What is Building Consultancy?
"Building Consultancy" is a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of a construction project, from the preliminary design stages through to project management. It involves providing expert advice and guidance on various construction-related matters, ensuring that all parties involved in a project are on the same page and working towards a common goal.
Building consultants are well-versed in the complexities of construction projects and can offer valuable insights into design, planning, construction methods, materials, regulations, and more. They play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between all parties involved in a project, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.
At Overstone, our building consultancy services are tailored to meet the unique demands of diverse construction projects, helping clients navigate the complexities of the construction process and achieve their desired outcomes.
Turning Grey to Black and White
The Building Consultancy division of Overstone provides expert advice and solutions for all aspects of building and construction. Our team of experienced professionals offer a range of services including causation assessments, building inspections, feasibility studies, cost estimating, and contract administration. We also partner with our in-house Project Management and Quantity Surveying teams to increase the benefits offered to the market.
We work with clients in the public, private and insurance sectors, and have the knowledge and expertise to manage projects in a wide range of sizes and degrees of complexity. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible service, and we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver results that exceed expectations.
Key Offerings
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Desktop Assessments
At Overstone Building Consultancy, we understand the importance of thoroughly assessing and addressing any building damages.
That's why we offer a comprehensive desktop review service to ensure that all of your needs and requirements are met. From reviewing project scope to providing liability reporting, quantity surveying and risk forecasting, our team of experts is here to provide the necessary support and guidance to help you navigate any building concerns.
Trust us to provide the expert assistance you need to ensure the safety and integrity of your property.
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Site Assessments
At Overstone, we understand that each construction project is unique and can present its own set of challenges.
That's why we offer onsite assessments to gather important information about the condition of your property. This allows us to develop comprehensive reports, assessments, and project scope that take into account the complexities of the building, its location, and the era in which it was built.
Our team of experts are experienced in navigating the nuances of building damage and deterioration, and we will work closely with you to ensure that all of your needs are met.
Trust us to provide the expert guidance you need to protect your property.
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Digital Property Capture
At Overstone, we are proud to offer our clients a revolutionary service: Digital Property Capture.
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This cutting-edge technology allows us to collect and analyze current and historical information about your property, including 3D walkthroughs, 360-degree assessments of damages, and interactive 3D designs.
This comprehensive data is then used to formulate detailed reports and assessments that aid in the management of construction-related tasks. Our innovative techniques and systems ensure that we can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, allowing you to make informed decisions about your property.
Trust us to provide you with the latest technology and expert analysis to protect your property.
Building Consultants vs Engineering Consultants
Understanding the Difference
Many property owners, insurers, builders and legal representatives are unsure whether they require a Building Consultant or an Engineer. While both professions play important roles in the construction industry, they specialise in different aspects of a building's performance.
In many matters, a Building Consultant is the primary investigatory professional who identifies defects, non-compliant work, damage mechanisms, workmanship issues, maintenance concerns and scope requirements. An Engineer is typically engaged where specialist engineering analysis, calculations, structural design or engineering certification is required.
Building Consultancy
A Building Consultant investigates how a building has been constructed, maintained, repaired or damaged, and assesses whether it complies with applicable building standards, construction requirements and industry practice.
Building Consultants commonly investigate:
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Building defects and non-compliant construction.
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Water ingress and waterproofing failures.
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Storm, hail, impact and insurance-related damage.
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Incomplete or defective building works.
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Roofing defects and performance issues.
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Cause and origin of damage.
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Scope of rectification works.
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Builder workmanship and contract disputes.
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Practical completion and defect liability matters.
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Building condition assessments and expert reports.
Building Consultants are often responsible for undertaking the detailed site investigation, identifying the issues, documenting evidence, assessing compliance requirements, and preparing detailed scopes of rectification works.
Engineering Consultancy
An Engineering Consultant applies specialist engineering principles to determine whether structural or engineered elements are performing as intended and remain adequate for their designed purpose.
Engineers commonly investigate:
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Structural adequacy of buildings.
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Foundation movement and settlement.
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Structural cracking.
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Load-bearing capacity.
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Framing and support systems.
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Retaining wall performance.
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Structural storm damage.
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Structural design and certification.
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Engineering calculations.
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Engineering compliance certification.
Engineers are typically engaged when professional engineering judgement, calculations, structural analysis or engineering certification is required.
ms of all descriptions to
What Overstone Does
Overstone Pty Ltd is a Building Consultancy practice.
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We are not an engineering firm and do not provide engineering certification, structural design services or RPEQ sign-off.
Our role is to investigate buildings, identify defects and damage mechanisms, assess building compliance, determine likely causes of observed issues, prepare detailed scopes of work and provide independent technical reporting.
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As licensed building professionals, our assessments focus on how a building has been constructed, maintained, repaired or damaged, and what is required to rectify identified issues.
What Overstone Does Not Do
Overstone Pty Ltd does not:
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Provide engineering certification.
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Undertake structural design.
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Produce engineering calculations.
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Issue RPEQ certifications.
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Certify structural adequacy.​
Where these services are required, we recommend or engage as a sub-consultant, an appropriately qualified engineering professional.
Working Alongside Engineers
Many matters require both a Building Consultant and an Engineer.
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In these circumstances, Overstone regularly works alongside specialist engineering firms across multiple disciplines, including structural, civil, hydraulic, mechanical and geotechnical engineering.
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This collaborative approach allows each professional to contribute within their area of expertise, ensuring clients receive both a thorough building investigation and any necessary engineering assessments.
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In many cases, the Building Consultant identifies and documents the issues, while the Engineer provides specialist analysis or certification relating to structural or engineered components of the building. This ensures investigations remain both technically robust and cost-effective.