Frequently Asked Questions

While plumbers and roofers excel in their trades, addressing water leaks often requires specialized expertise beyond their scope. For example, while a plumber may repair a leaking pipe and a roofer may patch a roof, they might not identify the underlying structural issue causing recurring water ingress.  As building consultants with extensive experience in construction, renovations, and remedial rectifications, we are uniquely qualified to investigate and identify the root causes of water leaks, even in complex cases. Our in-depth understanding of building elements, collaboration with product manufacturers, and on site-specific rectification strategies ensure tailored, effective solutions that address the entire problem. Unlike contractors who may lack the technical expertise for comprehensive diagnostics, we provide thorough analysis, oversight of repairs, and compliance with building codes, helping to prevent costly misdiagnoses, ineffective repairs, and recurring issues.

The difference between Sydney Building Diagnostics and other building consultancies is we are a building consultancy that has hands on experience in new construction, renovations and remedial building rectifications. This allows us to have an in depth knowledge of what to look for when an issue arises that may not be seen by others and provides us with better problem solving capabilities. We also have extensive product knowledge on remedial building products and systems, working closely with product manufactures. We are constantly upskilling, and are accredited in assessing water damaged buildings, keeping up to date with the latest equipment, learning and are acting members of accredited associations such as the Housing Industry Association also being accredited waterproofing applicators with ARDEX Australia. Over a period almost two decades, we have learned how buildings react to there environments, how buildings should perform during weather events, the most common mistakes when building and waterproofing, what does work when rectifying a building and why certain recommended repairs just do not work. 

 Clients often wonder about the roles of builders and building consultants. Builders are primarily responsible for the physical construction or rectification of buildings, ensuring that plans are executed efficiently and structures are built to code. Building Consultants are generally either licensed builders themselves, who have gained enough expertise to be a building expert or structural engineers. In the space of rectifications and repairs,  building consultants diagnose building issues and provide a site specific solution for repair. The building consultants also then keep the builders in check. Ensuing that the rectification works comply with all relevant Building Codes, Australian Standards, the site specific solutions, providing expert guidance and oversight throughout the entire construction process. They offer valuable insights into design, materials, and regulations, aiming to optimize efficiency, quality, and compliance. 

 Solely using  a builder to identify and rectify water leaks without involving a building consultant for preliminary diagnosis and site-specific rectification methods can present several challenges. Builders typically focus on the physical construction aspects of a project and may not possess the specialized knowledge and expertise required for accurate diagnosis and effective rectification of water leaks.  Builders may lack in-depth knowledge of building science, including the complexities of water ingress and building envelope performance. A building consultant, with their specialized expertise, can provide a more thorough understanding of the underlying causes of water leaks . Identifying the source of water leaks often requires advanced diagnostic techniques and tools. Building consultants are trained to conduct comprehensive inspections and utilize specialized equipment to pinpoint the exact locations and causes of water ingress. Each building presents unique challenges, and the most effective rectification methods can vary depending on factors such as building design, materials used, and environmental conditions. Building consultants can assess these site-specific factors and develop tailored solutions that address the root cause of water leaks.  Misdiagnosing water leaks or implementing ineffective solutions can lead to costly rework and ongoing maintenance issues. Involving a building consultant from the outset can help prevent unnecessary expenses by ensuring that the right solutions are implemented correctly the first time. 

Although we will endeavor to get to you as quickly as possible. We do not provide a 24 hour emergency response. Periods where weather events have caused widespread damages, may experience delayed response and reporting times.

During our inspections and based on our engagement, we will carry out emergency make safes that are within our capacity at the time of the inspection. This includes things like temporarily propping a failed concrete column, isolating power, temporarily repairing a leaking pipe in a wall or unblocking a storm water pipe. We have included this service for the ease and peace of mind of our clients. However, we do not carry out rectification works and although we cannot specifically make recommendations on suitable contractors to carry out the rectification works, we can point you in the direction of the applicable Associations who have contractors who are a members with the required experience for your project. 

Generally reports will be issued with 14 days of the inspection, although these times may vary depending on workload at the time and the size of the job. 

Please click on the services tab of this website, that describes our services. If their is something that is not clear, of you would like some further information. Please contact us.

Due to the unknown factors that we cannot foresee until we reach site , the specific times for a site inspection are on a case by case basis. For more information, contact us with your site specific needs and we will happily provide you with a fee proposal. 

Based on the differing types of inspections, the level of detail required for reporting (Such as Expert Witness Reporting), the times, different tools and techniques required. There is not one off cost that covers a site inspection and report. For more information, contact us with your site specific needs and we will happily provide you with a fee proposal. 

Although we are building professionals and in a lot of cases are more experienced then certifiers in the physical construction of a property. We are not certifiers, and poses a certain set of specialized skills which means we cannot sign off critical stage building inspections such as waterproofing or timber framing .

Sydney Building Diagnostics focuses solely on technical advice, identifying building issues and how to rectify them, we do not offer project management services. We do however work along side project managers and organize project management on your behalf in required.

We can be engaged to provide guidance and insight around efficiency, compliance with building codes Australian standards and quality through a construction project as a second set of eyes, that knows what to look for. Although not in the capacity of a project manager, we can be included in you project to ensure that it stays on track. 

You can book a building inspection through our website or by calling our office. We'll work with you to find a convenient time for the inspection and provide you with all the information you need to prepare.

Typically we require the following information to provide a fee proposal.

1. Site Address

2. Building type

3. Your understanding of the issue.

4. The outcome your are looking for; i.e. locate a leak only, provide a scope of works for rectification or litigation proceedings.

4. If the issue is going to result in court proceedings.

5. The areas that are effected.

6. When the issues present themselves, such as when it rains or when a tap is turned on.

7. How long has the issue been present?

8.Has anybody else looked at the issue or tried to fix the issue.

9. Is the issue the result of recent building works or renovations

7. How old is the property approximately.

8. Any other information that you may think is relevant.

Once we have a base line of information, we usually able to provide a fee estimate, however if we require more information we will let you know.