When a building dispute escalates to legal or tribunal proceedings, clarity and credibility are paramount. Our Expert Witness Reports are meticulously prepared to provide independent, court-ready evidence that supports informed decision-making and withstands cross-examination.
We are typically engaged by solicitors, insurers, Owners Corporations, and individuals involved in disputes relating to:
Non-compliance with building contracts
Breaches of lease or sale agreements
Defective or incomplete work
Each report is tailored to the specific jurisdiction and matter at hand, in line with the required court or tribunal practice notes. We address client-posed questions with detailed observations, supported by:
On-site assessments
Referenced findings against relevant contracts, codes, and legislation
Attribution of responsibility
Recommendations for rectification
Cost estimations or quantification of loss
What sets our reports apart is the clarity and depth of analysis. We don’t just document what’s wrong—we explain why it’s a breach, who is responsible, and what needs to happen to put it right.
Our reports are written in language that is easily understood by clients and persuasive to legal and tribunal professionals. We ensure the report’s purpose—whether advisory, mediatory, or evidentiary—is always front of mind.
Our Defect Reports clearly identify building issues—from construction defects to maintenance concerns—and provide unbiased, professional insight to support resolution.
Who it’s for:
Property owners, Owners Corporations and Manager needing clarity on liability, workmanship, or incomplete works.
What’s included:
A site-based assessment with photos, descriptions, and responsibility attribution
References to applicable building codes or contractual obligations
Options for VCAT-compliant reports (detailed with scopes and costings), or non-compliant reports (streamlined for internal use or builder engagement)
Whether you’re preparing for formal proceedings or simply seeking clarity, we deliver structured, evidence-based reports that get to the point—so you can act with confidence.
Our Injury Reports support legal professionals by providing a clear, expert assessment of whether a building element may have contributed to a personal injury. We inspect the relevant area to determine:
Applicable building codes or standards
Whether those standards were met at the time of construction
We also comment on critical safety considerations, such as whether the element was fit for purpose, safe for use, or if preventative measures could have mitigated the risk. These reports draw upon building codes, manufacturer guidelines, to form a reliable foundation for legal argument or mediation.
Our Condition Reports provide a detailed visual record of a commercial property’s condition at the commencement of a lease. These reports serve as critical evidence in protecting both parties’ interests throughout the lease term.
For the Lessee:
Ensure you’re not held responsible for pre-existing damage at the end of your lease.
For the Lessor:
Document the property’s starting condition to help ensure it is returned in comparable form—whether the lease spans 5, 10, or 15 years.
Photographic evidence and clear commentary offer clarity, transparency, and peace of mind for all stakeholders.
Our Table Defect Reports are a practical tool for Owners Corporations and commercial property managers seeking clarity around building issues—without the complexity of legal proceedings.
We identify and list defects, incomplete work, maintenance issues, and general wear and tear in a structured, itemised format. Each entry includes:
Location and description of the issue
Supporting photographs
Responsibility for rectification
Reference to the relevant building standard or code (for defect items)
These reports are especially helpful where responsibility is unclear or shared among multiple parties.
Unlike formal expert witness or VCAT-compliant reports, Table Defect Reports are intended for internal use and dispute avoidance. They do not include legal statements, detailed costings, or narrative commentary. However, general repair estimates may be included by category to assist with budgeting (e.g., Plumbing, Landscaping).
This format is similar to a handover list at project completion—clear, focused, and easy to act on.
Our Long-Term Maintenance Plans are comprehensive, legislatively compliant documents prepared in accordance with the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Sections 36 & 39) and Owners Corporations Regulations 2018. These reports form the financial and operational backbone of responsible property management for Owners Corporations and Body Corporate Committees.
Each plan outlines:
Major capital items likely to require repair or replacement over a 10-year period (or custom timeframe)
Current condition of those items at the time of inspection
Projected timeframes for repair or renewal
Estimated costings for each line item
Expected lifespans post-repair or replacement
Visual forecasts of spending milestones to aid with levy planning
These reports help Owners Corporations justify levies, plan future works with confidence, and minimise unforeseen expenditure. Whether you’re managing a newly constructed building or an aging asset portfolio, a clear and tailored maintenance strategy provides lasting value, transparency, and peace of mind.
Received a building notice or order from council or a building surveyor? We’re here to guide you through the resolution process—with advocacy, clarity, and proven experience.
Who it’s for:
Property owners (residential, commercial, or multi-unit) who have received a building notice or order—often due to works carried out without a permit, knowingly or unknowingly.
What we do:
We manage the end-to-end response process, including:
Liaising with neighbours, council, consultants, and contractors
Coordinating building documentation, permits, and retrospective approvals
Scoping and quoting required works to satisfy the notice
Engaging engineers, draftspersons, or architects as needed
Our role is to simplify what can feel like a tangled process and advocate for your interests throughout. With a strong grasp of planning and permit requirements, we bring forensic insight, project management expertise, and a client-focused approach to help resolve matters thoroughly and efficiently.
Most engagements are long-term and involve regular communication to keep things moving and stress levels low.
If building works are proposed next door, it’s essential to know how your property will be protected. Our Protection Works Review offers a fast, expert assessment of the proposed methodology, helping you respond within the required timeframe and safeguard your interests.
Who it’s for:
Property owners adjoining a construction site—particularly when a Protection Work Notice has been received.
What we do:
Assess the proposed protection works, including engineering and working drawings
Conduct a brief site visit to understand context and potential risks
Provide a report within 48 hours that identifies gaps, oversights, and safety concerns
We evaluate critical issues like vibration, crane use, demolition bracing, access restrictions, and whether a dilapidation survey is appropriate. Our focus is to ensure the measures in place are complete, compliant, and genuinely protective of your asset.
We provide independent inspections at key construction milestones to ensure work aligns with approved plans, industry standards.
Typical stages include:
Slab Stage – Verifies correct set out, floor levels, and overall compliance after the concrete is poured.
Waterproofing stage – Review the waterproofing of all wet areas in compliance with building standards.
Frame Stage – Assesses wall, floor, and roof framing, alignment, bracing, tie-downs, and workmanship prior to cladding or insulation.
Lock-Up Stage – Confirms that external windows, doors, walls, and roof coverings have been correctly installed to secure the building envelope.
Pre-Plaster Stage (optional but valuable) – Reviews insulation, service rough-ins, structural fixings, and wall straightness before plasterboard installation.
Fixing Stage – Inspects internal elements like cabinetry, skirting, architraves, doors, and wet area supports for correct fit and finish.
Final / PCI (Pre-Completion) Stage – A comprehensive review of finishes, fittings, paintwork, fixtures, and functionality before handover.
Each stage inspection includes a written report with photos, observations, and clear.
Before construction begins, a Dilapidation Report provides an agreed record of the condition of adjoining properties—protecting all parties from disputes over pre-existing damage.
What we do:
We conduct a comprehensive survey of neighbouring properties, documenting all visible cracks, defects, and structural irregularities. The report is acknowledged by the adjoining owner before any protection work or construction commences.
Who it’s for:
Builders, developers, and architects
Property owners undertaking renovations, additions, or new construction
Contractors conducting excavation, piling, or demolition
When it’s needed:
Prior to works that may impact adjoining structures—including excavation, demolition, or underground construction.
Why it matters:
A properly executed Dilapidation Report protects you from unfounded damage claims and supports compliance with protection work requirements.
Turnaround: Reports are typically delivered within 7–14 days of engagement.
Independent building consultancy delivering precise inspections, reliable reports, and trusted expert insights.
0434 261 946
Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm