About Solutions by Insite

  • Solutions by Insite is a specialist building compliance consultancy backed by the architectural expertise of Insite Architects. We help body corporates, strata groups, builders and project managers resolve complex compliance challenges on buildings across Australia. Our three core areas of practice are Building Rectification Solutions, Building Performance Solutions and Disability Access Solutions.

  • We work with a wide range of clients including owners corporations and body corporates, strata managers, builders and developers, project managers, and individual property owners. Whether you are dealing with building defects, a compliance problem on an existing design, or a DDA access issue, we have the expertise to help find a practical and compliant resolution.

  • We are based in Ivanhoe, Victoria, at 4/120 Upper Heidelberg Road. While our rectification work is primarily focused across Victoria, our Performance Solutions and Access consulting services are available to clients across Australia.

  • Our team includes registered architects, experienced architectural designers and documenters, contract administrators, and a qualified access consultant. This breadth of in-house expertise means we can address compliance challenges that span design, documentation, building regulation and access — without the delays and hand-offs that come from engaging multiple separate consultants.

  • Yes. Solutions by Insite has been carbon neutral since 2020, reflecting our commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably as a practice.

  • Our fees are typically structured as a fixed lump sum based on the agreed scope of services. This gives you cost certainty from the outset and works well for clearly defined engagements such as a Performance Solution for a specific compliance issue, an access audit, or a rectification documentation package. Where the scope of work is less easily defined at the outset — for example, in the early stages of a complex rectification investigation — we may charge on an hourly rate basis. We will discuss the most appropriate fee structure with you before engagement and provide full transparency on what is included.

Building Rectification Solutions

  • ‍Building rectification refers to the process of identifying, documenting and resolving building defects, failures or non-compliance issues — whether in a newly completed building or an existing one. This can range from waterproofing failures, concrete spalling and façade defects through to fire safety non-compliance and structural issues. We provide architectural services to diagnose the problem, design the remedial solution, and oversee delivery.

  • We handle a broad range of building defects and compliance failures, including: cladding and façade defects or replacement; balcony waterproofing and structural issues; general waterproofing and leak remediation; concrete spalling and structural repairs; fire safety non-compliance; defects arising from poor workmanship; and buildings subject to council Building Notices or Orders. We can assist from initial assessment through to full delivery of rectification works.

  • Our process moves through three stages. First, we investigate — this includes briefing and engagement, site analysis, authority research and specialist consultant coordination. Second, we develop a solution through concept design and design development. Third, we deliver — preparing compliance documentation, planning and building permit documentation, coordinating the consultant team and administering the construction stage.

  • Yes — this is a core part of what we do. We regularly work with owners corporations, body corporates, strata managers and their legal and insurance representatives on rectification projects in multi-storey residential and mixed-use buildings. We understand the complexities of managing works in occupied buildings and the importance of thorough documentation for insurance claims, legal proceedings or dispute resolution.

  • Yes. Solutions by Insite carries out building defect assessments and prepares defect reports, providing the architectural documentation needed to support insurance claims, VCAT proceedings or builder negotiations. Where a defect investigation requires specialist input — such as structural engineering, waterproofing or fire safety assessments — we coordinate and manage the relevant consultants on your behalf, giving you a single point of contact throughout the process. A clear and well-evidenced defect report is often the critical first step in resolving a rectification dispute.

Performance Solutions

  • The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out mandatory Performance Requirements that all buildings must meet. There are two ways to satisfy these requirements: a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) Solution, which follows the NCC’s prescriptive provisions like a recipe book; or a Performance Solution, which demonstrates compliance through an alternative, engineered approach. A Performance Solution is used when a standard DtS provision cannot be directly applied to a design — for example, due to site constraints, an unusual building configuration, or an existing condition that cannot be changed.

  • You may need a Performance Solution when a building design or existing condition cannot comply with a Deemed-to-Satisfy provision of the NCC. Common situations include: door or window setdown heights (freeboard) that cannot meet the standard requirement due to site levels; internal weatherproofing where standard details cannot be achieved; floor waste locations that fall outside DtS provisions; access compliance where the standard accessible path cannot be achieved; and children’s services design elements that require an alternative compliance pathway. It is important to obtain a Performance Solution before the relevant works are constructed — ideally during the design phase.

  • Yes, in some circumstances. A Performance Solution can still be obtained after construction has commenced, provided that the relevant part of the works has not yet been completed. However, the Performance Solution must be approved by the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) before that element is constructed. If you discover a compliance issue mid-construction, contact us as soon as possible so we can assess your options and move quickly to minimise delays to your project.

  • Under NCC 2022, developing a Performance Solution involves a structured, collaborative process. The key stages are: preparing a Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB) in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including the building surveyor; undertaking analysis to demonstrate how the proposed design meets the applicable Performance Requirements, using one or more of the NCC’s accepted Assessment Methods (such as expert judgement, comparison with DtS provisions, or verification methods); and preparing a final report that documents the scope, methodology, assumptions, acceptance criteria and outcomes. The final report must comply with clause A2G2(4) of the NCC and is submitted to the Relevant Building Surveyor for approval.

  • We prepare Performance Solutions across a range of common compliance challenges, including: architectural solutions for unusual building configurations; children’s services (childcare centre) compliance issues; door and window setdown (freeboard) solutions; disability access solutions where a standard accessible path cannot be achieved; internal weatherproofing solutions; and floor waste solutions. We also work alongside fire engineers, structural engineers and other specialists where a Performance Solution requires multi-disciplinary input.

  • We offer a rapid turnaround on Performance Solution requests to minimise delays to your project. Our team is qualified and experienced, and includes architects, designers, contract administrators and a qualified access consultant. We also have well-established working relationships with building surveyors and specialist consultants across Victoria and nationally, which helps us navigate the approval process efficiently and effectively.

  • A Performance Solution must be assessed and approved by the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) for the project. The RBS reviews the Performance Solution documentation — including the Performance-Based Design Brief and final report — to confirm that the proposed solution satisfies the applicable NCC Performance Requirements. We work closely with building surveyors throughout the process to ensure our documentation meets their requirements and the approval is obtained as efficiently as possible.

Disability Access Solutions

  • The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) is Commonwealth legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disability across a wide range of areas, including access to premises. In a building context, the DDA works in conjunction with the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards (the Premises Standard) and the NCC to set out requirements for accessible building design. Non-compliance with the Premises Standard can expose building owners and managers to legal risk under the DDA.

  • We offer a full range of disability access services, including: access audits (desktop plan assessments, detailed on-site audits, and informal reviews); design reviews at design development, documentation and post-construction stages; access consulting throughout the design and construction process; and Performance Solutions for access compliance where a standard accessible path cannot be achieved. Our access consultant is supported by experienced architects and designers, which means access advice is fully integrated with architectural expertise.

  • An access audit is a systematic review of a building or premises to assess compliance with the DDA, the Premises Standard and the relevant provisions of the NCC. We offer three levels of access audit: a desktop plan assessment (review of drawings without a site visit); a detailed audit (comprehensive on-site assessment against relevant standards); and an informal review (a higher-level assessment suitable for identifying key issues). The outcome is a report that identifies barriers to access and recommends practical improvements.

  • A design review for access involves our access consultant reviewing architectural drawings at key stages of a project to identify any access compliance issues before they are built. We offer reviews at the design development stage, the documentation stage, and after construction. Identifying access issues during design is far more cost-effective than addressing them after a building is complete, and a design review can give you confidence that the completed building will meet its DDA and NCC obligations.

  • Universal Design goes beyond minimum compliance requirements to create buildings and spaces that are usable by as many people as possible, regardless of age, ability or disability. It is an approach that benefits everyone — not just people with disability. Our access consultant can provide advice on Universal Design principles and assist clients who wish to go beyond the minimum access standard to create genuinely inclusive environments.

  • Yes. Where a standard accessible path or access feature cannot be achieved due to site constraints, heritage restrictions or existing building conditions, a Performance Solution may provide a compliant alternative pathway. Our access consultant works alongside our architectural team and the Relevant Building Surveyor to prepare access Performance Solutions that satisfy the relevant NCC Performance Requirements.

Getting Started

  • The best first step is to contact us directly by phone on (03) 9499 8174 or by email at admin@solutionsbyinsite.com.au. You can also submit a quote request through our website at solutionsbyinsite.com.au. We will have an initial conversation about your situation, identify the most appropriate service, and provide you with a fee proposal.

  • We pride ourselves on offering a rapid turnaround on Performance Solution requests, and we understand that compliance issues can create real delays on construction projects. Turnaround times will depend on the complexity of the issue and the requirements of the Relevant Building Surveyor, but we will give you a realistic timeframe at the outset and work to resolve your issue as efficiently as possible.

  • Yes. While our rectification work is primarily focused in Victoria, our Performance Solutions and Access consulting services are available nationally. We have experience working with building surveyors and regulatory authorities across multiple states and can assist clients with projects throughout Australia.