Defect investigation or NCAT expert witness report?
Two different documents for two different audiences.
In short: A defect investigation helps you and your builder fix a problem. If the dispute reaches NCAT, you need an expert witness report.
The investigation
Written for the owner and the builder. It explains what is wrong, the likely cause and what should happen next.
The tribunal report
NCAT requires expert evidence prepared to Procedural Direction 3, with the expert's duty owed to the tribunal.
Why not use one for both
An investigation is not prepared to the tribunal's rules, so it may carry little weight there.
The usual path
Builder in writing, then the NSW Fair Trading complaint and inspection service, then NCAT if needed.
Starting with an investigation
Many disputes end once the builder sees a clear, photographed explanation.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Castle Hill. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
