The cost of rectification is the proper measure of damages for negligent design advice in building cases, not wasted expenditure as suggested in Auburn Municipal Council v ARC Engineering. Where rectification cannot reasonably be carried out until ground conditions stabilise, damages may be assessed at the date of trial rather than the date of breach, and the plaintiff's financial position at the date of breach is irrelevant. Where rectification produces a higher standard than originally specified, the plaintiff must contribute the additional cost of the higher standard but is not required to give credit for betterment where there is no reasonable alternative to replacement. General damages for inconvenience and distress in building cases are not limited to 'modest' or 'restrained' amounts as suggested in English authorities.
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