Our Services
Expert Witness Reports
All too often disputes arise between a builder and his client. These disputes may be triggered by claims of faulty workmanship, defective material, lack of progress or cost escalation. Whatever the cause, it can usually be traced to a lack of communication between the parties. If left to escalate, a building dispute can lead to even further communication breakdown and a permanent lack of trust between the parties for the duration of the project. In some cases, particular where disputes are referred to a Court or a Tribunal for a formal hearing, it can lead to serious financial loss for one or both of the parties. There are various mechanisms available to resolve building disputes. These may include mediation, conciliation, arbitration, adjudication, expert determination and litigation. All of these mechanisms either encourage or force the parties to communicate with each other either directly or through their lawyers to achieve an outcome. The outcome however may not be what either party anticipated. Success with winning a building dispute most often is awarded to the party who is the best prepared. Doug Coombes & Associates can assist either party with this preparation process. We can prepare an expert witness report that focuses on issues such as the identification of building defects. Once the defects have been determined we can prepare a Scope of Works for their rectification and an estimate for the cost of the rectification work. If the matter is to proceed to a Court or Tribunal Hearing we can then prepare a document known as a “Scott Schedule” In some cases we may be required to attend the Court or Tribunal to give evidence as an Expert Witness. In a reverse situation we can prepare a response to a report already prepared by an expert retained by the other party and then carry out similar processes.
Building Inspection Reports
Doug Coombes & Associates carry out a number of different types of inspections to suit the requirements of the client. All inspections are carried out personally by Doug Coombes. We do not engage sub-contractors for this type of work. The most common types of inspections are listed below.
Building Fault Diagnosis
An inspection to determine the cause of a particular fault or defect within the building.
Progress Inspection
Generally progress inspections involve a series of inspections for early identification of defective work or material during the progress of a building project.
Practical Completion Inspection
An inspection carried out at the completion of a new building project to identify any work that remains defective or incomplete and which needs to be rectified prior to occupancy.
Defects Liability Inspection
An inspection that is normally carried out towards the end of the defects liability period.
Pre-purchase Building Inspection
If you are purchasing a home you would be wise to consider obtaining a Pre-purchase Building Inspection Report. A standard pre-purchase building inspection report will reveal the current condition of the building and give you an informed decision concerning such matters as the existence of any structural damage and conditions conducive to structural damage, any major defects in secondary and finishing elements and any serious safety hazards that you may not be aware of.
Dilapidation reports
A dilapidation report is a photographic survey and record indicating the condition of the existing structures and natural features that are in close proximity to a soon to commence construction project. These structures and natural features may include the exterior and interior areas of neighbouring houses and other buildings as well as the condition of Council Assets such as pedestrian footpaths, nature strips, trees, street signs, kerbs, gutters, roads and driveways. Many Councils and insurance companies insist on the builder or developer obtaining a Dilapidation Report prior to commencement of construction. Doug Coombes & Associates have been carrying out Dilapidation Surveys for many years. We use a professional level digital SLR camera and we pride ourselves with presenting to our clients professionally bound documents of the highest standard. We have produced reports for both large and small projects and we have worked with many well-known large construction companies.
Project Management
Project management of building projects is widespread in the commercial sector and it is fast becoming popular in the residential sector as an alternative to the traditional lump sum or fixed price form of contract between the parties. It is a fairer system for both parties because the builder simply earns a fee for his services rather than generating a profit. The fee is generally less than the anticipated profit margin and as a result the client gains the benefit of the reduced cost. A detailed budget is generally prepared prior to commencement which both parties acknowledge. As the construction work proceeds, the builder accounts to the client for all costs incurred. Doug Coombes & Associates for many years have specialised in project management when undertaking building projects for their clients and have a proven track record.
