ii. Qualifications of experts

ii. Qualifications of experts 

Formal qualifications significantly impact the weight and reliability attached to expert evidence in water seepage litigation. While the court will not rule evidence inadmissible solely due to a lack of specific local certifications, evidence from experts lacking recognised professional standing is often viewed with serious reservation. 

Courts frequently rely on experts who hold the following formal recognitions: 

• Registered Professional Surveyor (RPS): Specifically in the Building Surveying division. 
• Registered Inspector (RI): Registered under the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) to conduct mandatory building inspections. 
• Registered Professional Engineer (RPE): Specifically in fields such as Building or Building Services. 
• Chartered Building Surveyor/Chartered Builder: Recognised international professional designations often held by senior experts. 

Highly regarded experts typically belong to recognised professional bodies, including: 

• Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS): A full membership is standard for building surveyors testifying in court. 
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): An internationally recognised professional body for surveyors. 
• Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE): For those providing engineering-based evidence. 
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): Often cited for expertise in building management and construction.