Engaging Meridian
Instructing us is a six-step process that starts with a one-business-day conflict check. This page sets out the steps, what to send, and the timeframes we work to.
How to instruct us
Conflict check
Send us the names of the parties and the property address. We confirm within one business day whether we can act.
Fee confirmation
For a standard report we confirm the fixed fee from our schedule of fees. For anything else, we give you a written estimate.
Written instructions
Email your instructions to admin@meridianforensic.com.au with the questions you want answered and the documents you hold (see the checklist below).
Inspection
We contact the site contact to book the inspection and confirm the time with you.
Report
We issue the signed report as a PDF with labelled photographs, within the service levels below.
Follow-up
We answer questions about the report and prepare a supplementary report if new information comes to light.
What to include in your instructions
- Your claim or matter reference, any purchase order number and the report type you need
- The specific questions you want answered
- Property address, site contact and access arrangements (keys, tenants, pets, parking)
- Known hazards, and any vulnerability or special needs of the occupants
- Relevant documents: the claim or event description, photos, previous reports, scopes and quotes, contracts, plans, specifications and correspondence
- For disputes: the forum, key dates and any orders or directions about expert evidence
- Who should receive the report, and the billing contact
Note: Please don't send documents until we have confirmed the conflict check. We'll then give you a secure link or an email address for the file.
Service levels
These are the targets we work to. If a deadline is at risk — for example because access is delayed or documents are outstanding — we tell you straight away, explain why and give you a revised date.
| Stage | Target |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge instructions and complete conflict check | 1 business day |
| Contact the site and book the inspection | 2 business days from instruction |
| Site inspection | Within 5 business days of instruction, subject to access |
| Basic Causation Report, Scope & Quotation Review | 5 business days after inspection, or after receipt of all documents for desktop reviews |
| Forensic, Strata Forensic, Building Defect Investigation | 10 business days after inspection |
| Expert Witness Report | To the tribunal or court timetable, agreed at instruction |
| Urgent report | Within 3 business days of inspection (urgency loading applies) |
| Calls and emails | Returned within 1 business day |
What to expect at the inspection
Inspections are visual and non-invasive unless otherwise agreed. We don't inspect concealed, inaccessible or unsafe areas, and we say so in the report.
Invasive or destructive testing is carried out only with the owner's consent and your written approval.
We don't access roofs without safe access and fall protection, and we don't disturb material suspected to contain asbestos. We use pole cameras or ladder inspection from a secure footing, or record the area as not inspected. Where a drone survey is needed, we arrange a licensed specialist with your approval, charged at cost plus 10%.
We tell occupants who we are, who instructed us and what will happen, in plain language. A support person or interpreter is welcome.
If a site is unsafe, we won't inspect it, and we'll tell you why and what's needed.
What every Meridian report includes
- Your instructions and the questions asked, each answered directly
- A list of the documents and information relied on
- Observations and findings of fact, kept separate from opinion
- Reasoning that cites the evidence and the standards relied on
- Labelled photographs, where photographs were taken
- A statement of objectivity, the author's qualifications and any conflict disclosure
- Clear limitations and a reliance statement
Our commitments to you
- We tell you straight away if a deadline is at risk and give you a revised date.
- We answer calls and emails within one business day.
- We tell you if a matter is outside our expertise before you instruct us.
- We check for conflicts of interest before accepting every instruction.
- We don't change an opinion because it is unwelcome.
- We keep a complete job file for at least seven years.
Instruct Meridian
Call Lee on 0400 071 933 or send the names of the parties and the property address. We'll confirm within one business day that we can act, and the fee.