Expert Technical Support for Law Firms, Insurers & SAT (WA)
Independent building defect analysis, NCC/AS-based compliance assessments and expert witness reporting prepared in a format suitable for tribunal and dispute resolution contexts.
Independent Technical Expertise for Building & Construction Disputes
BuildNex provides independent, technically rigorous support to law firms, insurers and clients involved in building and construction disputes in Western Australia. Led by Graeme Boyd, Registered Building Practitioner and qualified carpenter with more than 20 years’ experience, BuildNex offers clear, measured and evidence-based opinions on building defects, workmanship, compliance and rectification.
Expert opinions are grounded in the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), relevant Australian Standards, manufacturer installation requirements and accepted construction practice, and are expressed in a structured and professional format familiar to legal practitioners.
Services for Law Firms, Insurers & Dispute Practitioners
Expert Witness Reports
Comprehensive expert reports addressing defect causation, workmanship standards, compliance with NCC/AS requirements and reasonable rectification options, prepared in a tribunal-ready format.
Technical Defect Analysis
Detailed investigations of alleged defects, supported by photographs, measurements and tolerance checks, suitable for inclusion in expert bundles and submissions.
Review of Existing Reports & Evidence
Technical review of opposing expert reports, builder reports, scopes of work, plans and photographic evidence, with clear commentary on strengths, weaknesses and technical accuracy.
NCC & Australian Standards Interpretation
Clause-based analysis of relevant NCC 2022 provisions and standards to assist in determining whether works meet performance and compliance expectations.
Expert Conferences & SAT Hearings
Participation in joint conferences, preparation of joint statements and attendance at SAT (WA) hearings when expert evidence is required in person or via other means.
Rectification Scopes & Cost Input (Technical)
Preparation of rectification scopes from a technical perspective, suitable for use by quantity surveyors, builders or cost consultants when quantifying remedial work.
A Structured, Formal Approach to Expert Evidence
Methodology
- Brief & Document Review – Assessment of pleadings, prior reports, plans, engineering drawings, correspondence, photographs and SAT directions.
- On-Site Inspection – Targeted inspection of relevant building elements to verify alleged defects, workmanship, construction methodology and performance.
- Compliance & Performance Assessment – Comparison of observed conditions against NCC 2022, applicable Australian Standards, engineering design and manufacturer instructions.
- Causation & Opinion Formation – Determination of likely root causes and formulation of an independent, technically defensible expert opinion.
- Report Preparation – Preparation of a clear, structured report suitable for tribunal and legal use.
Why Law Firms Engage BuildNex
- Registered Building Practitioner (BP105837) with trade and project experience.
- Over two decades in construction, supervision and compliance roles.
- Experience across residential, commercial and mining environments.
- Strong familiarity with NCC 2022 and key Australian Standards.
- Independent, impartial and non-advocacy-based approach.
- Reports expressed in clear, concise and formal language.
- Defect descriptions supported by photographic and measurement evidence.
Briefing & Supporting Documentation
A well-prepared brief assists in providing efficient and reliable expert evidence. The following documents are particularly useful where available:
- Building contracts, specifications and variations.
- Architectural drawings, engineering documentation and details.
- Existing expert reports, defect schedules or scopes of work.
- Builder correspondence, RFIs, site instructions and meeting minutes.
- Photographs, video recordings and site notes.
- ITPs, certificates of compliance and approvals.
- SAT directions, pleadings and key submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions for Legal Teams
Are your reports suitable for SAT (WA)?
Yes. Reports are prepared in a clear, factual and independent manner consistent with tribunal expectations and can be incorporated into evidence bundles with minimal adjustment.
Do you provide preliminary opinions?
Yes. Preliminary reviews can assist in determining the likely merit of technical issues and whether a full expert report is required.
Can you review an opposing expert’s report?
Yes. BuildNex can review and comment on opposing technical reports, identifying areas of agreement and disagreement within the relevant field of expertise.
Do you act for all parties?
BuildNex may be engaged by owners, builders, developers, insurers or law firms. Regardless of the instructing party, all opinions are provided independently and without advocacy.
Can you attend conclaves or hearings?
Yes. Attendance at expert conclaves, joint conferencing and hearings can be arranged as part of the engagement where required.
How should we brief you on a matter?
Providing a clear summary of issues in dispute, relevant pleadings, previous reports, key correspondence and any directions or orders usually forms a solid starting brief.
Need Independent Technical Support for a Building Dispute?
BuildNex provides independent, NCC-aligned and evidence-based expert services for law firms, insurers and parties involved in building and construction disputes in Western Australia.
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