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.

NCAT building disputes

Understanding NCAT Building Disputes and Technical Evidence

September 3, 2026By Awesim

Building disputes can arise when there is disagreement about the quality, scope, completion or condition of construction work. A homeowner may identify defects that they believe require rectification, while a builder may disagree about the nature or cause of the issue. Disagreements can also arise where work has not been completed as expected or where the parties have different interpretations of the agreed scope.

When a matter progresses to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), the technical details of the construction work can become an important part of understanding the dispute. Contracts, plans, photographs, correspondence, inspection findings and technical reports may all provide information about what was agreed, what was constructed and what issues remain.

For NCAT building disputes, presenting technical information clearly can help distinguish specific construction issues from broader disagreements between the parties.

What Are NCAT Building Disputes?

NCAT deals with a range of residential home building matters. A dispute may involve defective or incomplete work, disagreements about workmanship, construction requirements or the rectification of identified problems.

The nature of each matter can vary considerably. One dispute may centre on a specific defect, while another may involve numerous items across a property. The issues may relate to areas such as waterproofing, finishes, structural elements, drainage, extensions, renovations or other residential construction work.

A building dispute NCAT matter may involve questions such as:

What work was originally agreed?
What work was actually completed?
Are particular defects present?
Where are the identified issues located?
What may have caused a particular defect?
Does the completed work correspond with the relevant plans or specifications?
What work may be required to address an identified issue?

These questions often require more than a general description of the problem. Technical information can provide greater clarity about the physical condition of the building and the construction issues being raised.

Understanding the NCAT Home Building Disputes Process

The NCAT home building disputes process can involve different stages depending on the circumstances of the matter. Rather than focusing only on the procedural aspects, parties should also consider how clearly they can identify and support the construction issues involved.

A building dispute may contain a substantial amount of information. Contracts, emails, photographs, invoices, plans, variations, reports and previous inspection records can accumulate throughout a project.

A useful starting point is to establish a clear factual record. This can involve identifying:

The original scope of work.
Changes or variations made during the project.
The stages at which concerns were raised.
The work that was completed.
The defects or incomplete items identified.
Any previous attempts at rectification.
The current condition of the relevant areas.

This information can provide useful context when assessing a NCAT building dispute.

Technical assessment is separate from legal advice. A building consultant can focus on construction-related questions, while legal representatives can advise parties about their legal position and the appropriate procedural steps.

Evidence in NCAT Building Disputes

The quality of evidence in NCAT building disputes can affect how clearly the technical issues can be understood. Evidence may come from many sources, and different documents can establish different parts of the overall picture.

Common examples include:

Building contracts
Plans and drawings
Specifications
Variations
Invoices and payment records
Photographs and videos
Emails and other correspondence
Inspection records
Defect reports
Relevant approvals and certificates
Expert or building consultant reports

For example, a contract may help establish the agreed scope of work, while photographs may show the physical condition of a particular area. Correspondence may establish when an issue was reported, and an inspection may provide technical observations about what was found at the property.

The usefulness of a document therefore depends on its relevance to the issue being considered.

A photograph showing cracking, for instance, may demonstrate that cracking exists. It does not necessarily establish the reason for the cracking or what work would be appropriate to address it. Those questions may require further technical investigation.

Why Technical Evidence Matters in a Building Dispute

Construction problems are not always straightforward. A visible defect may have several possible causes, and the appearance of an issue does not necessarily explain how or why it developed.

Technical assessment can be particularly relevant when a building dispute involves questions about workmanship, construction methods, compliance with relevant documentation or the nature of rectification work.

A building consultant may consider matters such as:

The physical condition of the building.
The location and extent of identified defects.
The apparent nature of the construction issue.
Relevant plans and specifications.
Applicable building requirements and standards.
The relationship between different construction elements.
Potential causes of observed defects.
The work that may be required for rectification.

The purpose of this type of assessment is to provide a structured technical explanation rather than simply state that construction work is defective.

For instance, instead of describing a waterproofing problem only as “poor workmanship”, a technical assessment can identify where the issue is located, describe the observed condition, consider relevant construction details and explain the technical basis for the finding.

This distinction can be important when dealing with complex building disputes, particularly where the parties have different views about the underlying problem.

Preparing Evidence for a Building Dispute

Preparing information for a building dispute is not simply a matter of collecting every document associated with a project. The information should be organised around the specific issues being considered.

A chronological record can be useful. It may show when construction commenced, when variations were made, when concerns were raised and when inspections or repair attempts occurred.

Photographs should also be kept in an organised manner. Where possible, information about the date and location of each image should be retained. This can help establish how the condition of the property developed over time.

It is also useful to separate individual defects rather than combining unrelated issues into a single general allegation.

For example, a defect schedule might identify:

Issue 1: Location of the defect
Observed condition: What can be seen or measured
Relevant documentation: Plans, specifications or correspondence
Photographic evidence: Images showing the condition
Technical assessment: Findings from the inspection
Rectification consideration: Work that may need to be considered

This type of structure can make complicated construction information easier to follow.

The evidence in NCAT building disputes should also distinguish between what has been directly observed and what is being inferred. Where the cause of an issue cannot be established from a visual inspection alone, further investigation may be appropriate.

The Role of an Expert Witness Report

An expert witness report can bring technical findings together in a structured document. The report may explain the consultant’s observations, the material reviewed, the technical reasoning behind the findings and the matters relevant to the dispute.

For a NCAT building dispute, a report may consider the relationship between the physical condition of the property and documents such as contracts, plans, specifications and correspondence.

A technical report should be based on appropriate investigation and clearly identify the matters within the consultant’s area of expertise. It should not simply present one party’s allegations as established facts.

Where there are multiple defects, a Scott Schedule can also be useful for organising the issues. Individual items can be identified and assessed so that the technical aspects of the dispute can be considered separately.

This approach can be particularly valuable where a project involves numerous defects or areas of incomplete work.

How a Building Consultant Can Assist

A building consultant can provide technical assistance where a construction matter requires an assessment of the physical work and supporting documentation.

Depending on the circumstances, this may involve an inspection of the property followed by a review of relevant project information. The consultant may document defects, consider their technical characteristics and prepare a report explaining the findings.

Awesim Building Consultants provides building consultancy services for construction-related matters, including technical assessments and expert witness reporting.

The work may involve:

Inspecting relevant areas of a property.
Recording and documenting defects.
Reviewing plans, specifications and contract information.
Considering relevant construction requirements.
Assessing the technical aspects of disputed work.
Preparing expert witness reports.
Assisting with Scott Schedules.
Clearly presenting technical observations and conclusions.

The consultant’s role is to address technical building matters. Legal questions, including how a party should conduct its case or what legal remedy may be available, should be addressed by an appropriately qualified legal professional.

For clients dealing with NCAT building disputes, separating these technical and legal roles can help ensure that the construction issues are assessed from the appropriate professional perspective.

Common Problems That Can Make Building Disputes Harder to Assess

A construction dispute can become more difficult when the available information is incomplete or inconsistent.

One example is undocumented variations. If the scope of work changed during construction but the change was not clearly recorded, it may be harder to establish what work was ultimately expected.

Another issue can arise when repairs are carried out before an inspection. Once construction work has been altered or repaired, some evidence of the original condition may no longer be available.

Other common complications include:

Missing plans or specifications.
Incomplete photographic records.
Multiple contractors working in the same area.
Defects being described without precise locations.
Different descriptions of the same issue.
Previous repairs affecting the original condition.
Limited information about when an issue first appeared.
Assumptions being made about the cause of a defect.

These problems highlight the value of keeping project information organised from the beginning.

Where a dispute already exists, a technical inspection can help establish the condition of the work as it currently exists and identify the matters that require further consideration.

Creating a Clear Technical Picture

The most useful approach to a construction matter is often to consider the available information as a connected record rather than treating individual documents in isolation.

A contract may establish the original scope. Plans and specifications can provide additional technical information. Photographs can show the condition of the work at particular points in time. Correspondence can establish when concerns were raised. Inspection findings can then provide technical observations about the physical construction.

This allows the different forms of evidence in NCAT building disputes to be considered in context.

It can also help identify gaps in the available information. If a defect is alleged but there are no photographs, inspection records or other supporting material, further investigation may be required. Similarly, if the physical condition of the property differs from what is shown in older photographs, the timing of the change may need to be established.

A clear technical record does not remove the complexity of a dispute, but it can make the construction issues easier to identify and assess.

Taking a Structured Approach to NCAT Building Disputes

NCAT building disputes can involve a combination of contractual, factual and technical issues. While the legal and procedural aspects of a matter should be addressed through the appropriate channels, the construction issues themselves may require detailed technical assessment.

Clear documentation, organised photographs, relevant project records and appropriately prepared technical reports can help establish a more complete picture of the work.

For homeowners, builders and other parties involved in a construction matter, obtaining technical assistance at the appropriate stage can help clarify defects, incomplete work and other construction-related concerns.

Awesim Building Consultants can assist with technical building assessments and expert witness reporting for matters involving construction disputes. To learn more about the service, 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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