When a building has concrete cancer, leaking balconies, structural cracking or failed waterproofing, most owners need two kinds of expertise: someone to work out what is wrong and how to fix it, and someone to carry out the repair. In Sydney those are usually a remedial engineer and a remedial builder. Choosing well at both steps decides whether the repair lasts.
Remedial engineer vs remedial builder
A remedial engineer investigates defects, tests materials, identifies the cause, and writes a report and specification for the repair. On larger jobs they may also inspect the work at hold points and certify it.
A remedial builder carries out the repair: propping, demolition, concrete and steel repairs, waterproofing, masonry and finishes, to the engineer's specification. A good remedial builder can also tell you when you need an engineer and help you engage one.
Some firms offer both. Many owners and strata committees prefer an independent engineer who specifies and checks the work, with the builder chosen separately, so there is a second set of eyes on quality.
What to check in a remedial engineering firm
- Registration. In NSW, engineers designing work on Class 2 apartment buildings must be registered under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. Professional engineers are also registered in NSW by area of engineering.
- Relevant experience with the defect you have: concrete cancer, waterproofing, facades or structural movement.
- Professional indemnity insurance.
- Clear reports that explain the cause, the repair method and what is included, so builders can price the same scope.
- Testing where it matters, such as cover measurements, carbonation or chloride testing for concrete.
What to check in a remedial builder
- NSW builder licence that covers the work. METCON holds Builder Licence 384697C.
- DBP registration for Class 2 work. METCON is registered General Unrestricted, BUP4254812.
- Insurance: public liability, workers compensation and home building compensation cover where required.
- Remedial experience, not just new building work. Ask for examples and photos of similar repairs.
- An itemised quote priced against the engineer's specification.
- Documentation: photos at each stage, product data, hold point records and a handover pack.
Red flags
- A quote with no investigation of the cause.
- Lump sums with no breakdown.
- Repairs that only treat the surface: paint over cracks, sealant over leaks, patching over rusting steel.
- No mention of warranties, approvals or registration for apartment buildings.
Questions to ask
- What do you think is causing the defect, and how will you confirm it?
- Will this repair fix the cause or only the symptom?
- Who specifies the repair, and who inspects it?
- What registrations and insurance do you hold for this building class?
- What documentation will we receive at handover?
- What warranties apply, and to which parts of the work?
How METCON works
METCON is a licensed, DBP registered remedial builder. We price and deliver scopes written by independent engineers, and we coordinate engineers for owners who do not have one yet. See our Great Northern Hotel case study for an example, or our remedial building services.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a remedial engineer and a remedial builder?
A remedial engineer investigates defects, finds the cause and specifies the repair. A remedial builder carries out the repair to that specification. Larger jobs usually need both.
Do I need an engineer for remedial work?
For structural repairs, concrete cancer, significant waterproofing failures and most strata remedial work, yes. Small like-for-like repairs may not need one, and a good remedial builder will tell you which applies.
What registration does a remedial builder need for apartments in NSW?
For Class 2 apartment buildings, builders must be registered under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, as well as holding a NSW builder licence.
