Inside an Officer balcony investigation
How a failed membrane led to damaged joists, mouldy flooring and cracked limestone.
For a problem you already know about: water getting in, cracking that keeps growing, a balcony that feels wrong. We find the cause and set out what the fix has to include.
One of our inspectors will call you back. If it is urgent, call 1300 471 805.
A defect investigation is measured against the National Construction Code, the relevant Australian Standards and the Guide to Standards and Tolerances 2015. It is written for the owner and the builder; a tribunal needs an expert witness report.
24 checkpoints across 8 areas on a standard Officer defect investigation report. Where a roof space, subfloor or room is locked, blocked or unsafe on the day, the report says so and explains what was not seen.
If the dispute is going to the Building and Plumbing Commission's dispute resolution service (formerly DBDRV) or to VCAT, you will need an expert witness report written to the VCAT practice note. See our expert witness reports.
From an investigation into failing balconies at an Officer home.
How a failed membrane led to damaged joists, mouldy flooring and cracked limestone.
Two different reports for two different jobs, and how to tell which you need.
How thermal imaging and moisture readings narrow down a leak.
New Construction Stage Inspections Seven independent visits on an Officer build, each before the next trade covers the work. 
Pre-Handover (PCI) Inspections Every room, the roof and the site checked before you sign for your new Officer home. 
Pre-Purchase Building Inspections A clear read on an established Officer home's condition before you commit to buy. 
Building and Pest Inspections Building condition and timber pests in one visit, with the termite risks around the house spelt out. 
Rental minimum standards (Victoria) inspections Your Officer rental checked against all 15 Victorian minimum standards before it is advertised. 
Dilapidation Reports Record your home's condition before a neighbouring lot is excavated or built on. 
Expert Witness Reports Written to the VCAT expert evidence practice note once a building dispute is heading to the tribunal. 
Pre-Listing Inspections Find out what a buyer's inspector will flag before your Officer home is advertised. 
Insurance Claim Assessments Independent evidence of the damage and its likely cause to support your claim. Instant online pricing, or talk to the booking team on 1300 471 805.
No. Its audience is you and the builder, nobody else. For the Building and Plumbing Commission's dispute resolution service (formerly DBDRV) or VCAT you need an expert witness report written to the VCAT practice note, which we also prepare.
Destructive investigation, engineering certification, geotechnical or soil testing, laboratory testing and the repair work itself. If opening up is needed to confirm a cause, the report says where and why.
It sets out each finding, the requirement it fails and what the fix has to cover, so it gives them a clear list to respond to in writing.
Often, yes. Thermal imaging and moisture readings narrow down where water is travelling. Sometimes a small opening is needed to confirm it, and we will say so.
Yes. Knowing the cause tells you what a proper repair involves, which protects you when you get trade quotes.
Usually within the week. If water is actively getting in, tell us and we will try to come sooner.
No. We stay independent, and the report gives any repairer a clear scope to price.