Reduces disputes over property extent
What does construction contract administration involve?

Construction contract administration includes professional management of construction contracts throughout the project lifecycle, from award through completion.

Key activities include:

  • Ensuring contractual compliance by all parties
  • Protecting your commercial interests
  • Managing variations and change orders
  • Reviewing and settling contractor claims
  • Providing professional oversight and certification
  • Dispute resolution during construction
Can you help with construction disputes?

Yes. We provide expert guidance and professional documentation support for construction disputes at all stages and through all dispute resolution routes.

We support disputes including:

  • Defects and quality issues
  • Contract interpretation and breaches
  • Variation and delay claims
  • Professional negligence claims
  • Payment disputes

At any stage: negotiation, mediation, expert determination, or litigation.

What are Party Wall matters?

Party Wall matters relate to the Party Wall Act 1996, which regulates work affecting walls shared between properties (party walls and party structures).

We provide professional services including:

  • Party Wall Act compliance advice
  • Schedules of Condition
  • Party Wall Notices and documentation
  • Surveyors' awards preparation and review
  • Dispute resolution
How do I book a consultation?

You can reach us via:

  • Book a meeting: Use Microsoft Bookings directly on our home page
  • Phone: 01554 778 730
  • Email: David@cadarnservices.co.uk

We typically respond to enquiries within one working day.

Do you work on small projects or only large ones?

We work on projects of all sizes. Our services are scalable to your specific needs, from small residential matters to major commercial disputes and construction projects. Each engagement is tailored to your requirements and budget.