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Expert Witnesses

Independent expert evidencefor NCAT, courts and mediation

AJ Engineering Consultancy prepares independent expert reports on building defects, workmanship and compliance for matters before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), the courts, and in mediation and settlement negotiations.

Reports are prepared by Alan Jan, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng, NER, RPEQ) and registered NSW Building Practitioner, in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct and NCAT Procedural Direction 3. Our role is to give an objective, well-reasoned engineering opinion. Our overriding duty is to the court or tribunal, not to the party who engages us, and that independence is what gives the evidence its weight.

We are engaged by homeowners, owners corporations, builders and their solicitors. Each report identifies the defects observed, their likely cause, the relevant NCC and Australian Standard requirements, and the scope of rectification, supported by photographs.

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Independent advice from inspection to hearing
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(02) 8712 6792

Clear, objective evidenceto help resolve building disputes

We inspect the property, review the relevant documents (contracts, plans, specifications and certificates) and prepare a report that sets out the facts, our assumptions and the reasoning behind each opinion. Where required, we take part in joint expert conferences, prepare joint reports and give evidence at hearing.

  • Inspection and photographic record of defects
  • Review of contracts, plans and specifications
  • Assessment against the NCC and Australian Standards
  • Cause of each defect and scope of rectification
  • Reports compliant with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct
  • NCAT home building and strata disputes
  • Court proceedings and mediation
  • Joint expert conferences and joint reports
  • Evidence at hearing
  • Confidential, prompt communication

How the process worksfrom first enquiry to hearing

Whether you are an owner, an owners corporation, a builder or a solicitor, the process is the same. We keep you informed at every stage, and our timeframes are planned around your NCAT or court directions.

  • 1. Initial enquiry: tell us about the property, the issues and the stage of proceedings
  • 2. Conflict check: we confirm we have no prior involvement with the parties or the property
  • 3. Fee proposal: a written proposal setting out the scope, fees and timeframe
  • 4. Letter of instruction: you or your solicitor provide the brief, the questions to be answered and the relevant documents
  • 5. Site inspection: a detailed inspection with photographs, measurements and, where needed, testing or invasive investigation
  • 6. Expert report: prepared in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct and NCAT Procedural Direction 3
  • 7. Joint conference: where directed, we confer with the other expert and prepare a joint report
  • 8. Hearing: we attend NCAT or court to give evidence, including concurrent evidence where required

What is inour expert reports

Our reports are written to be clear for the tribunal member and the parties, while containing the technical detail another expert will look for. A typical report includes:

  • Acknowledgement of the Expert Witness Code of Conduct
  • Qualifications and relevant experience
  • Letter of instruction and the questions answered
  • Documents and information relied on
  • Inspection details and methodology
  • Schedule of defects with photographs
  • Opinion on the cause of each defect
  • Relevant NCC, Australian Standard and contract requirements
  • Method and scope of rectification
  • Scott Schedule responses where required

Matters wereport on

We provide expert evidence on residential, strata and commercial building matters, including:

  • Home building disputes, including the statutory warranties under the Home Building Act 1989 (NSW)
  • Strata and multi-unit building defects
  • Structural cracking, movement and settlement
  • Water ingress and waterproofing failures
  • Footings, slabs and retaining walls
  • Framing, roofing and cladding defects
  • Incomplete or non-compliant building work
  • Owner, builder and subcontractor disputes
  • Damage to adjoining properties from excavation or construction
  • Insurance and storm damage assessments
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    Accepted file types: doc, pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.

      OurReviewS

      Have been using Alan from AJ Engineering for just over 1 year now for expert reports and structural design and advice for my projects. Highly recommend him and his team.

      Andrew Anoih

      We were absolutely delighted with Alan's work. He was courteous, professional and respectful in every interaction. He came out in heavy rain and stayed up late to get a report done that we needed quickly without any complaint. His report was extremely thorough and gave us a comprehensive understanding of the work necessary to stabilise the house we are purchasing. Alan's work was far more comprehensive than a standard building and pest report. We will be recommending Alan to all friends purchasing property from now on.

      Nathaniel Dodd

      I highly recommend AJ Engineering. Alan was very professional and detailed in his report. He was a great communicator from first contact with him and throughout the process. He ensured we understood what the assessment meant and gave us great advice. We are very grateful for Alan and are very happy to have had him as our engineer. Thank you very much.

      Cathlyn S

      During my home renovation works I came stuck with a load bearing wall and needed urgent Engineering advice. AJ Engcon were extremely helpful and responsive during some stressful times and provided me some very cost effective options. Would easily use again and strongly recommend to all those seeking.

      David Barkho

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What can I expect from a building inspection?

      A Chartered structural engineer inspects the accessible areas of the property, records defects with photographs and assesses them against the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards. You then receive a written report explaining what was found, the likely cause and our recommendations for rectification.

      How will I receive my report?

      Reports are issued as a PDF by email. If you need a printed copy, we can post one to you (additional charges may apply).

      What is your cancellation policy?

      If you need to cancel or reschedule an inspection, please let us know as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours before the booked time. Call us on (02) 8712 6792.

      Do you inspect on weekends?

      Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and inspections are booked within those hours. Please call us if your matter is urgent.

      Does the report include photos?

      Yes. Every report includes photographs of the defects and conditions observed. Additional photos are available on request.

      When should I get an inspection?

      Common reasons include: during construction and at handover, before nearby excavation or demolition works (dilapidation report), when cracking, movement or water ingress appears, and when a building dispute or NCAT claim is being prepared.

      How quickly will I receive my report?

      Turnaround depends on the type of report and the urgency of your matter. Most inspection reports are issued within a few business days, and we confirm the timeframe in our fee proposal.

      How long does an inspection take?

      Around 1 to 2 hours for a typical three-bedroom house. Larger buildings, strata properties and expert witness inspections may take longer.

      What is included in the report?

      Depending on the type of report: a description of the property and scope, observations of each defect with photographs, the likely cause, reference to the relevant NCC and Australian Standard requirements, and recommendations for rectification. Expert witness reports are prepared in accordance with the Expert Witness Code of Conduct.