For those in building dispute the most critical issues are
1 Proper summary and expert advice (before you take it to VCAT)
2 Expert VCAT report and expert evidence
If your case has merit (and sometimes they don't) then the single most important contribution to the outcome apart from the way it is presented will be your expert report and expert evidence.
Your expert must be able to stand his ground under hostile cross-examination and to prevail over other experts with differing opinions. So choose carefully.
Recently I was in VCAT giving evidence on alleged defects where builder has not been paid. My evidence prevailed over another expert and builder recovered payment less deductions for minor defects.
For those interested
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/vic/ ... 6/773.html