Question 1

Can you provide an obligation-free quotation before starting?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How much does an Expert Witness Report cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free initial consultation. The cost varies depending on the number and complexity of issues involved. As a guide: Site Investigation is $1,100 for the first hour, then $550 per hour thereafter; Expert Witness Reporting is $1,100 per issue; Scott Schedule Reporting is $550 per issue; Expert Witness Conclave is $3,850 per day or part thereof; Court or NCAT Hearing Attendance is $3,850 per day or part thereof. Document/report review and travel expenses may also apply. All rates include GST and are indicative only.

Question 3

What is the minimum cost of a small claim?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 4

What is the typical price range for an Expert Witness Report?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How long does it take to receive the report?

Accepted Answer

On most occasions, an Expert Witness Report takes around 2–4 weeks from the date of the site investigation to prepare and submit. Complex matters may take several months to compile sufficient supporting evidence.

Question 6

When are site investigations conducted?

Accepted Answer

All site investigations are generally carried out between 7:00am and 9:00am on weekdays, unless prior arrangements have been made.

Question 7

Do you require payment upfront?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Where do you provide Expert Witness services?

Accepted Answer

We service all of New South Wales, including Sydney, regional cities, and country towns, including the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, New England, Northern Rivers, Central West, South Coast, and Riverina/Murray regions, as well as Broken Hill and other remote locations.

Question 9

Why choose Awesim Pty Ltd for your Expert Witness Report?

Accepted Answer

With more than 35 years in the building and construction industry and the business established in 1996, Awesim brings extensive experience and credibility. Director Glen Sim is a qualified builder and accredited consultant with a trade background in Carpentry/Joinery and a Diploma in Construction Management. Awesim is fully insured with Professional Indemnity cover and recognised by NCAT and the courts for compliance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct.

Question 10

What is a Scott Schedule and why is it needed?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What is included in the Bundle of Documents?

Accepted Answer

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, and supporting evidence and correspondence, tabulated, paginated, indexed, and provided in triplicate.

Question 12

What qualifications do your Expert Witnesses hold?

Accepted Answer

Our Expert Witnesses come from trade and management backgrounds in the Building & Construction industry. 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.

Question 13

Are your Expert Witness Reports accepted by NCAT and the Courts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Can you assist with both residential and commercial building disputes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We handle both residential and commercial building disputes across New South Wales, tailoring the report to suit the nature and scale of the claim.

Question 15

Do you work for both homeowners and builders?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What happens after the Expert Witness Report is completed?

Accepted Answer

After your report is submitted, we can assist in conferencing with the opposing expert (Expert Conclave), attending Court or NCAT hearings, providing clarifications or supplementary reports, and preparing your Bundle of Documents for submission.

Question 17

Do you charge for travel outside Sydney?

Accepted Answer

Yes, travel expenses may apply for site inspections outside Sydney or the metropolitan area. We always provide an upfront estimate of any travel-related costs in your quotation.

Question 18

What type of evidence do you need before starting a report?

Accepted Answer

Typically, we'll ask for copies of your building contract, plans, correspondence, defect lists, and any photographic or inspection evidence you already have.

Question 19

Can I use your report for insurance or warranty claims?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

How do I get started with booking a Site Investigation?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 21

Who is Awesim and how long have you been operating?

Accepted Answer

Awesim Pty Ltd is a privately owned Australian building consultancy, established in 1996. It 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.

Question 22

What does Awesim do?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 23

What kinds of building matters do you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

We focus on building disputes and defects, including waterproofing failures, structural defects, incomplete and defective building works, and construction litigation, covering expert witness reports, Scott Schedules, and quantum meruit assessments.

Question 24

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We provide services throughout New South Wales, including regional and remote locations. Our offices are located in Sydney CBD, Tamworth and Tweed Heads, and we travel across New South Wales for inspections and investigations.

Question 25

Who do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We assist homeowners, solicitors and legal representatives, builders and contractors, developers, property owners, owners corporations, and parties involved in insurance-related building matters.

Question 26

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 27

Why should I choose Awesim over another building consultant?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 28

What building problems can you help me with?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 29

What outcome can I expect from working with you?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 30

How much does an Expert Witness Report cost for an NCAT building dispute in NSW?

Accepted Answer

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 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. Reports are usually delivered within 2–4 weeks of the site inspection.

Question 31

Do I need an Expert Witness Report for NCAT, or is a building inspection enough?

Accepted Answer

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. 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. Awesim prepares these reports, with an accompanying Scott Schedule where multiple defects are involved, for homeowners, builders and solicitors across NSW.

Question 32

How much does a forensic waterproofing investigation cost for an NCAT dispute in NSW?

Accepted Answer

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 thereafter. Waterproofing matters often involve more diagnostic time, using thermal imaging, moisture meters, dye testing and level checks for falls. Glen Sim holds a Master Builders Association qualification in Waterproofing Compliance & Inspection, assessing each defect against AS 3740 or AS 4654.2 depending on the work. All rates are GST-inclusive and confirmed in an upfront written quote.

Question 33

My bathroom or balcony is leaking — how do I know if it's actually a waterproofing defect?

Accepted Answer

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 — a forensic investigation is needed to tell the difference before any claim is made. Awesim uses thermal imaging cameras, pin and pinless moisture meters, digital levels and controlled dye testing to trace the actual water pathway rather than assuming the nearest visible symptom is the cause.

January 2015

Building Expert Witness