Aligned with Legal Process and Procedure
At ConsulTec, we understand that a building expert report is more than technical commentary — it’s a piece of legal evidence. Each engagement follows a defined pathway, from the initial Letter of Engagement and site inspection to evidence collection and formal report preparation. Our reports are structured, referenced, and written in accordance with PNVCAT2 Expert Evidence Guidelines, giving you and your clients clarity rather than complication.
Prepared for Scrutiny
Our reports are constructed as if they will be examined under cross-examination. We write with precision, define our assumptions, and ensure that each opinion can be defended under the standards expected of an independent expert. This gives you confidence that your expert evidence will withstand scrutiny — whether in negotiation, mediation, or Tribunal.
Early Resolution and Strategic Value
A strong report often leads to early settlement. Clear, well-founded evidence provides both parties with a factual base to negotiate from. Lawyers we work with tell us that concise and defensible expert reporting frequently resolves disputes before hearing — saving their clients significant time and expense.
Understanding Both Sides of a Dispute
With more than 40 years in the construction industry, we’ve seen disputes from every perspective. We understand the stress that owners, builders, and subcontractors experience — and the procedural pressure faced by lawyers managing them. This balance of technical insight and human understanding informs every report we produce.
Engagement by Melbourne Law Firms
ConsulTec is regularly engaged by Melbourne-based law firms to prepare expert witness reports for domestic and commercial building disputes.
Engagements typically commence through a formal Letter of Engagement issued by the instructing solicitor, providing procedural clarity and defining the scope of inspection, reporting, and expert witness participation.
Our structured process mirrors the expectations of the legal profession — ensuring independence, transparency, and clear documentation from the point of instruction through to report delivery.
Recoverable Costs and Client Value
The cost of an expert report or potential appearance is, in many cases, a recoverable expense within a settlement or costs order. For your clients, engaging an experienced expert is an investment that can directly affect the outcome — both in clarity and cost recovery.
Professional Collaboration
We maintain ongoing contact with Melbourne’s leading building consultants, engineers, and dispute specialists through the Australian Society of Building Consultants (Vic) and the Domestic Building Dispute Society. Regular engagement with these professional bodies ensures our understanding of current expectations and evolving Tribunal practice remains current.
The Consequences of Delay
We frequently encounter owners who discover — sometimes years later — that their original report was not VCAT-compliant, resulting in adjournment and wasted preparation time. By the time compliance issues are resolved, projects have often stalled, properties deteriorate, and clients face additional accommodation or security costs. Effective reporting prevents these losses by enabling timely resolution.
Client Brief & Instructions
We begin each engagement with clear written instructions from the instructing party — typically a solicitor, insurance representative, or owner builder. A precise client brief ensures our assessment scope aligns with the dispute’s key issues and complies with expert-witness obligations under VCAT and DBDRV procedures.
Our Process for Engaged Matters
Each engagement starts with review of the brief and all supporting materials, followed by confirmation of inspection scope and reporting parameters. We communicate directly with the instructing party to clarify requirements and maintain transparency throughout the engagement.
Scope Confirmation and Independence
All reports are prepared with complete independence from the client’s position. We confirm the agreed scope in writing and ensure findings are evidence-based, objective, and defensible under scrutiny.
Communication with Instructing Parties
During preparation we liaise as needed to verify details, timelines, and supporting documentation, ensuring the final report meets both professional and procedural standards.
Deliverables and Report Submission
Completed reports include technical assessments, photographic documentation, and referenced conclusions suitable for inclusion in legal proceedings. We provide digital delivery with optional printed copies upon request.
Need guidance on preparing expert-witness instructions?
Contact us for a sample brief template.
Why Choose ConsulTec
· Reports structured in accordance with PNVCAT2
· Clear, factual language written for legal use
· Decades of on-site building experience
· Fast turnaround and clear communication
· Trusted by Melbourne law firms for accuracy and professionalism
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can prepare an expert building report for legal proceedings?
Only qualified, independent consultants with relevant construction expertise and experience providing evidence in tribunals such as VCAT.
Are ConsulTec’s expert reports admissible at VCAT?
Yes. ConsulTec’s reports are structured in accordance with VCAT Practice Notes and meet the standards expected of expert witness documentation.
Can report preparation costs be recovered in a claim?
In many cases, yes. Expert report fees may be recoverable as disbursements when they are essential to a legal claim.
How long does it take to prepare an expert building report?
Most reports are completed within 7–10 business days following a site inspection, depending on the complexity of the matter.
If your case is urgent and requires a more immediate response time, please call Peter to discuss the options.