Services For Builders

If a building dispute can not be resolved then it may progress to VCAT, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, or to other jurisdictions such as the Supreme or County Courts. We prepare expert witness reports for these matters and attend the hearing to provide expert evidence.

This requires a detailed inspection of the property and preparation of a specialised report including scope of rectification works and detailed cost estimates.

We are often engaged by construction lawyers and property managers to undertake these types of reports. These reports may be prepared for either the owner(s) or the builder.

We provide detailed Construction Management Plans. These plans are often required by Local Council as a planning permit condition, prior to the engagement of a builder. We prepare these documents before a building contractor is engaged and the builder can adopt these when they are appointed. 

We can also assist a building contractor to prepare these documents in a format that will be acceptable to the Council and addresses all Construction related issues.

We act for both owners and/or builders who are required to serve Protection Work notices and adjoining owners who may have been served a Protection Work notice. 

We prepare all the necessary documents to issue Protection Works Notices for both owners and/or builders.
Protection Works are often required by the Building Surveyor as it is essential that the adjoining property is adequately protected before and during construction. We use our extensive building construction knowledge to ensure the construction methods are appropriate and properly protect the adjoining property. A detailed Protection Works proposal is less likely to end in dispute. 

If you are an adjoining owner and have been served Protection Works notices, we can review and assess the proposal and assist to provide a response within the limited time period.

Should there be a dispute between an owner and adjoining owner we can prepare an application to the Building Appeals Board where these matters can be determined.

We prepare dilapidation and condition reports on commercial and residential properties.

When building on or close to a boundary or an adjoining building it is necessary to undertake a dilapidation survey and report to protect against claims for damages. This report provides a written and photographic record of the condition of an adjoining building and its surrounds which can be used should a dispute arise.

This type of report is essential to record the existing condition of adjoining buildings before construction works commence and is provided to all parties. It can be relied upon should a dispute arise with the adjoining owner. 

We recommend this accurate and detailed report be prepared as part of reaching agreement with adjoining owners on Protection Works which may be required as part of a building project. We act for either the owner or adjoining building owner to complete such a report.

Dilapidation reports are a risk management tool and can mitigate against future claims which can be frustrating, costly and time consuming for property owners and builders. 

If you’re concerned about managing your client risk and would like the peace of mind provided by an independent, experienced building consultant before you commence building, call us now on 9429 4476.

We inspect new homes and buildings at completion and prior to handover. We will identify defective and incomplete works and prepare a report to accurately describe the works that will need to be rectified. 

We can also undertake progressive inspections during the course of the build.

We inspect building projects to identify poor workmanship, departure from contract drawings or a failure to construct the work in accordance with the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standards.

We can assist you to respond to a Building Defect Report, prepared by an owner/client. This involves an onsite inspection of the works and a report. We can assess the proposed Scope of Works and a cost estimate.

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