One of the most common reasons remedial projects go over budget or fail to resolve the root cause is inaccurate or incomplete scoping. A repair scope based on assumptions results in variation disputes, cost overruns, and repeat defects.
Our Remedial Scope Investigation & Support service eliminates that risk by combining on-the-ground inspections, targeted testing, and collaboration with engineering experts to produce scopes that are accurate, defensible, and aligned with the client's budget.
1. Comprehensive Building Assessment
- Visual condition surveys, drone inspections, and invasive investigations.
- Moisture mapping, thermal imaging, and sealant adhesion testing.
- All findings documented with geo-tagged, high-resolution photographs.
2. Root Cause Analysis
We ensure the scope addresses the underlying cause of defects — not just visible symptoms. A leaking balcony may be a membrane issue, but without investigating drainage design, structural falls, and upturn terminations, repairs may only offer a short-term fix.
3. Collaboration with Engineers & Stakeholders
- Attend site with engineers to clarify design feasibility.
- Suggest buildable alternatives where design conflicts exist.
- Ensure cost efficiency by balancing material performance with budget realities.
4. Transparent Cost Modelling
Our scoping process includes realistic cost projections based on current market rates and project-specific logistics, preventing sticker shock and tender withdrawals.
5. Scope Documentation & Tender Readiness
- Fully itemised repair scope with quantities, specifications, and performance requirements.
- Drawings, mark-ups, or annotated photos to illustrate requirements.
- Compliance notes for NCC, Australian Standards, or heritage controls.
- Testing and warranty requirements clearly outlined for contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't the contractor just scope the work themselves?
Contractors scoping their own work creates a conflict of interest — there is a natural incentive to over-scope or under-scope depending on circumstances. An independent investigation produces a scope that serves the building owner's interests, not the contractor's. It also gives you a clear document for competitive tendering, which almost always reduces the total cost.
What is included in a tender-ready scope document?
A well-prepared remedial scope includes a written description of each repair item with quantities (e.g., m² of membrane, lineal metres of sealant), specification of the materials and systems to be used, reference to applicable Australian Standards, access requirements, testing and QA obligations, and warranty requirements. This gives all tendering contractors the same information, reducing tender spread and disputes.
Can you help us manage the tender process as well as the scope?
Yes — we can assist with the full tender management process including issuing tender documents, responding to contractor RFIs, assessing tender submissions, and providing a recommendation report to the owners corporation or building manager. This ensures the scope is correctly interpreted and priced.
How does scope investigation reduce the risk of cost overruns?
Cost overruns in remedial projects most commonly arise from variations — items found on site that weren't included in the contract. A thorough investigation identifies the full extent of defects before tendering, minimising the likelihood of scope surprises. Where some uncertainty remains (e.g., extent of hidden membrane failure), we include provisional sums with clear trigger conditions so all parties understand the risk.
What if the building engineer has already produced a scope — do we need another one?
Not necessarily. We can review and validate an existing engineering scope for constructability, completeness, and market pricing — this is often quicker and more cost-effective than starting from scratch. We can also fill in gaps that engineers typically leave (e.g., access methodology, staging, material specifications) that contractors need to price accurately.
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