As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared, the successes we’ve celebrated, and the partnerships that have made it all possible. On behalf of the entire HMS Group team, I extend our warmest wishes to you and your colleagues this festive season.     This year has been particularly special for us, as I had the honor of completing the Professional Certificate in Arbitration at the University of Adelaide. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to continuous growth and expertise in delivering top-notch construction and legal ..read more

At the heart of this discourse lies the understanding of the demanding complexities intrinsic to the realm of building construction, more specifically the legal implications of prematurely linking reference to standards and tolerance in terms of building defects. The required analytical probing into this matter necessitates a deep immersion into the building standards, applicable legislation, industry tolerances, and possible defects that may occur in the building industry, and the legal ramifications thereof. In the context of Australian building practices, the Australian Building Codes Board ..read more

  We are thrilled to introduce our commitment to efficiency through our Quantity Surveying service. As part of this dedication, we proudly offer a 48-hour turnaround guarantee for QS Council Cost Reports or 100% Money Back.     Below, you’ll find the terms and conditions that govern this commitment to delivering prompt and reliable services:   1. Initiation of Turnaround Guarantee: The 48-hour turnaround guarantee commences upon the official engagement with our services. Official engagement involves the formal agreement execution and the receipt of all necessary documents ..read more

    Introduction   In a dynamic and organically evolving sector such as Construction Industry, the roles of built environment professionals like Building and Land Surveyors and Quantity Surveyors are naturally subject to an overlap (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, 2021). This article ventures into the depths of these professional roles, delineating their functions comprehensively and comparably, thereby delineating the unique value each brings to the Australian construction landscape. Let’s begin with understanding these roles individually.    Building & ..read more

Over the years, the construction industry in Australia has grappled with an influx of disputes arising from a myriad of contractual issues. As projects grow more complex and costs soar higher, disagreements between parties increase, resulting in adverse effects on progress, profitability, and industry relationships. In this light, there has been a growing shift towards alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, among which Expert Determination (ED) has risen to prominence. This article critically evaluates the efficacy of Expert Determination in construction dispute resolution.   Firstly ..read more

    I am thrilled to announce a recent professional milestone: being featured as a testimonial on the University of Adelaide’s website for their Professional Certificate in Arbitration.   Embarking on this program was more than an educational pursuit; it was a journey towards professional excellence. The classrooms didn’t just impart knowledge; they were the arenas where critical arbitration skills were honed. Skills such as advanced legal principles in arbitration, ethical decision-making, and effective dispute resolution strategies have directly influenced my approach in provi ..read more

  Arbitration has emerged as an increasingly popular method of dispute resolution, particularly in commercial transactions and international disputes. This article aims to provide a comparative study of two key concepts in arbitration law: the arbitration clause and the arbitration agreement. While they may seem identical at first glance, there are significant differences between them, alongside a few noteworthy similarities.   We begin our discussion by defining these two concepts. An arbitration clause (also known as a ‘Scott v Avery clause’ in some jurisdictions) is a provision wi ..read more

In the diverse world of dispute resolution, litigation often stands as the towering, go-to method. Yet, its dominance doesn’t necessarily denote universal suitability. As the landscape of disputes evolves, with stakeholders yearning for swifter, amicable, and economical resolution avenues, methodologies like expert determination have increasingly come into the spotlight. Grasping Expert Determination Expert determination is a unique modality where contending parties mutually agree to rely on a neutral third-party expert to arbitrate on a designated matter or series of issues. This isn’t about ..read more

As a builder or developer, you may be wondering when you should engage a quantity surveying firm. Let us share the best time use a quantity surveyor: 1. Quantity surveying firms are professionals who help contractors developers and builders estimate the cost of a construction project Construction projects can be expensive and time consuming endeavors, so it’s important for builders and contractors to find ways to accurately estimate their costs. Quantity surveying firms specialize in providing accurate measures of the cost associated with a construction project including materials, labor, eq ..read more

Construction projects consist of a great wealth of complex information and parts. Accordingly, planning for an accurate budget can be difficult but is all the more critical.  Miscalculations in the project cost can lead to losses on your or your clients’ side, damaging your business or reputation. What’s more, false budget expectations can steer a project in the wrong direction.  A Quantity Surveyor specialises in planning and minimising costs from the start but can also come into a project when it is well underway.  So if you find yourself stretched for cash and need a projec ..read more