Scott Cohen is a testifying expert witness, specializing in the swimming pool and construction defect world, with over 17 years of experience in depositions, trials, arbitration hearings, and mediations. Since 2002, he has been a California Contractors State License Board Industry Expert and has been a licensed contractor since 1989.
85
Cases
38
Depositions
8
Trials
Scott Cohen has been a construction defect expert witness in 85 cases, 38 depositions, and 8 trials/arbitration hearings and multiple mediation hearings.
As a licensed contractor for over 35 years, Scott Cohen has been conducting industry seminars on construction, design, and construction defects for more than two decades.
A licensed contractor and owner of The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools in Chatsworth, California, Scott Cohen has published 8 books on construction, design, and construction defects.
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Scott Cohen is the owner of The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools, which is based in Chatsworth, California and serves the greater Los Angeles area, offering high-end landscape design and builds.
Scott Cohen started as a licensed landscape contractor getting a Landscape Contractor C-24 license in 1989. He got his General Contractor B license in 1998 and his Swimming Pool Contractor C-53 license in 2000.
Since 2002, Scott Cohen has served as a member of the Industry Expert Program for the California Contractors State Licensing Board by inspecting and analyzing construction projects subject to complaints and by providing expert opinion and testimony about specific complaint items and accepted trade standards.
Scott’s expert witness practice constitutes less than 10% of his professional services with the remaining 90% devoted to his design and construction landscaping and swimming pool business.
Scott Cohen has experience providing expert witness testimony in a courtroom setting for multiple construction defect cases that have gone to trial.
Scott Cohen has given sworn testimony via deposition on over 38 occasions. He provides clear and persuasive expert industry information to help achieve successful outcomes for his clients.
In cases that have gone to arbitration, Scott Cohen has provided clear and convincing testimony for a fair and equitable decision.
Scott Cohen is experienced in the mediation process and his persuasive skills have assisted his clients in obtaining successful resolution of their matters.
Having worked in the landscaping and pool building industry for over three decades, Scott Cohen has presented numerous in-depth seminars at gatherings of industry peers.
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Having been in the landscaping and outdoor recreation industry for more than 32 years, Scott Cohen’s reputation as an industry leader precedes him.
Over the years his reach has extended into a variety of different areas.
In addition to his providing expert witness services, his comprehensive industry background has led him to seminar instruction, television appearances, book writing, and has earned him a number of prestigious awards, including:
Best of Houzz.com
Hayward Pool of the Year “Sheer Elegance”
Award of Distinction “Raindrops”
Best of Houzz.com
In his over three decades of experience in the landscaping and pool building space, Scott Cohen has gained a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. As a leader in the outdoor recreation industry, Cohen has translated some of this expertise into book form for others to pick up insider tips.
Cohen’s books cover a variety of subjects including, pool design, backyard design, outdoor fire features, and more. In his book, The Candid Contractor, Common Construction Defects, Cohen recounts the lessons he has picked up in his many years working in the industry and in his time spent as an industry expert witness.
Many California home improvement contracts fail to meet the state’s strict legal requirements — and the consequences can be severe. Drawing on more than 24 years as a CSLB Industry Expert, this guide breaks down the 19 elements every compliant contract must include, from proper font sizes to swimming pool project disclosures, and explains why a defective contract can leave a contractor unable to collect payment.
Starting January 1, 2026, California home improvement contracts must disclose whether subcontractors will be used on a project — and if so, provide their names, license numbers, and classifications upon request. SB 517’s amendment to Business and Professions Code section 7159 adds new Yes/No disclosure boxes to contracts and change orders. Contractors still using pre-2026 templates risk CSLB discipline — and for pool contracts specifically, non-compliance can render the agreement void and unenforceable.
Don’t let root invasion ruin your drainage system! Learn why professionals glue drain pipes and how annual hydrojetting keeps your backyard drainage flowing smoothly and damage-free.
