Services For Developers

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

Many clients approach us once the builder has commenced work with concerns regarding escalating costs, poor workmanship or the slow progress of the project.

We act quickly, to inspect your property and prepare detailed reports for you. No matter what stage your building matter is at, a Buildwise Projects inspection and report will give you clarity and identify critical and non-critical defects.

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 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 the builder will need to rectify. 

However, we recommend progressive inspections during the course of the build.

Many owners are not aware that many long-term building issues arise from poor building detailing and substandard preparation that is never inspected by the Building Surveyor. 

Many owners believe that the role of the Building Surveyor is to identify building defects, but they only carry out the mandatory inspections of the foundations, frame and final. There are a lot of works in the middle that they do not inspect. This is where our inspections are vital.

We act as a Project Superintendent under building contract. This is an independent role and ensures that the contract is properly and fairly administered. 
Under a traditional construction contract, the superintendent has two separate and distinct roles:

• to act as agent for the principal; and
• to act as an independent certifier.

We can prepare a fee for this service based on a review of the project. The Superintendent should be engaged before the building contract is signed.

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.

When a builder has died, disappeared or become insolvent an owner is often entitled to make a claim under the Builders Warranty Insurance. In most cases this is to the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority. Often the project is incomplete and has had ongoing delays. We inspect your property to identify all defective and incomplete work and prepare an expert report suitable for making a claim to the VMIA. These reports are professional and thorough to withstand the scrutiny of the insurer and their agents.

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 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 can inspect building facades and rooftops using the latest Drone technology. Our drone pilots are fully trained and certified to undertake this specialist work. 

If appropriate we will use a thermal imaging camera to assist with a range of inspections including

Inspection of wall , floor and ceiling insulation, water leaks, air leakage, infloor heating issues, radiator panels, core filling of blockwork and cement sheet and polymer formwork for structural walls in multi level residential buildings. Infrared thermography can also be used to inspect rooftop solar panels to identify issues.

Our inspectors are Certified Level 1 Thermographers and complete training with the Infraspection Institute.