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?

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.

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 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.

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.

Where do you provide Expert Witness services?

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.

Why choose Awesim Pty Ltd for your Expert Witness Report?

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.

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

What qualifications do your Expert Witnesses hold?

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.

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.

Can you assist with both residential and commercial building disputes?

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.

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.

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, providing clarifications or supplementary reports, and preparing your 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. 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.

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.

Who is Awesim and how long have you been operating?

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.

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.

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, covering 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, Tamworth and Tweed Heads, and we travel across New South Wales 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.

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.

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 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.

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. 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.

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 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.

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 — 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.

Scott Schedule

Understanding Scott Schedules in Building and Construction Disputes

September 14, 2026By Awesim

Building and construction disputes can involve a number of separate issues, including defective workmanship, incomplete works, damage, disputed variations and disagreements about the work needed to rectify a problem. When several matters are being considered at the same time, it can be difficult to keep track of what has been alleged, what is disputed and what evidence relates to each issue.

A Scott Schedule provides a structured way to organise this information. Rather than presenting every issue in a lengthy narrative, individual defects or disputed items can be set out separately, with relevant details recorded against each one.

For property owners, builders and other parties involved in a construction dispute, understanding what is Scott Schedule documentation, what it can contain and how it may be used can make the technical aspects of a dispute easier to follow.

What Is a Scott Schedule?

A Scott Schedule is a structured document, often presented as a table, that sets out individual issues within a dispute. Each issue is usually given its own entry so that it can be identified and considered separately.

For example, a building dispute may involve cracking to internal walls, water ingress, defective waterproofing and incomplete external works. Instead of describing these matters as one general complaint, each can be recorded as a separate item.

The Scott Schedule meaning is therefore closely connected to organisation and clarity. It provides a common framework for identifying the matters in dispute and recording relevant information about them.

The exact format can vary. The appropriate structure will depend on the circumstances of the dispute, the type of issues involved and any directions or requirements applying to the matter.

A schedule is not simply a list of complaints. Ideally, each entry should provide enough information to identify the issue clearly and allow the relevant parties to understand the position being put forward.

What Is a Scott Schedule in Construction?

In construction matters, a Scott Schedule can be used to break a broader dispute into specific building issues.

Construction disputes can become complicated because several defects may occur in different parts of a property, and the parties may disagree about their cause, responsibility or the work required to address them.

A schedule can be used to distinguish between matters such as:

defective workmanship
incomplete building work
water ingress
cracking or movement
defective finishes
problems with waterproofing
disputed variations
items requiring further investigation
proposed rectification works

For example, water damage to a bathroom and cracking to an external wall are separate technical issues. Treating them as individual items allows the evidence and technical assessment for each matter to be considered separately.

This is one of the main practical uses of a construction schedule. It helps establish exactly what is being alleged rather than allowing several different issues to become mixed together.

The document may also help show where the parties’ positions differ. One party may accept that a defect exists but dispute its cause, while another may dispute the existence of the defect altogether.

What Does a Scott Schedule Typically Include?

There is no single format that should automatically be treated as mandatory for every building dispute. The information included should reflect the particular matter and any applicable directions.

Depending on the circumstances, a schedule may contain:

Item number: A reference number for each individual issue.

Location: The part of the property where the issue occurs, such as a roof, bathroom, balcony, kitchen or external wall.

Description of the issue: A clear explanation of the alleged defect, incomplete work or other disputed matter.

Relevant requirement: Where applicable, the relevant contract provision, approved plan, specification or construction requirement may be identified.

Supporting evidence: Photographs, inspection findings, correspondence, reports, plans and other relevant documents can be referenced.

Proposed rectification: Where a technical assessment has been completed, the work considered necessary to address the issue may be described.

Response: The other party’s position may be recorded, including whether the item is accepted, disputed or requires further consideration.

Not every schedule will contain exactly the same columns. The objective is to include information that helps clarify the particular issues rather than adding unnecessary detail.

Scott Schedule Construction Example

A practical Scott Schedule construction example can show how an individual building issue might be documented.

Consider a hypothetical residential property where water staining has appeared on an internal wall following periods of rainfall.

Hypothetical example

Item 1

Location: Ground-floor living room adjoining the rear external wall.

Issue: Water staining and signs of moisture have been observed on the internal wall following rainfall.

Evidence: Photographs taken after rainfall and observations recorded during a building inspection.

Technical assessment: The available evidence indicates that further investigation may be required to establish the source of the water entry and determine whether an external weatherproofing issue is contributing to the problem.

Proposed rectification: Subject to confirmation of the cause, rectification may involve addressing the identified external issue and repairing affected internal finishes.

Response: The responding party may accept that staining is present but dispute the alleged cause or the proposed rectification.

This is a hypothetical example only. It does not represent an actual NCAT matter or prescribe the format required in any particular proceeding.

The example illustrates the difference between identifying an observation and making a conclusion about its cause. Water staining may be visible, but determining why water has entered a building may require further inspection and technical assessment.

A clear entry therefore gives the reader a better understanding of the issue without assuming that every observed symptom has only one possible cause.

Scott Schedule in NCAT Building Disputes

Scott Schedules can be relevant to building and construction disputes considered by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). They provide a structured way to set out individual defects, incomplete works or other disputed building issues so that each matter can be identified separately.

NCAT provides Scott Schedule forms for certain building-related matters, including defective workmanship or materials and extras claimed. The format and requirements applicable to a particular proceeding can depend on the circumstances and any directions made in that matter.

For someone searching for information about a Scott Schedule NCAT matter, the key point is that the schedule is used to organise the issues being raised. Each item can set out the relevant building problem and supporting information, allowing the parties to clearly identify the matters that need to be addressed.

Where technical issues are involved, supporting information such as photographs, inspection findings, building documents and technical assessments may also be relevant to the individual items.

A Scott Schedule should therefore focus on presenting the building issues clearly and accurately, rather than attempting to provide a complete explanation of the wider NCAT process.

What Is a Joint Scott Schedule?

A joint Scott Schedule allows parties to work from a common list of issues while recording their respective positions against the same items.

For instance, both parties may agree that damage exists in a particular area but disagree about what caused it. Rather than creating separate entries for the same issue, the matter can be identified under one item with the differing positions recorded.

This can help distinguish between:

matters that are agreed
matters that remain disputed
matters requiring further technical evidence
differences about proposed rectification

A joint schedule should not automatically be interpreted as an agreement about the dispute itself. Parties may use the same document while continuing to disagree about responsibility, cause, rectification or other issues.

Using common descriptions and item numbers can nevertheless make discussions and technical assessments more organised, particularly where a dispute involves numerous individual building issues.

Who Provides a Scott Schedule?

Who provides a Scott Schedule, depends on the circumstances of the dispute and any applicable directions.

A party involved in a building dispute may prepare a schedule or respond to one. Where lawyers are involved, they may assist with the legal and procedural aspects of preparing or responding to the document.

A building consultant may provide technical assistance where the dispute involves building defects or other matters requiring construction expertise.

For example, a building consultant may assist by:

inspecting the property
identifying and documenting building defects
reviewing plans and construction documents
assessing relevant technical requirements
considering potential causes of defects
providing technical information about rectification
helping organise technical findings against individual disputed items

The roles of different professionals should remain distinct. A building consultant provides technical expertise within their area of competence, while a legal practitioner can advise on legal rights, obligations and procedural matters.

Awesim Building Consultants provides Scott Schedule services for building disputes and can assist with the technical assessment and documentation of disputed building issues.

How to Prepare a Clear Scott Schedule for a Building Dispute

A clear schedule starts with accurately identifying the individual matters that need to be considered.

Identify each issue separately

Different defects should generally be recorded as separate items where they are distinct. This avoids combining unrelated problems and makes it easier to track each matter.

Use precise descriptions

Describe the actual issue rather than relying on broad statements such as “poor workmanship”. A useful description should identify what has been observed and, where relevant, where it occurs.

Identify the location

A precise location can help connect an issue with photographs, inspection findings, plans or other supporting material.

Link the relevant evidence

Evidence should be identifiable and connected to the appropriate item. Depending on the dispute, this may include photographs, correspondence, inspection reports, plans, specifications or other documents.

Distinguish observations from conclusions

An observed condition does not necessarily establish its cause. For example, cracking may be visible, but determining whether it relates to movement, workmanship, materials or another factor may require technical investigation.

Keep responses specific

Where an item is disputed, the response should identify what is actually being challenged. This can be more informative than simply rejecting the entire allegation.

Avoid duplicated issues

Repeating the same defect under several item numbers can make the schedule harder to follow. Each item should have a clear purpose.

Update information appropriately

If further evidence becomes available, the schedule may need to be updated in accordance with the applicable directions or requirements of the matter.

Why Accuracy Matters in a Scott Schedule

Accuracy is particularly important where a schedule contains technical information.

A description such as “defective waterproofing” may identify a general concern but provide little information about the actual problem. A more precise description can identify the affected location, observed condition and evidence that supports the issue.

Technical accuracy also matters when referring to construction requirements or proposed rectification. These matters should be based on relevant documents, observations and appropriate technical assessment rather than assumptions.

For example, visible moisture does not automatically establish the exact source of water entry. Similarly, identifying a defect does not necessarily establish who is responsible for it.

Keeping these distinctions clear can help prevent different technical questions from being treated as though they are the same issue.

A well-supported schedule can therefore provide a clearer picture of what has been observed, what is alleged, what evidence exists and where disagreement remains.

Getting Technical Support for a Scott Schedule

Some building disputes involve a level of technical detail that can make documentation difficult, particularly where there are multiple defects, construction documents, inspection findings and competing positions.

A building consultant can assist with the technical side of this process by inspecting relevant areas, documenting conditions and reviewing available construction information.

Awesim Building Consultants provides technical support for building dispute matters involving defects, incomplete works and other construction issues. Its Scott Schedule services can assist with documenting individual disputed items and providing technical information relevant to the matter.

Where appropriate, technical assessment may consider available contracts, plans, specifications, construction requirements and other relevant documentation. The scope of any assessment will depend on the circumstances of the particular dispute.

Conclusion

A Scott Schedule provides a structured way to organise individual issues within a building or construction dispute. By separating defects, incomplete works and other disputed matters, it can make the technical issues easier to identify and discuss.

The value of the document comes from the quality and clarity of the information it contains. Individual items should be described accurately, supported by relevant evidence and kept distinct from assumptions about their cause or responsibility.

In matters involving NCAT, the appropriate format and requirements should be considered in light of the directions applying to the particular proceeding. A schedule can help clarify the issues, but it does not determine the outcome of a dispute.

Where a matter involves complex building defects or technical questions, a building consultant can provide useful technical assistance with inspections, documentation and assessment. Awesim Building Consultants can assist parties seeking technical support with Scott Schedules and building dispute matters.

Awesim

Glen Sim is a highly experienced Building Consultant, Licensed Builder, Construction Consultant, and Expert Witness with more than 35 years of practical experience within the Australian building and construction industry. As the Founder and Director of Awesim Building Consultants, Glen has established a strong reputation throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales for providing independent, evidence-based building consultancy services and expert reporting for complex building and construction disputes.Beginning his career as an apprentice carpenter with TAFE NSW in 1990, Glen completed his apprenticeship in 1993 before progressing into senior construction and management roles across residential, commercial, and remedial building sectors. His extensive industry background provides him with genuine hands-on construction knowledge — something that distinguishes him from many consultants who have limited site-based experience.Glen became a Licensed Builder in Victoria in 2004 before returning to New South Wales in 2011, where he continues to operate under NSW Builder Licence No. 232673C. Over the course of his career, he has worked across all stages of the construction process, including carpentry, supervision, project management, contract administration, construction scheduling, defect rectification, quality control, and dispute resolution.Today, Glen is widely recognised for his expertise in:Expert Witness Reports Scott Schedules NCAT Building Disputes Construction Defect Investigations Building Defect Reports Quantum Meruit Assessments Construction Programming & Delay Analysis Client-Side Project Management Contract & Scope of Works AssessmentsGlen regularly assists homeowners, builders, developers, solicitors, strata managers, insurers, and commercial clients by providing technically detailed and independent reporting for litigation and dispute resolution matters. His reports are prepared with a strong understanding of the requirements of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), court procedures, the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, and accepted building industry practices. Over 15+ years experience providing litigation support with expert witness reports and Scott schedules. What clients value most about Glen is his practical approach, integrity, attention to detail, and ability to clearly explain complex construction issues in a manner that is easy to understand. His combination of trade-based experience, construction management knowledge, and investigative expertise allows him to identify issues that are often overlooked by less experienced consultants.Over the years, Glen has developed a reputation for producing thorough, methodical, and evidence-supported reports that clients and legal representatives can rely upon during negotiations, mediations, tribunal proceedings, and litigation matters. His commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and impartiality has made Awesim Building Consultants a trusted name in the building consultancy industry across NSW.Glen is also known for his strong commitment to client service, ensuring every matter is approached with professionalism, transparency, and genuine care for achieving practical outcomes. His experience across both metropolitan Sydney and regional New South Wales provides him with a broad understanding of differing construction methods, site conditions, workmanship standards, and project delivery challenges throughout the state.Outside of the construction industry, Glen values family life and regional Australia. He has been happily married to internationally recognised author Audra Starkey since March 2025. Together, they share a passion for supporting rural communities and building trusted professional relationships grounded in honesty and respect.With more than three decades of industry experience, Glen Sim continues to provide trusted building consultancy and expert witness services backed by real construction knowledge, independent assessment, and a commitment to helping clients navigate complex building matters with confidence.

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