An independent, engineer-signed structural report prepared to expert witness standard for VCAT, DBDRV, insurers and legal proceedings. The engineer’s duty is to the tribunal, not to the party paying for the report — which is precisely what makes the evidence hold up under cross-examination.
You are in a dispute, and the other side has an engineer too
By the time a building matter reaches VCAT, DBDRV or an insurer, the argument is rarely about whether damage exists. It is about cause, responsibility and cost — and it is decided on the quality of the evidence each side puts forward. A report written for a homeowner does not survive that process. One written to expert witness standard does.
Before you commission a report, talk to us
An expert report is not the right first step in every dispute, and it is an expensive one to get wrong. Some matters are resolved faster through DBDRV conciliation. Some need a straightforward structural damage report rather than expert evidence. Some are already so close to a hearing date that the tribunal’s directions on expert evidence govern what can be filed and when.
Tell us four things and we will tell you honestly whether you need this service, a different one, or none of ours at all. There is no charge for that conversation.
VCAT, DBDRV, an insurance claim, a solicitor’s letter, or a dispute that has not been filed anywhere yet.
Including any date by which expert evidence must be filed. This drives everything about the timeline and whether we can take the work on.
Cracking, movement, defective work, incomplete work, a failed repair — and whether the other side has already produced an expert report.
Contracts, variations, permits, engineering drawings, previous reports, photographs and correspondence. Existing documents materially change the scope and the fee.
Your builder disputes that the defects are their responsibility
An insurer has declined a claim and you need independent evidence of cause
A neighbour or owners corporation is holding you responsible for damage
You have a report already, and the other side has challenged the engineer who wrote it
You have a hearing date approaching and need evidence that will hold up
How we help
We inspect independently, document what we find, and set out our findings in the format a tribunal expects. Our duty in an expert report is to the tribunal, not to the party paying the fee — which is exactly what makes the report worth having.
A formal expert engineering report prepared in line with court and tribunal requirements
Written to be clear, objective, and defensible under cross-examination
Structured for use in VCAT hearings, court cases, and insurance disputes
Based on independent site inspections, photographic evidence, and engineering calculations
Prepared and signed by a registered structural engineer qualified to act as an expert witness
Why clients trust our expert reports
Qualified Structural Engineers Only
Independent & Unbiased
Proven Track Record
Clear, Defensible Reporting
What the inspection involves
An independent site inspection by a registered structural engineer qualified to act as an expert witness, with everything recorded to evidentiary standard.
- Independent Site Inspection — detailed structural assessment by a registered engineer
- Photographic Evidence — documented site conditions to support your case
- Engineering Calculations & Analysis — where required to substantiate findings
- Clear Written Report — objective, unbiased, and structured to tribunal/court standards
- Expert Recommendations — outlining compliance issues, defects, causes, and potential remedies
- Engineer Sign-Off — signed by a registered structural engineer qualified to act as expert witness
What you will receive
A formal expert report, signed by the engineer who inspected the property and prepared to be relied on in a hearing.
An independent opinion on cause and responsibility, expressed plainly and supported by evidence
Photographic documentation of every defect relied on in the report
Engineering calculations and analysis where they are needed to substantiate a finding
Findings written to be objective and defensible under cross-examination
Signed by a registered structural engineer qualified to act as an expert witness
What happens next
Tell us your hearing or deadline date at the first call. It shapes what we can commit to.
1. Call us and outline the dispute. We will tell you honestly whether an expert report will help your position.
2. We attend the property independently and document the evidence, typically within 3–5 business days.
3. Your written expert report follows within 10–12 business days, or sooner where a hearing date requires it.
The limits of what an expert report can do
An expert report sets out an independent engineering opinion on the evidence available. It does not guarantee any particular finding, settlement, award or result at VCAT, DBDRV, in court, or with an insurer. Outcomes turn on matters well beyond the engineering — contract terms, limitation periods, credit, other evidence and the decision-maker’s judgement.
Under the expert witness code of conduct that applies to VCAT proceedings, the engineer’s paramount duty is to assist the tribunal impartially on matters within their expertise. That duty overrides any duty to the party paying the fee. We will not adjust findings to suit an instructing party, and a report that could be adjusted that way would be worth very little in the proceeding.
If the evidence does not support your position, the report will say so. We will tell you that at the earliest point we can, so you can take advice before the report is finalised and filed.
We are structural engineers, not lawyers. Nothing on this page or in our reports and correspondence constitutes legal advice, and it should not be relied on as a substitute for it. We do not advise on prospects of success, liability, contract interpretation, limitation periods, procedure, settlement, or whether to commence or continue a proceeding. Obtain advice from a qualified Australian legal practitioner on those questions.
Findings rest on visual inspection, the documents provided to us and any testing specifically engaged. Concealed, inaccessible or already-rectified work cannot be assessed, and incomplete document disclosure can materially limit the opinion that can be given.
Our fee is for the engineering work and any attendance required. It is payable regardless of outcome and is never contingent on the finding or on the result of the proceeding.
VCAT Report Frequently Asked Questions
Can your reports be used in VCAT or court?
Will the engineer act as an expert witness?
Yes. Our engineers regularly appear at VCAT and in court to explain and defend their reports under cross-examination.
What makes your reports defensible?
How much notice do you need before a hearing?
Ideally 2–3 weeks, but we can sometimes accommodate urgent matters depending on complexity and court deadlines.
Do you provide both written reports and in-person appearances?
Yes. We provide written reports, and if needed, the same engineer can attend VCAT or court as your expert witness.
Clear Pricing, No Hidden fees
+ GST
Where the engineer is required to attend and give evidence
+ GST
Notes
- The above are minimum fees only. Final pricing will depend on the property’s size, complexity, location, documentation provided and access requirements.
- A fixed quotation will be provided before work commences.
- Regional properties located more than 2 hours’ drive (one way) may incur an additional travel charge.
- All fees exclude GST.
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