Electrical counter-expertise
An electrical counter-expertise (in Dutch: contra-expertise) is a second, independent technical assessment of another party's report, such as that of an insurer's loss adjuster or a seller's expert. We test the findings and conclusions against what can be established technically, with our own observations and measurements.
Electrical installation specialists · our own measurements · assessment against NEN 1010
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Electrical depth
General loss adjusters assess many kinds of damage. We specialise in electrical installations, and we measure for ourselves what another report claims.
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When does an electrical counter-expertise make sense?
A counter-expertise makes sense when you disagree with the technical findings in another party's report: you believe the cause is wrong, the damage is dismissed as wear and tear, or the report draws conclusions without measurements or photos.
We read the other report, check the findings on site, take our own measurements and describe, finding by finding, where we agree and where we do not, with our reasoning.
- Assessment per finding
- Our own measurements
- Photo report
- Checked against NEN 1010
- Clear conclusion
- Technical supplement
Disagree with the insurer's or the seller's report? Have it checked technically.
Call 085 505 5457Situations where a counter-expertise makes the difference
The eight situations we see most often in practice.
Damage dismissed as wear
The cause is described as wear and tear or gradual deterioration, while you suspect a sudden event.
Claim rejected for age
The installation is called "too old", without it being clear what exactly was wrong technically.
Conclusions without measurements
The report describes what is visible but measures nothing. We add measurements on site.
The cause does not add up
In your view the damage does not fit the stated cause. We test the mechanism again.
Damage underestimated
Not every affected part was included. We record what technically also needs replacing or repairing.
Seller denies the defect
In a purchase dispute, the seller's expert claims the defect is recent. We assess that conclusion. About defects after buying →
Installer disputes a fault
In a dispute about work carried out, we check the installation and both sides' conclusions against NEN 1010.
Report too vague
Vague wording, no photos or no references to standards. We make clear what can and cannot be established.
How do we assess another report?
A counter-expertise is not one opinion against another. We work systematically, so every conclusion can be checked:
- Read: we analyse the other report and note every finding and conclusion.
- Check: on site, we verify whether the situation described matches what can be seen.
- Measure: we take our own measurements, such as insulation resistance and the operation of the RCD.
- Assess: for each finding, we judge whether the conclusion follows from the facts and from NEN 1010.
- Report: we describe where we agree, where we do not, and why.
Why seeing it for yourself matters
This overview photo comes from one of our investigations. A second assessment starts with the complete picture: the condition of the whole fuse box, which circuits are involved and what has already been removed or replaced.
Has the installation already been repaired before we arrive? Then we work with the photos in the first report, your own photos and any parts that were kept. Our report then states clearly what we observed ourselves and what we deduce from other material.
General loss adjusting and electrical counter-expertise
Both have their place. With electrical damage, specialist knowledge makes the difference.
| Electrical counter-expertise | General loss adjusting | |
|---|---|---|
| Specialism | Electrical installations | All kinds of damage |
| Own measurements | Yes, on site | Not always |
| Assessment against NEN 1010 | For every finding | Varies |
| Technical cause | Mechanism, step by step | Often summarised |
| Repair advice | Concrete and technical | Often expressed in cost |
Who pays for a counter-expertise?
With property insurance in the Netherlands, the insurer is in principle required by Article 7:959 of the Dutch Civil Code to reimburse the reasonable costs you incur to establish the damage and the payout. That can include the costs of a counter-expert.
Whether and to what extent that applies in your situation depends on your policy and the circumstances, so check with your insurer or broker beforehand. In a dispute with a seller or installer, different rules apply; your lawyer can advise you on those. Our price is on request: you always receive a price in advance.
How an electrical counter-expertise runs
- 1
Request
You send us the other party's report. We assess in advance whether a counter-expertise makes sense, and tell you honestly if it does not.
- 2
Inspection
Check on site, our own measurements and photo report. Where possible, with the other expert present.
- 3
Report
Our assessment of every finding, with reasoning and NEN 1010 assessment, usually within about an hour of the inspection.
- 4
Consultation
We explain the report in English and answer the other party's questions in a technical supplement.
What you can expect from our counter-expertise
Specialists
Electrical installations are our daily work, in homes and commercial buildings.
Honest advice up front
Is the other report right? Then we say so, and save you an investigation.
Finding by finding
No general criticism, but for each point what holds, what does not and why.
Usable in negotiations
A clear report the insurer, the other expert or your lawyer can use straight away.
Frequently asked questions about electrical counter-expertise
What is the difference between a counter-expertise and a second opinion?
In practice the terms are used interchangeably. With damage to an insured installation, the Dutch term is contra-expertise: a second expert who assesses the damage and the cause on your behalf.
Will the insurer pay the costs?
With property insurance, the insurer in principle reimburses the reasonable costs of establishing the damage and the payout (Article 7:959 of the Dutch Civil Code). Whether that applies in your case depends on your policy; check with your insurer beforehand.
How much does an electrical counter-expertise cost?
The price is on request and depends on the scope of the other report and of the installation. You always receive a price in advance.
Is the report in English?
The report is written in Dutch, because it is read by a Dutch insurer, loss adjuster or lawyer. We explain the findings to you in English. If you also need the report itself in English, mention it when you book and we will tell you what is possible.
What if the damage has already been repaired?
Then we work with the photos in the first report, your own photos and any parts that were kept. Our report states clearly what we observed ourselves and what we deduce from other material.
Can the other expert be present at the inspection?
Yes, and that is often sensible. Findings that are established together do not need to be disputed later.
What if you agree with the other report?
Then we tell you honestly, preferably before the inspection if the report is well substantiated. That saves you money and time.
Have the other report checked independently
Tell us briefly what happened and which report you have. We assess whether a counter-expertise makes sense and contact you about the price and the planning.
Recognised installation company
Recognised installation company
Request a counter-expertise
Related reports
Report for your insurer
Insurance claim
No report yet? Have the cause recorded for your insurer.
More InformationElectrical damage investigation
After damage
The full investigation into what went wrong technically, and since when.
More InformationDefect after buying a house
For buyers
Technical evidence in a dispute with the seller.
More Information
Doubts about a report?
Send it to us. We will tell you honestly whether a counter-expertise makes sense.
Call 085 505 5457