Our Services Building Dispute Resolution Building Defects Reports Scope of rectification work Scott Schedules Expert Witness Reports Dilapidation Surverys Inspections Pre-purchase Building Inspections Pre-purchase Timber Pest Inspections Progress Inspections Defects Liability Inspections Building Fault Diagnosis Project Management Construction Supervision Cost Estimates Contract Administration Our Services Explained Building Dispute Resolution All too often disputes arise between a builder and his client. These disputes may be triggered by claims of faulty workmanship, defective material, cost escalation or lack of progress. 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 remaining duration of the project. In some cases, particularly 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 Pty Ltd 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 or the identification of incomplete work. Once the defects and incomplete work have been determined we can prepare a Scope of Work for their rectification and completion and an estimate for the cost of the rectification or completion work. If the matter is to proceed to a Court or a Tribunal hearing we can then prepare a document known as a ‘Scott Schedule’. In some instances we may be required to attend the Court or Tribunal as an independent 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. A more detailed explanation of these processes is explained below. Dilapidation Surveys A Dilapidation Survey is a photographic record indicating the condition of the existing structures and natural features that surround a soon-to-commence construction project. These structures and natural features may include the exterior and interior areas of private houses and other buildings that are in close proximity to the construction site as well as 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 the developer obtaining a Dilapidation Survey prior to commencement of construction. Doug Coombes & Associates Pty Ltd have been carrying out Dilapidation Surveys for many years. We use a professional level digital SLR camera and we pride ourselves on presenting to our clients finished documents of the highest standard. We have produced reports for both large and small projects and we have worked with many well known construction companies. If you are shortly to commence a construction project that requires a Dilapidation Report then send us an email or contact us to arrange a Fee Proposal. Inspections Doug Coombes & Associates Pty Ltd 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. An explanation of the most common forms of inspections is listed below. Pre-purchase Building Inspections If you are purchasing a home you would be wise to consider obtaining a Pre-purchase Building Inspection Report from a reputable Building .Consultant. A standard pre-purchase building inspection report will reveal the condition of the building and give you an informed opinion concerning matters such 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. Doug Coombes & Associates Pty Ltd have been carrying out pre-purchase building inspections since 1982, (longer than most other firms) and since that time have literally completed thousands of inspections. We are properly qualified and fully insured to carry out such work. Our reports are professionally presented and written in strict compliance with Australian Standard AS 4349.1 – 2007 Inspection of Buildings Part 1: Pre-purchase inspections – Residential buildings. It is a requirement of AS 4349 that an Inspection Agreement is entered into between the purchaser and the Building Consultant before the inspection is carried out. This is to ensure that the scope of the inspection is agreed upon between the parties so that the purchaser knows in advance what to expect from the report. Should the purchaser require an inspection of any specific items not covered under a standard inspection report he may order what is known as a ‘special purpose inspection report.’ Pre-purchase Timber Pest Inspection If you are purchasing a home you would be wise to consider obtaining a Pre-purchase Timber Pest Inspection Report from a licensed and reputable Pest Inspector. A pre-purchase timber pest inspection report will reveal any past or present evidence of timber pest activity such as termites, borers, chemical delignification and fungal decay within the accessible areas of the building and it will present you with an informed opinion concerning matters such as any conditions that may be conducive to future timber pest activity. Doug Coombes & Associates Pty Ltd have been carrying out pre-purchase timber pest inspections since 1991 and since that time have literally completed thousands of inspections. Our reports are professionally presented and are compliant with Australian Standard AS 4349.3 – Inspection of Buildings Part 3: Timber Pest inspections. Qualifications Doug Coombes B.build., FAIB., MASBC., AIMA. MBA Accredited Building Consultant Chartered Builder please click here to view my full summary of qualifications and industry experience (PDF)