Expert evidence in construction disputes is not assessed only by weight. If the foundation for expertise is not properly established, the evidence may never be considered at all as the decision in Dura Constructions v Hue Boutique Living reminds us.

There are periods where delay risk sits in the background. As we sit here in mid-2026 with more macro uncertainty than ever thanks to the Iran War and inflation concerns that never really went away post-COVID, this is not the time to let delay risk go unchecked.

Float looks simple but in reality, it is anything but. When the Accura team supports clients with construction delay analysis, we see most construction programs show float but many do not explain it. Even less deal with it when delay hits.

A delay expert review of Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd regarding the refurbishment of the Tank Stream Hotel in Sydney with  DDI Group Pty Ltd subcontracted under an amended AS 4303 subcontract. 

Producing expert quantum reports is often written about in the abstract. Reports should be rigorous. Costings should be substantiated. Methodology should be demonstrable and defensible.

The Court’s decision in Santos v Fluor is a timely reminder that expert evidence on quantum must do more than state conclusions. It must explain, transparently and logically, how those conclusions are reached. 

A forensic quantity surveyor review of how courts engage with expert quantity surveying evidence when liability is no longer the real issue and instead it is how to value rectification works where competent experts disagree on scope and cost. 

A forensic quantity surveyor can analyse and assess, but the court decides outcome and there’s a difference between opinion and proof. Forensic QSs must present reliable evidence that enables the court to make that decision with confidence. 

A quantum expert review of why Built Environs v Perth Airport is a clear modern illustration of why drawing deficiency and disruption claims often fail before they ever reach trial. 

In the decision in Vadakkumkaraputhaveedu v Kulowall Construction the Tribunal rejected the builder’s claim without ever undertaking a valuation exercise. The failure was evidentiary, not technical. 

In Santos Limited v Fluor Australia Pty Ltd [2025] QSC 184, the Supreme Court of Queensland provides one of the clearest recent judicial statements on construction delay expert analysis.

Construction claims often fail because they do not clearly explain what happened on site. Van Oord UK Ltd v Allseas UK Ltd is a textbook example and a valuable lesson for quantum experts and delay experts in construction claims.

Disruption claims are compelling because they reflect the real challenges in construction but CMA Assets v John Holland reminds us that compensation is granted only when the disruption can be proven and measured.

The decision in DM Drainage & Constructions v Karara Mining provides guidance on how Australian courts approach global and total cost style claims. For expert Quantity Surveyors it explains what a global claim is and what must be done if such a claim is to proceed. 

Recent authority from the Federal Court reinforces quantum evidence must be independently verifiable, transparent in method, and properly proved. Where it is not, even otherwise plausible claims may fail. 

An important case where the decision supports parties resisting “first in time” concurrency arguments and reinforces a pragmatic, fact-driven approach to delay.

The Court’s decision in Rimfire Energy v BSF shows with unusual clarity where extension of time claims now succeed or fail. Not on sympathy. Not on volume. They turn on whether contractual entitlement is actually proved. 

Quantity surveyor evidence is often central to construction disputes. Canterbury Bankstown Council v Payce Communities Pty Ltd shows courts do not treat QS opinions as inherently persuasive.

The Technology and Construction Court’s decision in Motherwell Bridge Construction Ltd v Micafil remains an important authority on delay analysis and the recovery of acceleration costs.

Whether a construction program forms part of the contract documentation depends on the provisions of the relevant standard form contract. Delay Expert, Andrew McKenna explores the relationship between program and contract.