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.

Blog

Building Inspector NSW: When You Need More Than a Report

September 22, 2026By Awesim

Balance scales show a house with magnifying glass on the left and a hard hat with documents on the right, symbolizing real estate law.

What a Standard Building Inspector Does
When the Dispute Is Already Underway
The Documents That Matter in NSW Construction Disputes
Why the Firm You Choose Matters
What to Ask Before Engaging a Building Inspector for a Dispute
The Cost Question
Strata and Multi-Unit Disputes
Regional NSW
Getting Started
Frequently Asked Questions

A building inspector in NSW should be selected for the job you need: a property condition check, a defect investigation or expert evidence for a dispute. Confirm the inspection scope, relevant experience and reporting requirements before engagement. This guide explains when an expert witness report may be appropriate.

This article explains the difference. It will help you understand when a pre-purchase inspection firm is the right call, and when you need a building consultancy that prepares dispute-ready documentation for NCAT, the District Court, or the Supreme Court.

What a Standard Building Inspector Does

A pre-purchase building inspector visits a property, checks for visible defects, and produces a condition report — typically formatted around Australian Standard AS 4349.1. That report is useful for buyers negotiating a price or deciding whether to proceed with a purchase.

It is not designed for litigation. It does not follow the expert witness code of conduct. It does not assign liability, quantify rectification costs in a format a tribunal can act on, or hold up under cross-examination. If you take that report to NCAT and the other party has legal representation, its limitations will become apparent quickly.

This is not a criticism of pre-purchase inspectors. They are doing exactly what they were engaged to do. The problem arises when a homeowner or solicitor assumes the same document type serves both purposes.

When the Dispute Is Already Underway

Once a defect claim becomes a formal dispute, the documentation requirements change entirely. NSW tribunals and courts expect expert evidence to meet the standard set out in Schedule 7 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules. That standard requires the expert to acknowledge their overriding duty to the tribunal — not to the party who engaged them — and to set out the factual basis for every opinion.

A report that does not comply with Schedule 7 can be rejected outright, or have its weight reduced significantly. That is a serious problem when the report is the core of your case.

The situations that typically require this level of documentation include:

A homeowner who has identified structural defects, waterproofing failures, or incomplete work after the builder has left the site
A solicitor who needs an independent expert opinion before filing at NCAT or in the District Court
A strata manager dealing with common-property defects where the owners corporation needs evidence to support a claim
A builder who disputes a homeowner's defect list and needs an independent assessment of what is actually defective and what is not
Any party where the dispute has escalated beyond informal negotiation and a tribunal date is approaching

In each of these situations, the document you need is an Expert Witness Report — not a condition report.

The Documents That Matter in NSW Construction Disputes

Expert Witness Reports

An Expert Witness Report is prepared by a qualified building consultant who can be cross-examined on its contents. It sets out observed defects, the applicable standards those defects breach, the rectification method required, and the cost to remediate. Every opinion is supported by evidence gathered during an on-site inspection.

The report must comply with Schedule 7 of the UCPR. The expert's qualifications, licence, and declaration of independence are part of the document. When Glen Sim at Awesim Building Consultants signs a report, his name and licence are on it, and he is accountable for every opinion it contains.

Scott Schedules

A Scott Schedule is a structured document used in NSW tribunals and courts to present defect claims in a format both parties and the decision-maker can work through systematically. Each defect is listed in a row, with columns for the claimant's description, the respondent's response, and the expert's opinion.

They are particularly common in NCAT proceedings, where they turn what can otherwise be a sprawling defect list into something a tribunal member can adjudicate efficiently. Preparing one well requires understanding both the legal format and the construction detail behind each item.

Quantum Meruit Reports

A Quantum Meruit report is used when a builder or contractor is claiming payment for work done in the absence of, or outside the scope of, a formal contract. It establishes the reasonable value of the work performed. This is a specialist document that relatively few building consultancies prepare, and it requires both construction knowledge and a clear understanding of how quantum claims are assessed in NSW courts.

Forensic Waterproofing Inspection Reports

Waterproofing failures are among the most common defects in NSW construction disputes. A forensic waterproofing inspection goes well beyond noting that water is getting in. It identifies where the membrane has failed, why it failed, whether the installation met the relevant Australian Standards, and what remediation is required. That level of analysis is what separates a forensic report from a general defect observation.

Why the Firm You Choose Matters

Not every building consultancy advertising expert witness services in NSW has the same capability or the same accountability model.

Some firms use multiple consultants, and it is not always clear whose name and licence will appear on your report until after you have engaged them. Others have built their business around pre-purchase inspections and offer expert witness work as a secondary service — which means their report formats and internal processes may not be optimised for tribunal use.

Awesim Building Consultants has been preparing dispute documentation for NSW courts and tribunals since 1996. Every report is prepared by or under principal consultant Glen Sim, whose name and licence appear on every document. His prior expert witness case references are published at awesim.com.au/glen-sim-expert-witness-case-references — an unusual level of transparency in this market.

The firm operates from three offices covering Sydney, Tamworth, and Tweed Heads, and serves all of NSW. Reports are prepared for NCAT, District Court, and Supreme Court proceedings.

What to Ask Before Engaging a Building Inspector for a Dispute

If you are comparing firms, these questions will help you identify whether a building inspector is genuinely set up for dispute work or primarily focused on pre-purchase inspections.

Does the report comply with Schedule 7 of the UCPR? If the consultant cannot answer this directly, the report is probably not formatted for tribunal use.

Whose name and licence will appear on the report? You want a named expert who can be cross-examined and who is accountable for every opinion in the document.

Has the consultant given expert evidence in NCAT, the District Court, or the Supreme Court? Prior case references are a reasonable thing to ask for.

Can the firm prepare a Scott Schedule if the matter requires one? Not all building consultancies understand this format or know how to structure one correctly.

Does the firm handle Quantum Meruit reports if your dispute involves a payment claim? This is a specialist service and not widely available.

What is the geographic coverage? If your property is in regional NSW, you want a firm with genuine regional presence — not one that treats the travel as an extra complication.

The Cost Question

Pre-purchase building inspection fees are generally modest. Dispute documentation is a different category of work entirely.

The market range cited in Awesim's April 2026 blog post is $2,000 to $10,000 AUD for expert reports, with approximately $4,500 AUD as a typical figure. That range reflects variation in property size, defect complexity, and the number of inspection visits required. Awesim does not publish fixed fees; project-based quotes are provided after an initial consultation.

It is worth weighing that cost against the alternative. A report that is rejected or significantly discounted by a tribunal because it does not meet the required standard can effectively restart the evidentiary phase of your case.

Strata and Multi-Unit Disputes

Strata disputes introduce additional complexity. Common-property defects may affect multiple lots, the owners corporation may be the claimant rather than an individual owner, and the defect list can be extensive. A Scott Schedule becomes particularly useful in this context — it allows a large number of defects to be presented in a format the tribunal can work through without losing track of where each item stands.

Awesim serves strata managers and owners corporations dealing with common-property defect disputes across NSW. The same Schedule 7 standards apply, and the same accountability model holds: Glen Sim's name and licence are on the report.

Regional NSW

Sydney-based firms often treat regional work as out-of-scope or add significant travel costs. Awesim's offices in Tamworth and Tweed Heads reflect genuine regional coverage — not a metropolitan firm willing to travel occasionally. Service pages cover more than 200 NSW suburbs and localities.

Getting Started

If a solicitor has advised you to obtain an independent expert report, or a tribunal date has been set and you need dispute-ready documentation, the right starting point is a conversation with a building consultancy that understands what the tribunal expects.

Awesim offers a free initial consultation. Call 1800 293 746 or visit awesim.com.au to discuss what your matter requires and which documents would support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a building inspector and an expert witness building consultant in NSW?

A building inspector conducting a pre-purchase inspection produces a condition report under Australian Standard AS 4349.1. An expert witness building consultant produces a report that complies with Schedule 7 of the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules, which governs expert evidence in NSW courts and tribunals. The two documents serve different purposes and are not interchangeable in a formal dispute.

Do I need an expert witness report for NCAT?

If your matter involves disputed defects or construction work, NCAT will generally expect any expert evidence to comply with Schedule 7 of the UCPR. A standard building inspection report does not meet this standard. You should obtain an Expert Witness Report from a qualified building consultant who understands the tribunal's requirements.

What is a Scott Schedule and when is it used?

A Scott Schedule is a structured document used in NSW tribunals and courts to present defect claims in a tabular format. It lists each defect, the claimant's position, the respondent's position, and the expert's opinion. It is commonly used in NCAT building disputes to organise complex defect lists in a way the tribunal can work through systematically.

How much does an expert witness building report cost in NSW?

The market range cited in Awesim's April 2026 blog post is $2,000 to $10,000 AUD, with approximately $4,500 AUD as a typical figure. The actual cost depends on property size, defect complexity, and the number of inspection visits required. Awesim provides project-based quotes after an initial consultation.

Can a building consultancy help if I am self-representing at NCAT?

Yes. Many homeowners self-represent at NCAT, and an independent Expert Witness Report or Scott Schedule prepared by a qualified building consultant can provide the evidentiary foundation your case needs. A free initial consultation can help clarify which documents are appropriate for your specific matter.

What is a Quantum Meruit report and who needs one?

A Quantum Meruit report establishes the reasonable value of construction work performed in the absence of, or outside the scope of, a formal contract. It is typically used by builders or contractors seeking payment for work done. It is a specialist document that relatively few NSW building consultancies prepare.

Does Awesim Building Consultants cover regional NSW?

Yes. Awesim operates from three offices: Sydney, Tamworth, and Tweed Heads. The firm covers all of NSW and has service pages for more than 200 suburbs and localities, including regional centres. If your property is outside Sydney, the firm's regional offices mean genuine on-the-ground coverage rather than metropolitan-only service.

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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