Services For Owners Corporations

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.

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 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.

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.

Identification of building issues or faults such as roof leaks, basement dampness and water leaks, handrail and façade deterioration.

After an inspection of the property, we prepare a detailed report, scope of works and cost estimate if required,

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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.