HMS Group Pty Limited

10/06/2025

Not all EDC reports are created equal. Accuracy, compliance, and turnaround time matter — especially when decisions are on the line.
Find out what sets a professional EDC report apart.
hmsgrp.com.au

12/05/2025

Looking to improve cost accuracy in your construction projects?
Explore key Quantity Surveying best practices that help reduce risk and enhance planning outcomes.
📊 Plan smarter. Build better.
👉 Read more: https://hmsgrp.com.au/quantity-surveying-best-practices-for-accurate-cost-estimation/

Learn the best practices for accurate cost estimation in quantity surveying, from using modern tech to updating price libraries and planning for contingencies.

08/05/2025

Court orders $8.7M payout to contractor under SOPA — despite appeal pending.
Prompt payment still wins. A key win for cash flow certainty in NSW construction.
👉 Full article at https://hmsgrp.com.au/builtcom-v-vsd-nswca-confirms-right-to-payment-under-sopa-where-determination-stands-unchallenged/

On 5 May 2025, the New South Wales Court of Appeal handed down its procedural judgment in Builtcom Constructions Pty Ltd v VSD Investments Pty Ltd as trustee for The VSD Investments Trust [2025] NSWCA 93, dissolving a temporary stay and directing the release of over $8.7 million as adjudicated amoun...

08/05/2025

Quantity Surveyors keep construction projects on time, on budget, and risk-aware.
From cost planning to contract management, their role is vital.

👉 Read more here:
https://hmsgrp.com.au/the-integral-role-of-quantity-surveying-in-modern-construction/

Discover the vital role of quantity surveying in modern construction, ensuring projects are on budget, on time, and built to last. Learn more!

02/05/2025

Scott Schedules are vital forensic tools in construction disputes — not admin checklists.
This article explores their evidentiary power, structure, and the ethical duties of expert witnesses who prepare them.
Clarity, independence, and rigour matter.

Introduction In the realm of construction dispute resolution, the Scott Schedule remains a cornerstone document where numerous allegations of defective or incomplete work are made. Originating from judicial practice, it provides a structured, evidentiary mechanism to facilitate the comparison of pos...

28/04/2025

In Pacific Diamond 88 v Tomkins Builders [2025] QCA 50, the Court confirmed: no set-off rights without clear contract terms.
Precision in drafting matters.



Find out more at
https://hmsgrp.com.au/queensland-court-of-appeal-clarifies-interim-set-off-rights-pacific-diamond-88-v-tomkins-builders-2025-qca-50/

14/04/2025

🔍 What is a Scott Schedule and why does it matter in construction disputes?

It’s more than just a table — it’s a powerful forensic tool that helps tribunals break down complex claims, compare expert opinions, and reach fair outcomes. Accuracy, neutrality, and clarity are key.

🧰 Experts: Your Scott Schedule can shape the decision. Make it count.

📄 Read more + access NCAT’s sample template:
👉 https://hmsgrp.com.au/presenting-expert-evidence-through-the-scott-schedule/

08/04/2025

A strong expert report starts with strong instructions.
Poorly drafted LOI? Expect delays, confusion, and possibly inadmissible evidence.
Let’s get it right from the start.

https://hmsgrp.com.au/the-critical-role-of-a-well-drafted-letter-of-instructions-in-expert-witness-reports/

11/12/2024

Season’s greetings from all of us at HMS Group!

As the year comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our clients, partners, and supporters for helping us achieve another year of growth and success. Your trust and collaboration have been instrumental in our journey, and we couldn’t have done it without you!

Please note that our office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays from Saturday, 21 December 2024, to Sunday, 5 January 2025.

We will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025, ready to continue serving you with dedication and excellence.

For any urgent matters during this period, please contact us at [email protected], and we will respond as soon as possible.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Here’s to another amazing year ahead together.

Warm regards,
The HMS Group Team

29/10/2024

NSW has introduced the Estimated Development Cost (EDC) methodology, a standardized system for calculating development costs in Development Applications (DAs).

Replacing the previous “capital investment value” system, the EDC provides transparency, prevents cost manipulation, and ensures consistent reporting across projects. Now, development costs must be accurately documented by a registered quantity surveyor to ensure compliance and avoid project delays or penalties.

These changes aim to foster trust and streamline the approval process for property developers in NSW.

For more details, visit
hmsgrp.com.au