Expert Witness Report 1 – 10 Defects

 

What are they?
A building expert witness report is a Quality Control inspection on works in progress or completed works performed by a Builder/Contractor.

We will inspect and determine whether the built form complies with:
• Australian Standards (AS)
• Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• National Construction Code (NCC)
• Department Of Fair Trading Standards & Tolerances Guidelines (DFT)

Our reports have each defect outlined as follows:
Defect No | Defect location | Defect Description | Statutory Compliance | Scope Of Works | Photo of defect

Our reports are prepared in accordance to the format compliant within NCAT & Local/District courts.

Why Are they needed?

An expert witness report is a document prepared to commence legal proceeding with NCAT or Local Court.
The report is prepared for the consideration of the consumer/builder/solicitor prior to their submission to court and their opposing party.
The report is to be used by our client and/or their solicitor, together with the member within NCAT or a judge at the local or District Court rooms as a 3rd party independent report on the building matters within the case.
Once our expert witness report is produced, a Scott Schedule can be generated to form the basis of a monetary claim against the builder or in defence of a claim brought to you by the consumer.

We have the following specialists employed within this office:

Structural & Hydraulic Engineers
Qualified Builders
Qualified Carpenters
Pest Consultants

Defects

  • It is common for our inspectors to inspect and report on defects within a newly built project that can range from 10 – 50 defects, and in the current marketplace it is becoming more common that we find up to 200 defects per renovation or new residential dwelling built.
  • Before engaging The Property Inspectors, we strongly advise you to thoroughly review our complete fee page. This page provides a detailed overview of the various types of reports we offer, along with the quantity of defects covered within each report, all of which are subject to their applicable fee.
  • It is quite common for our services to initially be engaged for projects with an estimated 20 to 40 defects per report. However, it often occurs that these projects expand, and our reports end up documenting as many as 200 defects. This is especially the case when property owners desire a comprehensive report that encompasses all identified defects. Therefore, we recommend considering a defect report that covers a broader range of potential defects within the property. Our fee structure proves to be more cost-effective for larger reports compared to choosing an option with fewer defects included, especially if more defects are discovered during the inspection than initially anticipated.
  • It’s essential to understand that all our reports are produced based on the defects observed during our fieldworker’s on-site inspection and data collection process, which we have no idea of the quantity of defects within your property until our fieldworker arrives on site and completes their thorough site assessment. This remains consistent regardless of the quantity of defects outlined within the initial work order. Any additional defects beyond the originally specified quantity will be billed as a variation to the contract or work order.
  • In cases where the final report exceeds the number of defects initially outlined in the work order, the additional defects will be charged on a pro-rata basis, using the specified quantity of defects and their corresponding sums as originally outlined in the work order.

 

Pro-Rata Rate

NB The pro-rata rate for any defects over and above 10 defects under this cost option is as follows.

Non-Urgent – $250 + GST

RRP – $300 + GST

Urgent – $350 + GST

 

Definitions

Minor Defect

In the context of building works and construction, a minor defect typically refers to a relatively small or inconsequential issue that doesn’t significantly affect the overall performance or functionality of a structure. Minor defects are usually considered less serious than major defects, which can have a more substantial impact on the safety, structural integrity, or usability of a building.

Examples of minor defects in construction may include cosmetic issues, minor imperfections in finishes, small paint flaws, or other superficial problems that do not compromise the overall quality or safety of the construction project. It’s important to note that the classification of a defect as minor or major can vary depending on contractual agreements, industry standards, and local building codes.

Dealing with minor defects is a routine part of the construction process, and builders or contractors are typically responsible for addressing and rectifying such issues to meet the agreed-upon standards and specifications outlined in the construction contract.

Major Defect

A major defect in the context of building works refers to a significant issue or flaw in construction that has the potential to affect the structural integrity, safety, or functionality of a building. Major defects are more serious than minor defects and often require substantial corrective measures to ensure the building meets the required standards and specifications.

Examples of major defects in construction may include:

1. Structural Issues: Problems with the foundation, load-bearing walls, beams, or columns that compromise the overall stability of the building.
2. Water Infiltration: Serious leaks or water penetration that can lead to damage of structural elements or contribute to mould growth.
3. Faulty Electrical Wiring: Issues with electrical systems that pose a safety risk, such as faulty wiring, inadequate grounding, or inadequate electrical capacity.
4. Plumbing Problems: Significant plumbing issues, such as widespread leaks, sewer line problems, or issues that affect water supply.
5. Fire Safety Concerns: Failure to meet fire safety standards, including problems with fire-resistant materials, exits, or emergency systems.
6. Non-compliance with Building Codes: Failure to meet local building codes and regulations, which are in place to ensure the safety and quality of construction.

Addressing major defects often requires extensive and costly repairs or even reconstruction. It’s crucial to identify and rectify major defects promptly to ensure the safety of occupants and compliance with building regulations. In many cases, responsibilities for addressing major defects are outlined in construction contracts, and contractors or builders may be obligated to fix such issues. Legal and contractual considerations play a significant role in determining how major defects are addressed and who bears the responsibility for rectifying them.

Non-Compliance Item

A non-compliance item within a building project refers to an element or aspect of the construction that does not conform to the specified standards, codes, regulations, or contractual requirements. Non-compliance can arise at various stages of a building project, from the design and planning phase to the actual construction and completion. These deviations from the prescribed standards may be identified through inspections, quality assurance processes, or other means of project oversight.

Non-compliance items can take different forms and may include:

1. Building Code Violations: Failure to meet local, regional, or national building codes and regulations.
2. Design Non-Conformities: Deviations from the approved architectural or engineering plans and specifications.
3. Material Deficiencies: Use of substandard or inappropriate materials that do not meet project requirements.
4. Workmanship Issues: Poor quality of construction work that falls below industry standards or contractual specifications.
5. Safety Concerns: Failure to adhere to safety standards, which can pose risks to occupants or construction workers.

Addressing non-compliance items is crucial to ensuring the safety, functionality, and durability of the constructed facility. Depending on the severity and nature of the non-compliance, corrective actions may involve adjustments to the design, replacement of materials, or modifications to construction practices. The responsibility for addressing non-compliance items is typically outlined in the construction contract, with builders, contractors, or other parties involved in the project expected to rectify the issues within the agreed-upon terms.

Regular inspections, quality control measures, and adherence to established standards are essential components of managing and mitigating non-compliance issues in building projects. Resolving non-compliance items in a timely manner is important to prevent delays, cost overruns, and potential legal implications.

Safety Hazard

A safety hazard within a building project refers to any condition, substance, activity, or situation that has the potential to cause harm, injury, illness, or damage to people, property, or the environment. Safety hazards can exist at various stages of a building project, from the initial planning and design phases to construction, maintenance, and eventual use of the structure. Identifying and mitigating safety hazards is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of construction workers, occupants, and the general public.
Examples of safety hazards in a building project include:
1. Fall Hazards: Unprotected edges, open shafts, or working at heights without proper fall protection measures.
2. Electrical Hazards: Unsafe wiring, inadequate grounding, or exposure to live electrical components.
3. Fire Hazards: Inadequate fire prevention measures, improper storage of flammable materials, or faulty fire protection systems.
4. Chemical Exposure: Handling and exposure to hazardous substances without proper safety precautions.
5. Structural Hazards: Unstable scaffolding, poorly supported structures, or inadequate shoring during excavation work.
6. Mechanical Hazards: Operation of heavy machinery without proper safeguards or equipment malfunction.
7. Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Failure to use or provide necessary personal protective gear, such as hard hats, gloves, or safety glasses.
8. Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered and disorganized work areas that increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
9. Biological Hazards: Exposure to mould, bacteria, or other biological agents that can cause health issues.

It is the responsibility of all parties involved in a building project, including owners, contractors, workers, and safety professionals, to identify, assess, and address safety hazards. This often involves implementing safety measures, providing appropriate training, and adhering to safety regulations and industry standards. Regular safety inspections, hazard assessments, and a commitment to a safety culture are essential components of managing and minimizing safety hazards in building projects.

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$3,000.00 Online Price


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