Peer Review/Expert Witness

Project Overview:

Weatherproof Consulting was engaged by the Owners Corporation to conduct a peer review of the original Principal Building Contractor's work under warranty, aimed at addressing numerous building deficiencies.

The project encompassed 38 lots and substantial common areas, presenting logistical and forensic challenges due to the extensive number of defects.

Key Issues:

The Building Contractor failed to identify appropriate strategies, opting for an "attempted approach" that resulted in ongoing failures. This led to unnecessary expenditures by both the Builder and the owners, adversely impacted residents, and caused delays in resolving the issues within the timeframe stipulated by the Home Building Act.

The defect solutions were not progressing effectively, and a blanket approach was applied, which ultimately led to our engagement through a referral.

Project Objectives:

1. To peer review the Builder's repair scope and provide advice to ensure compliance and a fit-for-purpose outcome.

2. To conduct forensic analysis and offer technical advisory services regarding water intrusion and consequential damage.

Design & Planning:

During the investigation stage, various testing regimes were implemented to ensure accurate solutions. These tests included:

· Concrete scanning;

· Thermal imaging;

· Facade testing, including AAMI 501.2 and beyond;

· Flood testing and moisture mapping;

· Laboratory sampling.

Findings:

Our forensic investigations and numerous meetings with the owners and the Builder ultimately led to the Builder going into liquidation, after which HBCF Insurance was introduced.

The Builder went into liquidation two months before the expiry of the insured period, and we were further engaged to provide an expert witness report summarizing our findings, which included all major defects identified.

HBCF Warranty Outcome:

At the time of writing, the Insurers had accepted liability for at least 50% of our findings. A letter detailing accepted and rejected items was provided by the insured, which was reviewed by our team and responded to.

We are currently awaiting further communication from the insurer on this matter.