Construction disputes, while undesirable, are common and often arise from various causes including but not limited to project delays, underquoting, defective work, late payments, client disruptions, conflicting professional opinions or simply poor communication between parties. At Altez, we pride ourselves on impartiality and cost-effective resolution, helping both homeowners and builders reach a fair outcome without unnecessary legal expense.
Before court action, it is vital to investigate any dispute thoroughly. We’ve seen cases where an independent inspector’s report was inadvertently influenced, resulting in biased findings that favour the opposing party. Once a dispute proceeds to VCAT or another tribunal, there is a real risk the successful party may seek costs against the other. A detailed, expert-led investigation clarifies the merits of each claim and can often resolve misunderstandings early, saving time and expense.
GET A QUOTE NOW
To lodge an application with Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria (DBDRV), you must compile all relevant evidence including building inspection reports, contracts, plans, correspondence and any other documentation—and apply online via dbdrv.vic.gov.au. DBDRV is a free government-administered service offering impartial conciliation for eligible domestic building disputes, helping parties resolve issues without the formality or cost of court proceeding.
DBDRV is not a court but part of Victoria’s Building and Plumbing Commission’s dispute-resolution framework. Its conciliators facilitate informal resolution; independent assessors can inspect the work in question; and if conciliation does not resolve the matter, DBDRV has the power to issue binding dispute resolution orders. Should conciliation fail, DBDRV will issue a certificate of conciliation (confirming the dispute remains unresolved), which you must include with any subsequent VCAT application.
If either party is dissatisfied with the DBDRV outcome, they may then apply to VCAT. Engaging Altez early ensures you have a robust, independent expert assessment to support your position, whether in conciliation or at VCAT, and helps minimise the risk of adverse cost orders.
Yes! if you believe an insurer’s investigation was one-sided or based on incomplete evidence, you can first ask for an internal dispute resolution review. In your request, set out any new or overlooked information, such as photographs, inspection reports or expert findings that support your claim.
If the insurer’s review still upholds the original decision, engaging an independent consultant like Altez can strengthen your case. We carry out a fresh, impartial inspection and prepare a concise expert report. As independent experts, our overriding duty is to the tribunal or authority (for example, AFCA or VCAT), not to any party engaging us. We adhere to the Expert Witness Code of Conduct, disclosing all relevant facts fairly and without bias.
Should the internal review and our expert report not lead to a satisfactory outcome, you can escalate your complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. AFCA investigates disputes between consumers and insurers free of charge, and it can make binding determinations if you accept its decision. For domestic building matters in Victoria, you may also proceed to VCAT once you hold a certificate of conciliation from DBDRV.
By following these steps – internal review, independent expert assessment and, if necessary, external dispute resolution – you maximise the chance of overturning an unfair insurance outcome while ensuring any expert evidence remains credible and admissible.
Yes, you can overturn an insurance investigation outcome, but only if the review is carried out in a fair and unprejudiced manner. Most insurance companies rely on their own industry experts to help make judgments and decisions about claims. Therefore, a one sided or biased consultant’s report can seriously undermine an insurance claim. Insurers and external dispute bodies such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority expect expert evidence that is fair, balanced and supported by verifiable documentation. A report that clearly favours one party may be disregarded or even treated as a misrepresentation under an insurer’s internal dispute resolution process or the General Insurance Code of Practice.
Most insurance companies collaborate to detect and prevent fraud. When a claim is suspected of being fraudulent or exaggerated, an insurer may add the claimant’s details to its own watch list and share that information through the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Australia. In practice, this means other member insurers can be alerted to potential issues when you seek new cover.
If your claim is denied on the basis of a biased report, you may find it more difficult to obtain insurance in the future or face increased premiums or even policy cancellations. To avoid these risks, always engage an independent consultant who is reliable and well versed in the Expert Witness Code of Conduct. At Altez we are professional independent consultants committed to preparing a fair and low risk investigation report to assist with your insurance claim.
