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Signs of Structural Defects in New Homes: What to Look For
A new home should give you peace of mind, but sometimes faults appear soon after completion. Not every imperfection is
Expert Witness
Reports
& Scott Schedules
Building Disputes NSW
Awesim Pty Ltd is a privately owned Australian building consultancy company established in 1996, who delivers effective and superior building dispute litigation reports for NCAT and NSW Courts.
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Building Consultants Specialising in Litigation Support
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Sydney, Tamworth & Tweed Heads
About Awesim Building Consultants
Awesim Building Consultants is an Australian building consultancy established in 1996, with more than 35 years of building and construction experience. Led by Glen Sim, Director and Building Consultant, Awesim provides independent expert advice to homeowners, builders, solicitors and strata managers across New South Wales. Our core services are Expert Witness Reports and Scott Schedules for building disputes, including NCAT, court proceedings and construction litigation matters. Through detailed inspections, evidence-based reporting and practical industry knowledge, Awesim Building Consultants helps clients understand building defects, resolve disputes and achieve informed outcomes.
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Let Us Help You With Your Building Needs
Whether you need an Expert Witness Report, Scott Schedule, or Client Side Project Management services, we’re here to help Contact us today for a consultation.
Our Locations
We have offices across New South Wales to serve you better.
Distance is no obstacle.
We provide services throughout NSW
Sydney CBD Office
Level 14, 309 Kent Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Bankstown Airport
2 Hartzell Place Bankstown Airport NSW 2200 Australia
Tweed Heads
Unit 9, 23 Enterprise Ave Tweed Heads NSW 2486 Australia
Tamworth
Unit 5, 17 Hawker Street, Taminda NSW 2340 Australia
Professional Building Consultant services covering all of New South Wales for your Building Dispute needs.
NCAT Building Expert Witness Reports
Awesim Building Consultants provides independent NCAT Building Expert Witness Reports for homeowners, builders and solicitors across New South Wales. Our reports are prepared by Glen Sim and are designed to assist the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal by identifying defects, non-compliant work, incomplete works and rectification requirements. We reference the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards, approved plans and contract documents to provide clear, evidence-based opinions. Whether you are making a claim or responding to one, our expert reports help present technical building issues in a format suitable for NCAT proceedings.
Scott Schedule Services
Awesim Building Consultants prepares detailed Scott Schedules for residential, commercial and strata building disputes throughout New South Wales. A Scott Schedule is a structured document used in NCAT Building Disputes, mediation and court proceedings to identify building defects, incomplete works, responsibility, rectification requirements and associated costs. Glen Sim, Director of Awesim Building Consultants, prepares Scott Schedules by assessing each item against the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, contract documents and approved plans. Our Scott Schedule services provide a clear framework to support dispute resolution and informed decision-making.
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Awesim Building Consultants FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide an obligation-free quotation before starting?
Yes. We offer an obligation-free quotation for your building dispute or Expert Witness Report. This helps you understand the likely scope, timeline, and costs involved before proceeding.
How much does an Expert Witness Report cost?
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The cost of an Expert Witness Report varies depending on the number and complexity of issues involved in your claim. As a guide:
– Site Investigation: $1,100.00 for the first hour, then $550.00 per hour thereafter
– Expert Witness Reporting: $1,100.00 per issue
– Scott Schedule Reporting: $550.00 per issue
– Expert Witness Conclave: $3,850.00 per day or part of
– Court or NCAT Hearing Attendance: $3,850.00 per day or part of
Document and report review, as well as travel expenses, may also apply. All rates include GST and are indicative only.
What is the minimum cost of a small claim?
For a small claim involving one hour of site investigation, one Expert Witness Report, and one Scott Schedule, the minimum cost is approximately $2,750.00 (inclusive of GST).
What is the typical price range for an Expert Witness Report?
Most Expert Witness Reports fall within the $5,000 – $15,000 range, depending on the scale and complexity of the matter. For larger claims (such as multi-unit or strata complex disputes), total reporting costs can exceed $600,000 in major cases worth $10 million or more.
How long does it take to receive the report?
On most occasions, an Expert Witness Report takes around 3–4 weeks from the date of the site investigation to prepare and submit. However, complex matters may take several months to compile sufficient supporting evidence.
When are site investigations conducted?
All site investigations are generally carried out between 7:00am and 9:00am on weekdays, unless prior arrangements have been made.
Do you require payment upfront?
Yes. It is company policy that all payments are made prior to both the Site Investigation and the commencement of the Expert Witness Report. This ensures the independence and objectivity of our opinions, keeping them neutral and unaffected by payment delays or disputes.
Where do you provide Expert Witness services?
We service all of New South Wales, including Sydney, regional cities, and country towns. Our consultants frequently travel to:
– Central Coast (Gosford region)
– Hunter Valley (Muswellbrook, Singleton, Scone, Newcastle)
– Mid North Coast (Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie)
– New England (Tamworth, Armidale, Gunnedah)
– Northern Rivers (Lismore, Ballina, Tweed Heads)
– Central West (Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo)
– South Coast (Wollongong, Nowra, Batemans Bay)
– Riverina and Murray Regions (Wagga Wagga, Albury, Yass, Young, Tumut, etc.)
We’ve even attended building disputes in Broken Hill, taking advantage of our proximity to Bankstown Airport for regional flights.
Why choose Awesim Pty Ltd for your Expert Witness Report?
With over 35 years in the Building & Construction Industry and 30+ years as an incorporated company, we bring extensive experience and credibility. Our Director, Glen Sim, personally manages most reporting requirements. He’s a qualified builder and accredited consultant with a trade background in Carpentry/Joinery and a Diploma in Construction Management. We are fully insured with Professional Indemnity cover and recognised by NCAT and the courts for compliance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct.
What is a Scott Schedule and why is it needed?
A Scott Schedule is a structured report outlining the specific issues in dispute — for example, defects, costs of rectification, or variations. It’s often required by NCAT or the Court to help clearly compare both parties’ expert opinions side by side.
What is included in the “Bundle of Documents”?
The Bundle of Documents is the complete evidence pack submitted to NCAT or the Court. It includes:
– The Expert Witness Report and Scott Schedule
– Building Contract and Plans
– Affidavit and Statement of Claim
– Chronology of Events
– Supporting evidence and correspondence
These documents must be tabulated, paginated, indexed, and provided in triplicate – one copy each for the Court/NCAT, the opposing party, and yourself. A well-prepared bundle significantly strengthens your case by helping the Judge or NCAT Member clearly understand the dispute.
What qualifications do your Expert Witnesses hold?
Our Expert Witnesses come from trade and management backgrounds in the Building & Construction industry. The company director, Glen Sim, is a qualified Carpenter/Joiner with a Diploma in Construction Management, a NSW Builder’s Licence, and accreditation as a Building Consultant.
Are your Expert Witness Reports accepted by NCAT and the Courts?
Yes. All of our Expert Witness Reports strictly adhere to the Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses and are fully recognised by NCAT and the NSW Court system. We frequently appear in both settings to provide evidence and clarification on our findings.
Can you assist with both residential and commercial building disputes?
Yes. We handle both residential and commercial building disputes across New South Wales. Whether it’s a home renovation defect, a strata dispute, or a commercial construction disagreement, we tailor the report to suit the nature and scale of the claim.
Do you work for both homeowners and builders?
Yes. We remain fully independent and are engaged by both homeowners and builders (as well as legal representatives or insurers). Our findings are impartial and evidence-based, ensuring that all reports meet court standards of neutrality and professionalism.
What happens after the Expert Witness Report is completed?
After your report is submitted, we can assist in conferencing with the opposing expert (Expert Conclave), attending Court or NCAT hearings, and providing clarifications or supplementary reports if required. We’re also experienced in helping clients prepare their Bundle of Documents for submission.
Do you charge for travel outside Sydney?
Yes, travel expenses may apply for site inspections outside Sydney or the metropolitan area. However, our team regularly travels across NSW, and we always provide an upfront estimate of any travel-related costs in your quotation.
What type of evidence do you need before starting a report?
Typically, we’ll ask for copies of your building contract, plans, correspondence, defect lists, and any photographic or inspection evidence you already have. This helps us assess the matter in detail and ensure that our site visit and reporting are comprehensive.
Can I use your report for insurance or warranty claims?
Yes. Many clients use our Expert Witness Reports for Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) claims, insurance disputes, or warranty issues. Our reports are designed to be compliant and admissible for these types of proceedings.
How do I get started with booking a Site Investigation?
You can contact us via phone, email, or the online form for an obligation-free quote. Once you accept the quote and payment is confirmed, we’ll schedule a site investigation (typically between 7:00am and 7:00pm on weekdays). From there, we’ll guide you through the process step by step.
Who is Awesim and how long have you been operating?
Awesim Pty Ltd is a privately owned Australian building consultancy, established in 1996. The business was founded by Glen Sim, who brings over 35 years of experience across the building and construction industries and more than 15 years providing litigation support to homeowners, builders, and lawyers.
What does Awesim do?
We provide independent building consultancy and litigation support, specialising in expert witness reports and Scott schedules for building disputes before NCAT and the NSW courts. As independent consultants, our role is to investigate impartially and prepare clear, evidence-based reports for tribunals and courts.
What kinds of building matters do you specialise in?
We focus on building disputes and defects, including waterproofing failures, structural defects, incomplete and defective building works, and construction litigation. Our reporting covers expert witness reports, Scott schedules, and quantum meruit assessments.
What areas do you cover?
We provide services throughout New South Wales, including regional and remote locations. Our offices are located in Sydney CBD (Level 14, 309 Kent Street), Bankstown Airport, Tweed Heads, and Tamworth, and we travel across NSW for inspections and investigations.
Who do you work with?
We assist homeowners, solicitors and legal representatives, builders and contractors, developers, property owners, owners corporations, and parties involved in insurance-related building matters.
What services do you offer?
Our services include expert witness reports, Scott schedules, and quantum meruit reports for litigation support, alongside client-side project management, contracts administration, and construction scheduling.
Why should I choose Awesim over another building consultant?
We provide independent, objective reporting backed by more than 35 years of practical building and construction experience., coupled with over 15 years of litigation support. Our reports are tribunal-ready, supported by detailed photographic and compliance evidence, and grounded in strong knowledge of the National Construction Code and Australian Standards. We communicate clearly and are prepared to travel across NSW to attend to your matter.
What building problems can you help me with?
We help with building defects, disputes over incomplete or defective work, waterproofing and structural issues, and disagreements that require independent expert evidence to resolve — particularly matters heading to or already before NCAT.
What outcome can I expect from working with you?
You can expect a clear understanding of your position, reliable independent expert evidence prepared for NCAT or court, and professional support aimed at resolving your dispute and protecting your interests.
What are your qualifications and experience?
Awesim draws on more than 35 years of building and construction industry experience, with strong working knowledge of the National Construction Code, Australian Standards, and NSW building requirements, plus extensive experience assisting in NCAT and construction litigation matters.
How much does an Expert Witness Report cost for an NCAT building dispute in NSW?
An NCAT Expert Witness Report in NSW typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, with a small single-issue claim starting at a minimum of about $2,750 (incl. GST).
Awesim Building Consultants publishes fixed, itemised rates: site investigation is $1,100 for the first hour then $550/hour,
Expert Witness reporting is $1,100 per issue,
and a Scott Schedule is $550 per issue.
Conclave or NCAT/court hearing attendance is $3,850 per day.
Large strata or multi-unit matters can exceed $600,000 on claims worth $10 million or more.
All rates include GST and are confirmed in an obligation-free written quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises. Reports are usually delivered within 3–4 weeks of the site inspection.
Do I need an Expert Witness Report for NCAT, or is a building inspection enough?
If your building dispute is going to NCAT or court, you need a formal Expert Witness Report — a standard pre-purchase building inspection is not accepted by the Tribunal. The two are built for different purposes: an inspection report flags general condition for a buyer, while an Expert Witness Report is prepared under the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, assesses each defect against the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and the Home Building Act, and states cause, responsibility, rectification method and cost for every issue so it can withstand legal scrutiny.
Awesim Building Consultants prepares these reports — with an accompanying Scott Schedule where multiple defects are involved — for homeowners, builders and solicitors across NSW.
Director Glen Sim holds a NSW Builder’s Licence and a Diploma in Construction Management, and the firm is fully insured and recognised by NCAT and the NSW courts.
Awesim Building Consultants prepares these reports — with an accompanying Scott Schedule where multiple defects are involved — for homeowners, builders and solicitors across NSW.
Director Glen Sim holds a NSW Builder’s Licence and a Diploma in Construction Management, and the firm is fully insured and recognised by NCAT and the NSW courts.
How much does a forensic waterproofing investigation cost for an NCAT dispute in NSW?
A forensic waterproofing investigation is priced the same way as Awesim’s other expert witness work:
site investigation is $1,100 for the first hour and $550 per hour thereafter, with additional reporting cost therafter.
Waterproofing matters often involve more diagnostic time than a standard defect inspection, because forensic testing — thermal imaging, moisture meters, dye testing, level checks for falls — is used to trace water pathways rather than relying on a single visual inspection. Glen Sim holds a Master Builders Association qualification in Waterproofing Compliance & Inspection, and assesses each defect against the relevant standard — AS 3740 for internal wet areas or AS 4654.2 for external balconies and decks — depending on the date and approval pathway of the original work.
All rates are GST-inclusive and confirmed in an upfront written quote before any site work begins.
My bathroom or balcony is leaking — how do I know if it's actually a waterproofing defect?
Not every leak is caused by a failed membrane. A wet skirting board, water-stained ceiling or damp wall can also be caused by a leaking pipe, blocked drainage, rising damp, poor external ground levels or water tracking from an unrelated part of the building — and a forensic investigation is needed to tell the difference before any claim is made.
Awesim Building Consultants uses thermal imaging cameras, pin and pinless moisture meters, digital levels (to check floor falls), and controlled dye testing to trace the actual water pathway rather than assuming the nearest visible symptom is the cause.
This distinction matters in NCAT proceedings: an allegation that isn’t supported by testing and moisture readings is weaker evidence than one backed by measurements tied to a specific compliance standard. Awesim’s reports state plainly where a defect is supported by evidence — and equally state where it is not.
Awesim Building Consultants uses thermal imaging cameras, pin and pinless moisture meters, digital levels (to check floor falls), and controlled dye testing to trace the actual water pathway rather than assuming the nearest visible symptom is the cause.
This distinction matters in NCAT proceedings: an allegation that isn’t supported by testing and moisture readings is weaker evidence than one backed by measurements tied to a specific compliance standard. Awesim’s reports state plainly where a defect is supported by evidence — and equally state where it is not.