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.

Quantum Expert Witness

How a Quantum Expert Witness in Sydney Assesses Construction Claims

August 18, 2026By Awesim

Construction disputes do not always arise because the parties disagree about whether work was carried out. In many cases, the real disagreement concerns how that work should be valued, what amount remains outstanding and whether the claimed figure can be supported by the project records.

A claim may involve variations, additional work, disputed quantities, unpaid progress claims, incomplete items, rectification or competing valuations. Once several of these issues overlap, reviewing the final amount alone does not explain how the figure was reached.

This is where a quantum expert witness in Sydney can assist with the financial and valuation aspects of a construction dispute. Rather than simply adopting figures supplied by one party, the expert can examine the underlying project information, trace calculations back to supporting documentation and identify where different approaches have produced different results.

The process is therefore not simply about accepting or rejecting a figure. It is about understanding how that figure was developed and whether the underlying calculation can be properly supported.

Start With the Claim Rather Than the Figure

A construction claim can appear straightforward when presented as one overall amount. The underlying calculation may contain numerous individual items, each requiring separate consideration.

A quantum expert witness may first establish:

What is actually being claimed?
What work or event gave rise to the claim?
Was the work part of the original scope?
Was additional work instructed or undertaken?
What quantity is being claimed?
How has the amount been calculated?
What project records support the calculation?
What has already been paid or credited?

This approach separates the claim from the figure attached to it, allowing each component to be considered against the relevant project records and calculations.

For example, a contractor may present one amount for additional building work. That amount may actually comprise several variations, labour components, material costs and adjustments. Each component can have a different documentary trail.

Breaking the claim down allows the quantum expert to examine those components individually and then consider how they contribute to the overall amount.

Breaking a Construction Claim Into Its Components

Complex construction claims can contain numerous individual items that need to be considered separately before an overall assessment can be made.

Depending on the dispute, a claim may involve:

original contract work
variations
additional work
omitted work
disputed quantities
labour
materials
subcontractor work
preliminaries
incomplete items
rectification
credits
payments already made

The purpose of separating these items is not simply to create a longer schedule. It helps establish what each amount relates to and prevents different issues from being treated as one figure.

For example, a claim may contain amounts for additional joinery, excavation and rectification. These items may arise from different circumstances and require different methods of assessment. Looking at them individually makes it easier to identify the relevant scope, quantity and valuation for each item.

A construction claims expert can organise the claim into identifiable components and trace each amount back to the relevant project information. This provides a clearer basis for comparing the claimed position with the available records.

Assessing Variations Through Project Records

Once a variation has been identified as a separate claim item, its value can be examined against the circumstances in which the work arose.

A quantum expert witness may compare the original scope with the information relating to the proposed or completed change. The assessment can consider what work was added or altered, whether the claimed quantity reflects the work performed and how the amount was derived.

For example, revised drawings or instructions may show that the scope changed, while quotations, invoices, timesheets or other records may provide information about the associated work and valuation. Where several documents relate to the same variation, they can be considered together rather than relying on a single record.

The assessment may also consider whether the claimed work was actually performed and whether the amount has already been included, paid or adjusted elsewhere in the project accounts.

A variation document can therefore provide an important starting point, but it does not by itself resolve every question surrounding the value of the work. The expert’s role is to assess the relevant construction and valuation issues within their area of expertise and explain how the available project material supports the resulting opinion.

Quantity, Measurement and Valuation

The quantity of work can have a direct effect on the value of a construction claim.

A claim for additional concrete, excavation, tiling, demolition or other work may depend on the quantity said to have been performed. If that quantity changes, the resulting valuation may change as well.

A quantum expert may therefore examine:

drawings
schedules
measurements
site records
invoices
quotations
applicable rates
progress documentation
photographs
records of completed work

The purpose is to test the calculation against the underlying project information rather than simply reproduce a figure supplied by one party.

For example, a claimed quantity may differ from a measurement recorded elsewhere in the project documentation. A rate may also be applied without clearly demonstrating how it relates to the particular work being assessed.

These differences do not necessarily determine the outcome of the claim. They do, however, need to be identified and considered.

A quantum expert witness can explain how the relevant quantities and values were assessed and identify where the available documentation supports, qualifies or does not support a particular calculation.

Following the Money Through Construction Records

Another important part of quantum assessment is financial reconciliation.

A useful way to understand this process is:

claim → supporting document → calculation → amount claimed → amount paid → remaining amount

Construction projects can contain numerous financial records relating to the same work. These may include invoices, progress claims, payment schedules, receipts, account statements, variations, credits and adjustments.

Looking at these records together can provide a clearer picture of the financial position.

For example, an invoice may show a particular amount, while a later payment record demonstrates that part of it was paid. A progress claim may include several variations, while a subsequent assessment may apply a credit or adjustment.

Without reconciliation, the same amount can potentially appear more than once or a credit can be overlooked.

A quantum expert witness may therefore trace individual amounts through the available financial documentation and identify unexplained differences or items that require further supporting material.

This is particularly useful when a dispute has developed over a long project period and the financial records have become difficult to follow.

When the Work Is Incomplete or Disputed

Quantum assessment becomes more involved when the work described in a claim was only partly completed or its extent is disputed.

The assessment may need to consider:

what work was completed
what remained incomplete
what was omitted
what was replaced
what required rectification
what records demonstrate the condition of the work
how incomplete or defective items have been treated in the calculation

This creates an important distinction between work that has been claimed and work that can be demonstrated from the available project information.

Photographs, inspection records, drawings, correspondence, progress documentation and other contemporaneous material may help establish the state of the work.

A claimed amount may therefore need to be considered alongside the actual condition and extent of the work.

Awesim’s published quantum meruit service information similarly identifies completed work, incomplete or defective workmanship, rectification requirements, variations and supporting project records as matters that can be relevant when assessing the reasonable value of building work.

Incomplete documentation does not automatically determine whether a claim succeeds or fails. It does, however, affect what can be established with confidence and may require assumptions or further investigation.

Dealing With Conflicting Project Information

Construction disputes frequently contain records that do not appear to tell exactly the same story.

An invoice may show one amount while a progress record shows another. A variation quotation may differ from the amount ultimately claimed. Photographs may indicate a different stage of completion from that described in correspondence. Payment records may also fail to match the totals appearing in a claim.

A quantum expert witness should not simply select the document that supports one party’s position. At Awesim Building Consultants, the assessment can instead involve considering the different records in context and examining how they relate to the claim being assessed.

The expert may consider when the document was created, what it relates to, whether it can be reconciled with other project information and whether the resulting calculation is consistent with the broader record.

This can be particularly important where documents prepared during the project differ from calculations prepared later for the purpose of a dispute.

The objective is to identify the discrepancy, understand why it exists where possible and explain whether it affects the resulting valuation.

Comparing Competing Quantum Calculations

In some disputes, both parties have already prepared detailed calculations.

The difference may arise from quantities, rates, scope, assumptions, payments, credits or the way particular variations have been treated.

A construction claims expert can review the competing assessments and identify the specific points at which they diverge.

For example, one calculation may include a particular variation while the other treats the work as part of the original scope. One may use a particular quantity while the other relies on a different measurement. Another difference may arise because one party has included a payment or credit that the other has not.

The value of an independent assessment is therefore not necessarily in producing a third unexplained total.

It can be more useful to explain why the existing calculations differ.

Once the differences are isolated, the relevant project information can be considered against each issue. This can turn a broad disagreement over money into a series of specific questions that can be assessed separately.

Assumptions and Gaps in the Available Material

Not every construction dispute will have a complete project record.

Documents may be missing. Quantities may not have been measured clearly. Financial records may be incomplete. Different project documents may provide inconsistent descriptions of the same work.

A quantum expert may therefore need to identify assumptions used in the assessment.

There is an important difference between a conclusion directly supported by project documentation and one that depends on an assumption because relevant information is unavailable.

Where an assumption is necessary, it should be identified rather than presented as an established fact.

For example, a quantity may be directly supported by drawings and site measurements. Alternatively, if the relevant measurement is unavailable, an assessment may have to rely on other information. The distinction should remain visible in the report.

This approach helps the reader understand both the strength of the supporting material and the limitations affecting the conclusion.

From Project Records to a Quantum Report

The final report needs to translate a large amount of project information into a structured assessment that another professional can follow.

A useful report may identify:

the issues being assessed
the relevant project information
the methodology applied
the calculations undertaken
the documents relied upon
the assumptions made
the limitations identified
the resulting conclusions

The calculations should be sufficiently transparent to show how the opinion was developed.

This is particularly important where a claim contains many separate components. A reader should be able to distinguish between amounts that are supported by clear documentation, amounts affected by assumptions and matters where the available material does not allow a firm conclusion.

A quantum expert witness therefore does more than add together figures. The work involves examining construction information, testing calculations, considering competing material and explaining the reasoning behind the final assessment.

Quantum Meruit in Practical Construction Assessment

The term quantum meruit can arise where the value of construction work or services is disputed.

For someone researching the quantum meruit meaning, the term generally concerns a claim relating to the reasonable value of work or services in circumstances where payment or the applicable contractual basis is disputed. What quantum meruit means in a particular matter depends on the legal and factual circumstances.

Those looking to define quantum meruit in contract law should also distinguish the legal question of entitlement from the construction and valuation questions that may require expert assessment.

A quantum meruit claim may involve consideration of the work performed, quantities, materials, labour, variations, incomplete items and other project information relevant to determining value.

A quantum assessment can therefore assist with the factual and financial aspects of the matter without deciding the legal entitlement to payment.

Where Construction and Quantum Expertise Intersect

Some construction disputes involve financial questions that cannot be separated completely from technical construction issues.

For example, the value of incomplete work may depend on establishing what was actually completed. Similarly, the financial effect of defective work may depend on understanding the nature and extent of the defect and the work required for rectification.

A building expert witness or construction expert witness may therefore address technical matters such as workmanship, defects, scope, compliance or incomplete construction, while a quantum-focused expert considers the financial or valuation consequences within their expertise.

This is where the distinction between expert witness construction work and quantum analysis becomes useful.

An expert witness building construction may establish what happened on the project from a technical perspective. The quantum assessment can then consider how that information affects the financial calculation.

The two areas can interact, but they should not be confused. A financial calculation should not make unsupported technical assumptions, just as a technical opinion should not be presented as a valuation without appropriate expertise and analysis.

NSW Evidence Act and the Assessment Process

The Evidence Act 1995 (NSW) contains rules dealing with opinion evidence. Section 79 provides an exception to the opinion rule where a person has specialised knowledge based on training, study or experience and the opinion is wholly or substantially based on that specialised knowledge.

For an expert involved in a NSW construction dispute, this makes it important to remain within the relevant area of specialised knowledge and clearly explain the basis of the opinion.

The assessment should identify the material relied upon, distinguish project information from assumptions where necessary and explain how the available records support the conclusions.

This does not mean that a report automatically becomes admissible simply because it contains an expert opinion. Questions of admissibility, relevance and weight are matters for the applicable legal process and decision-maker.

The practical objective is to produce an assessment that is properly reasoned, transparent about its limitations and based on information relevant to the issues being considered.

What Good Quantum Analysis Looks Like

A strong quantum assessment should make the reasoning traceable from the project records to the final conclusion.

A reader should be able to understand:

what was assessed
which records were considered
how quantities were determined
how variations were treated
how payments and credits were reconciled
which calculations were tested
what assumptions were necessary
where information was incomplete
how the final opinion was reached

Consistency is also important. Similar items should generally be considered using a coherent methodology unless there is a clear reason for treating them differently.

Transparent calculations and clearly identified limitations make it easier for another professional to examine the assessment.

The objective is not to produce the highest or lowest possible figure. It is to provide a reasoned assessment that can be understood alongside the underlying construction information.

Awesim Building Consultants

Awesim Building Consultants provides building consultancy and dispute support across Sydney and NSW, including Quantum Meruit Reports, Expert Witness Reports and Scott Schedules. Its published service information describes quantum meruit reporting as an independent assessment of the reasonable value of building work, including matters involving variations, incomplete work, defective workmanship and disputed construction costs.

For a construction dispute involving disputed variations, incomplete work, payment claims or questions about the value of work performed, the appropriate scope of assessment will depend on the issues and project material available.

Where a detailed quantum assessment is required, Awesim Building Consultants can assist with reviewing the construction information and preparing an appropriate report.

Conclusion

A quantum assessment is not simply about arriving at a figure. It is about showing how that figure connects to the work, project records, calculations and available information.

For a quantum expert witness in Sydney, this means examining the individual components of a claim, testing quantities and valuations, tracing payments, assessing variations, considering incomplete work and identifying differences between competing calculations.

Where the project records are consistent, the assessment can follow them through to a clear conclusion. Where information is incomplete or conflicting, those limitations can be identified and addressed rather than hidden within an overall figure.

For parties dealing with construction disputes in Sydney and across NSW, this structured approach can provide a clearer understanding of what is being claimed, how the amount has been calculated and which parts of the assessment are supported by the available project material.

Awesim Building Consultants provides quantum meruit reports and construction expert witness services for building disputes across NSW. If you require assistance with assessing the financial aspects of a construction claim or preparing a detailed quantum assessment, contact Awesim Building Consultants to discuss your requirements.

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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