Blog

Construction Claims Experts and Witness Reports

By Awesim

Updated October 30, 2026

A construction expert witness is a qualified specialist, whether a structural engineer, building consultant, scheduler, or cost estimator, who inspects a site, analyses evidence against the National Construction Code and Australian Standards, and delivers an impartial report for NCAT, the District Court, or arbitration. Their primary duty is to the tribunal, not the party that retains them, which is what makes their evidence decisive. Matching the right specialist type to your specific dispute is the most important step before proceedings begin.

What Is a Construction Expert Witness and What Do They Do?

A construction expert witness is a qualified professional appointed to provide independent technical evidence in a building dispute. Their role is not to advocate for the party that engages them. Under the Expert Witness Code of Conduct that applies in NSW proceedings, their primary duty runs to the tribunal or court, and every opinion they express must reflect that obligation.

In practical terms, this means the expert investigates the facts, measures what they find against the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards, and delivers a written report that the tribunal can rely on as objective evidence. If required, they also attend hearings to present their findings and answer questions from both sides.

The Issues a Construction Expert Investigates

The scope of issues a construction expert can address is broad, but most engagements fall into a few well-defined categories.

Defective workmanship is the most common. The expert identifies whether the quality of construction meets the standards set out in the building contract, the NCC, and accepted industry tolerances. They document each defect with measurements and photographs, then explain what the correct standard required.

Waterproofing failures are among the most technically complex defect types. Water entry through wet areas, balconies, or roofing systems often causes concealed damage that spreads well beyond the original breach. An expert traces the water path, identifies the failure point in the membrane or drainage system, and determines whether the installation met AS 3740 Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas or the applicable standard.

Structural issues require assessment of foundations, load-bearing frames, or retaining walls. The expert determines whether a failure stems from design, materials, workmanship, or a combination, and quantifies what rectification is needed.

Delay and programme disputes call for a different kind of analysis. A delay expert reconstructs the project timeline using contemporaneous records to identify which party caused critical path delays and by how many days.

Cost and quantum disputes arise when parties disagree about the value of work completed, the cost of rectification, or what a contractor is owed under a quantum meruit claim. A cost expert analyses contracts, variations, and market rates to produce a defensible figure.

What the Report Must Achieve

Whatever the issue, the expert's written report serves one purpose: to give the tribunal the technical foundation it needs to make an informed decision. That means the report must be clear enough for a non-specialist to follow, precise enough to withstand cross-examination, and structured to comply with the procedural requirements of the relevant jurisdiction.

An expert who can explain why a retaining wall failed in plain language, trace the failure to a specific act or omission, and quantify the cost of putting it right gives the tribunal everything it needs. One who cannot do all three leaves gaps that the other side will exploit.

Which Type of Construction Claims Expert Do You Need?

The term "construction claims expert" covers several distinct disciplines. Engaging the wrong type wastes time and money, and a report that does not address the right technical questions will carry little weight. The table below maps the four main expert types to the disputes they are best placed to resolve.

Expert TypePrimary Dispute TypeKey Evidence Produced
Structural EngineerFoundation failures, frame defects, retaining wall collapse, cracking from movement or overloadingStructural assessment report, load calculations, cause-and-origin analysis, rectification specification
Building ConsultantDefective workmanship, waterproofing failures, NCC non-compliance, general building defectsExpert witness report, Scott Schedule, forensic inspection findings, rectification scope and costings
Delay SchedulerExtension of time claims, liquidated damages disputes, programme disruptionDelay analysis (as-planned vs as-built), critical path reconstruction, causation opinion
Cost Estimator / Quantum ExpertDisputed contract values, rectification cost disagreements, quantum meruit claimsQuantity survey, market rate analysis, quantum meruit report, variation valuation

Matching the Expert to the Claim

Structural engineers are the right choice when the dispute involves the integrity of the building itself. If walls are cracking in patterns that suggest differential settlement, if a slab has heaved, or if a retaining wall has moved, you need someone who can read the structural behaviour and connect it to a cause. A general building consultant may identify the symptom, but a structural engineer provides the technical depth that a court will require for a claim of that magnitude.

Building consultants handle the widest range of residential and commercial defect disputes. They are the appropriate first engagement for most homeowners and strata managers dealing with workmanship defects, waterproofing failures, or NCC non-compliance. Their reports address both the technical findings and the rectification pathway, and they are experienced in the Scott Schedule format that NCAT regularly directs parties to use.

Delay schedulers are specialists in programme analysis. A delay claim without a properly constructed delay analysis is almost impossible to prosecute or defend. The scheduler works through the original programme, the as-built records, and the contemporaneous correspondence to establish which events caused delay, which were on the critical path, and which party bears responsibility. This is highly technical work that a building consultant or structural engineer is not trained to perform.

Cost estimators and quantum experts are essential when the dispute is fundamentally about money rather than physical defects. If a builder claims they are owed more than the contract sum, or if parties disagree about the fair cost of rectification, a quantity surveyor or cost expert provides the independent valuation that gives the tribunal a reliable figure to work with.

For solicitors managing complex disputes, a matching service such as Expert Experts can help identify vetted specialists across these disciplines, including professionals who carry professional indemnity insurance and can handle subpoena and document requests.

When You Need More Than One Expert

Some disputes require more than one discipline. A dispute involving both structural cracking and a delay claim, for example, may need a structural engineer to address the defect and a scheduler to address the programme. Engaging them early, before positions harden, allows each expert to work from the same document set and avoids contradictory assumptions in separate reports.

Common Causes of Construction Disputes That Require Expert Testimony

Most construction disputes in NSW fall into a small number of recurring categories. Recognising which category your dispute belongs to helps you understand what kind of evidence you need and why an expert's involvement is not optional.

Defective workmanship is the most frequently litigated issue. It covers a wide range of problems: tiling that does not meet flatness tolerances, render that has delaminated, framing that is out of plumb, or joinery that was not sealed correctly. The dispute usually begins when a homeowner raises a concern and the builder disputes that the work is defective. An expert provides the objective measurement against the relevant standard that neither party can credibly supply themselves.

Waterproofing failures generate a disproportionate share of serious disputes. The damage is often concealed for months or years before it becomes visible, and by the time it does, it has usually spread into adjacent structure and finishes. Tracing the original failure point, whether a membrane that was applied too thin, a drainage detail that was omitted, or a penetration that was never sealed, requires forensic investigation. For a detailed account of how inspectors identify the cause of membrane failures, see Waterproof Membrane Failure: How Inspectors Find the Cause.

Structural defects include foundation movement, inadequate bracing, cracking in load-bearing elements, and retaining wall failures. These disputes are serious because the consequences can affect the safety and habitability of the building. Expert evidence is essential because the cause of structural movement is rarely obvious from visual inspection alone. It requires analysis of soil conditions, design documentation, and construction records alongside the physical findings.

Delay claims arise when a project runs over time and one party seeks to recover the financial consequences. The builder may claim an extension of time and additional preliminaries. The owner may seek to apply liquidated damages. Both positions require a programme analysis that traces the causes of delay through the project records. Without expert evidence, a tribunal has no reliable basis for allocating responsibility.

Cost disputes and quantum meruit claims occur when a contractor claims payment for work that falls outside the original contract, or when no formal contract was in place. The expert's role is to establish the fair market value of the work performed, assessed against the scope actually completed and the rates that would apply in the relevant market.

NCC non-compliance cuts across all of the above. Work that does not comply with the National Construction Code is defective by definition, regardless of whether it has caused visible damage yet. An expert identifies the non-compliant elements, explains what the code required, and quantifies the cost of bringing the work into compliance. This is particularly important in disputes where a builder argues that their work is "good enough" even if it does not strictly meet the code.

How Does the Expert Witness Process Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

The expert witness process follows a clear sequence. Skipping the conflict check or rushing the document plan is how expert reports end up rejected or given reduced weight.

  1. Perform a conflict and availability review. Before any work begins, the expert checks for conflicts of interest across all project participants: the owner, builder, subcontractors, designers, and any legal representatives involved. [S1] An expert who has previously advised any party, or who has a financial interest in the outcome, cannot provide the independent opinion the tribunal requires. This step also establishes whether the expert has the capacity to meet the proceeding's timetable.

  2. Conduct an initial case assessment. The expert reviews the key pleadings and available project records to identify what they need to form an opinion, what is missing, and whether the engagement falls within their area of competence. [S2] A structural cracking dispute that turns out to involve a complex geotechnical question, for example, may require a referral to a geotechnical engineer at this stage.

  3. Define the investigation scope and establish the document plan. Once the case assessment is complete, the expert and the instructing party agree on the precise questions the report must answer. [S3] This scope is usually set out in the letter of instruction. The expert also identifies every document they will need: the original contract, approved plans, specifications, variations, site diaries, inspection records, photographs, and any prior reports. Gaps in the document set are identified early so they can be addressed before the site inspection.

  4. Carry out the forensic investigation. This is the core of the process. The expert attends the site, makes direct observations, takes measurements, and photographs defects. [S4] Where necessary, they open up concealed areas or use diagnostic equipment to trace water paths or assess structural behaviour. They compare what they find against the NCC, the relevant Australian Standards, and the contract documents. The forensic investigation is what separates an expert witness report from a general building inspection: it is systematic, documented, and designed to produce findings that can withstand scrutiny.

  5. Develop findings and deliver the report or testimony. The expert analyses the site observations and document evidence, forms their opinions, and prepares the written report. [S5] The report must comply with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct and include a declaration that the expert's duty is to the tribunal. If the matter proceeds to a hearing, the expert presents their findings in person and answers questions under cross-examination. For guidance on what that process involves, see Expert Witness Cross-Examination: NSW Building Disputes.

Why Forensic Investigation Quality Matters

The quality of the forensic investigation directly affects the outcome. Research into international commercial arbitration awards shows that claimants were awarded 69% of their requested amount when they were the only party with a retained expert. When both sides retained experts, that figure dropped to 41% of the original claim. The gap reflects the effect of contested expert evidence: a well-prepared forensic investigation produces findings that are harder to challenge, while a superficial one creates openings the opposing expert will use.

This pattern holds in domestic proceedings too. An expert who has documented defects with precise measurements, traced causes through the construction records, and produced a clear rectification scope gives the tribunal a reliable foundation. One who has relied on visual impressions alone gives the other side room to move.

What Should an Expert Witness Construction Report Contain?

A legally compliant expert witness report is not simply a professional opinion written up in a document. It is a structured evidentiary product that must meet the procedural requirements of the jurisdiction in which it will be used. In NSW, reports prepared for NCAT, the District Court, or the Supreme Court must follow a defined format and include specific components. A report that omits any of them risks being rejected or given reduced weight.

The mandatory components are:

  • Expert's qualifications and experience. The report opens with a clear statement of the expert's credentials: their trade and professional qualifications, licences, years of experience, and the specific area of building work they are qualified to assess. This section establishes why the tribunal should accept their opinion as expert evidence.

  • Letter of instruction. The report reproduces or summarises the exact questions the expert was asked to address. This defines the scope of the opinion and prevents the expert from straying into areas they were not engaged to cover.

  • Documents reviewed. A complete index of every document the expert examined: the contract, approved plans, specifications, variations, site records, photographs, prior reports, and any correspondence relevant to the dispute. This transparency allows both parties to see the evidence base for the expert's analysis.

  • Methodology and site observations. A description of how the inspection was conducted, what equipment was used, what areas were accessed, and what the expert directly observed. This section separates objective fact from professional opinion and demonstrates that the investigation was systematic.

  • Factual findings. Each defect or issue is described in precise, measurable terms. Dimensions, locations, photographs, and references to the relevant standard are included for every item. This is the factual record from which the expert's opinions are drawn.

  • Analysis and opinion. The expert applies their knowledge to the factual findings, explaining why each defect occurred, which standard or code provision was breached, and who bears responsibility. This is where expertise does its work: connecting observations to causes and consequences.

  • Conclusions and rectification scope. A summary of the expert's final opinions and a detailed scope of works for rectification, including the method and estimated cost of repairs. This gives the tribunal a clear, actionable pathway.

  • Compliance declaration. A signed statement that the expert has read and complied with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, and that their overriding duty is to the tribunal rather than to the party that retained them. Without this declaration, the report does not meet the formal requirements for expert evidence in NSW proceedings.

The Scott Schedule

NCAT frequently directs parties to prepare a Scott Schedule alongside the expert reports. Think of it as a structured spreadsheet: each alleged defect occupies its own row, with columns for the claimant's description, the respondent's position, and the expert's independent findings on that item. The format forces a direct, item-by-item response to every allegation and allows the tribunal member to compare competing positions against the expert's objective assessment in a single document. For a detailed guide to preparing this document, see Mastering Scott Schedule Construction in Australia.

Disputes involving cracking, whether in plasterwork, cornices, or structural elements, often require the expert to distinguish cosmetic movement from defects that indicate a deeper problem. The report must explain the difference clearly. For context on how experts assess cracking in internal finishes, see Cornice Cracking: How to Tell If the Damage Is Serious.

How Much Does a Construction Expert Witness Cost in 2026?

Expert witness fees vary considerably depending on the discipline, the complexity of the dispute, and the volume of work required. There is no single market rate, but published data from 2026 gives a useful reference point for budgeting.

According to a 2026 survey of over 400 professionals by ExpertPages, the average hourly fee for an expert witness reached $465. Engineering expert witnesses, the category that includes structural engineers and building consultants, average $333 per hour for consulting and testimony services, according to placement data from the Expert Institute. These figures reflect the broader expert witness market, not Australian rates specifically, but they provide a credible benchmark for understanding fee levels and the factors that drive them.

The per-engagement cost can be substantial. ExpertPages data indicates that 55% of expert witnesses earn in excess of $10,000 for a single case engagement. A straightforward residential defect dispute with a limited number of clearly defined issues will sit at the lower end of the range. A complex matter involving multiple defect categories, extensive document review, a large or multi-storey building, or a hearing with cross-examination will cost considerably more.

What Drives the Fee

Several factors push the cost of an expert engagement upward:

  • Number and complexity of defects. A dispute involving twenty alleged defects across multiple trades requires far more investigation time than one involving three clearly defined waterproofing failures.
  • Volume of documentation. Large projects generate large document sets. An expert who must review hundreds of pages of site records, variations, and correspondence before forming an opinion will spend more time than one working from a single contract and a set of photographs.
  • Site access requirements. Disputes involving concealed defects, multi-storey buildings, or properties that require opening up for investigation take longer to inspect.
  • Hearing attendance. Preparing for and attending a hearing, including cross-examination, adds to the total fee. A well-prepared report often resolves the matter before it reaches a hearing, but the expert must always be ready to attend if required.
  • Specialist discipline. Structural engineers and delay schedulers typically command higher rates than general building consultants, reflecting the depth of technical specialisation required.

Framing the Fee as an Investment

The fee for an expert witness report is best understood in relation to the value of the dispute. A homeowner whose rectification claim runs to six figures and who spends a few thousand dollars on an expert report that secures a settlement close to that figure has made a sound investment. One who proceeds without expert evidence, or with a poorly prepared report, risks recovering far less or nothing at all.

Solicitors advising clients on whether to engage an expert should weigh the cost of the report against the cost of a contested hearing without one. The two are rarely comparable.

How to Choose the Right Expert Witness for Your Construction Claim

Selecting the right expert is a decision that shapes the entire trajectory of a dispute. A well-credentialled expert whose discipline does not match the claim produces a report that the tribunal will give limited weight. A highly qualified expert who cannot communicate their findings clearly under cross-examination creates a different problem. Both situations are avoidable.

The checklist below covers the criteria that matter most.

  • Relevant discipline and hands-on experience. The expert's qualifications should match the type of defect or dispute at issue. Beyond formal credentials, look for someone who has worked directly in the relevant construction sector. An expert who has spent years on building sites, not just in an office, brings a practical understanding of how defects occur and how they are correctly remedied. That grounding shows in the quality of their findings and the confidence they project at a hearing.

  • Demonstrated NCAT and court familiarity. NSW proceedings have specific procedural requirements. An expert who understands how NCAT operates, what the tribunal expects from a report, and how cross-examination works in that setting is better placed to produce evidence that holds up. Ask directly how many reports they have prepared for formal proceedings and whether they have given evidence in person.

  • Clear written communication. Read a sample report before you engage anyone. The best experts write in plain, precise language that a non-specialist can follow. A report full of unexplained jargon, or one that buries its conclusions in dense technical narrative, is harder for a tribunal member to use and easier for the opposing side to attack.

  • A demonstrable record of impartiality. An expert who consistently produces findings that favour the party retaining them is not an asset. Tribunals notice patterns. An expert with a track record of objective, balanced opinions carries more credibility than one whose reports always align with whoever is paying the invoice. Ask whether they have ever produced findings that went against the instructing party's position.

  • Report structure and compliance. The report must meet the formal requirements for expert evidence in NSW, including the compliance declaration required under the Expert Witness Code of Conduct. Ask the expert to confirm they are familiar with those requirements and that their reports include all mandatory components. A report that fails on procedural grounds wastes everyone's time and money.

  • Availability and capacity. An expert who cannot meet the proceeding's timetable creates delays that affect the whole matter. Confirm their availability at the outset, including whether they can attend a hearing if the matter does not resolve.

Questions to Ask Before You Engage

Before committing, put these questions to any candidate:

  1. What is your specific experience with this type of defect or dispute?
  2. How many expert witness reports have you prepared for NCAT or court proceedings?
  3. Have you given evidence under cross-examination? What was the outcome?
  4. Can you provide a sanitised example of a report you have prepared for a similar matter?
  5. What is your process for conducting the site inspection and gathering the evidence you need?
  6. Are you available to meet the timetable this proceeding requires?

For matters where a building consultant is the right fit, Awesim Building Consultants is a specialist consultancy that has prepared independent expert witness reports for NCAT, the NSW District Court, and Supreme Court proceedings since 1996, covering defect disputes, waterproofing failures, structural assessments, and Scott Schedules. See Full Bio For matters where a broader panel of specialists is needed, Expert Experts operates as a matching service that connects legal and insurance professionals with vetted experts across construction disciplines, including professionals who carry professional indemnity insurance.

Party-Appointed Expert vs Single Joint Expert: Which Applies to Your Case?

In NSW proceedings, expert evidence is presented under one of two appointment models. Understanding the difference before you engage an expert affects both your strategy and your budget.

A party-appointed expert is retained by one side. Each party commissions their own expert, who investigates the matter, prepares a report, and if the matter proceeds to a hearing, gives evidence and is cross-examined by the opposing party's legal representative. This is the most common arrangement in NCAT building disputes and in District Court proceedings where the parties are in strong disagreement about the technical facts.

The advantage of a party-appointed expert is that you control the scope of the investigation and the timing of the report. Your expert investigates the issues you identify, answers the questions you put to them, and is available to advise your legal team throughout the matter. The risk is that two experts examining the same building will sometimes reach different conclusions, and the tribunal must then decide which opinion to prefer.

A single joint expert is appointed by agreement between the parties, or directed by the tribunal, to investigate the matter on behalf of both sides. Both parties contribute questions to the letter of instruction, both receive the report at the same time, and neither party has a private relationship with the expert during the investigation. The single joint expert's findings carry significant weight precisely because they are not associated with either side.

NCAT can direct parties to use a single joint expert in matters where the technical issues are relatively contained and the cost of competing expert reports would be disproportionate to the value of the claim. Courts also have the power to make such a direction where it will assist in the efficient resolution of the dispute.

Which Model Suits Your Matter?

For most residential building disputes before NCAT, a party-appointed expert gives you the most control over the scope and quality of the investigation. If the other side also retains an expert, the tribunal will hear from both and weigh their evidence. A well-prepared report from a credible expert is the strongest position you can be in.

A single joint expert arrangement can reduce costs and speed up resolution in smaller or less contested matters. The trade-off is that you have less influence over the investigation and cannot seek a second opinion if the findings go against you.

If a court or tribunal directs a single joint expert and you are concerned about the scope of the investigation, your solicitor can ensure your questions are fully represented in the letter of instruction. That document is your main opportunity to shape what the expert addresses.

For a detailed guide to what NCAT requires from expert evidence in building disputes, see NCAT Expert Witness Report Requirements: NSW Guide.

Prices and plan limits verified as of October 2026.

FAQs

How do expert witnesses impact the final award in arbitration?

The presence of expert evidence has a measurable effect on arbitration outcomes. According to PwC's analysis of ICC Arbitral Tribunal awards, claimants received 69% of their requested amount when they were the only party with a retained expert. When both sides retained experts, the average award to the claimant dropped to 41% of the original claim. The quality and preparation of the expert's forensic investigation is what drives that difference: findings that are precise, well-documented, and grounded in the construction records are harder to challenge than those based on visual impressions alone.

Can a builder use an expert witness report to defend a claim?

Yes. An expert's duty runs to the tribunal, not to the party that retains them. If a builder is facing allegations they believe are exaggerated or incorrect, an independent expert report is the most effective defence available. The expert assesses the workmanship against the relevant standards and codes, and if the work is compliant and meets the required tolerances, the report states that clearly. That objective finding gives the builder a factual basis to contest the claim and, in many cases, to negotiate a resolution without a hearing.

Will the expert witness need to attend the NCAT hearing in person?

The expert must always be prepared to attend. If the matter proceeds to a hearing, the expert presents their findings to the tribunal member and answers questions from both parties' legal representatives under cross-examination. A thorough, well-structured report often prompts a resolution before the hearing date, but the expert cannot decline to attend if required. Confirm at the outset that your expert is available for the likely hearing window and has experience giving evidence in person.

What is the difference between a building inspection report and an expert witness report?

A standard building inspection, such as a pre-purchase report, is a general condition assessment. It identifies obvious defects and maintenance issues for a prospective buyer and is not designed for use in legal proceedings. An expert witness report is a forensic document prepared specifically for a court or tribunal. It investigates defined allegations, measures findings against the NCC and Australian Standards, identifies causes and responsibility, and includes a rectification scope with costings. It must also comply with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, including the mandatory declaration of the expert's duty to the tribunal.

How long does it take to prepare a construction expert witness report?

Timeframes depend on the complexity of the dispute, the size of the property, and the volume of documents to be reviewed. A straightforward residential defect matter with clear allegations and a well-organised document set might be completed within two to three weeks of the site inspection. A complex matter involving multiple defect categories, extensive project records, or a large building can take considerably longer. Confirm the expected timeframe at the outset and factor in any deadlines set by the tribunal or court.

Conclusion

A construction expert witness provides the independent technical evidence that tribunals and courts rely on to resolve building disputes. The right expert, matched to the specific type of claim, whether defective workmanship, waterproofing failure, structural movement, delay, or quantum, produces findings that are precise, defensible, and grounded in the applicable standards. That quality of evidence is what shifts a dispute from contested opinion to objective fact.

If you are facing a building dispute in NSW, the most productive first step is to identify which expert discipline your claim requires, then assess candidates against the criteria in this guide: relevant experience, NCAT familiarity, clear communication, and a demonstrable record of impartiality. Ask for a sample report before you commit, confirm availability against your proceeding's timetable, and treat the fee as an investment measured against the value of what you are trying to recover or defend.

Share the Post:

Share on facebook (opens in a new tab) Share on twitter (opens in a new tab)

Related Posts

Home under construction with a large inspection clipboard showing warning and check icons; magnifying glass highlights the building parts, symbolizing home inspection.

Building Inspection Report for Court NSW

Construction worker with a white hard hat uses a handheld thermal camera to inspect a rooftop leak, with building plans overlaid in the background.

Waterproof Membrane Failure: How Inspectors Find the Cause

Interior wall with crown molding and several cracks highlighted; close-up zooms show cracking in plaster and drywall edge.

Cornice Cracking: How to Tell If the Damage Is Serious

author avatar
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.

Share the Post:

Scroll to Top