Insurers, loss adjusters, brokers, commercial property owners and property managers need fast, defensible answers when a claim lands. As an Independent building consultancy for insurance claim assessment Australia, Morse Building Consultancy (MBC) delivers independent, insurer-grade evidence that separates event damage from pre-existing defects, aligns reinstatement with the National Construction Code and Australian Standards, and keeps decisions auditable.
What it is and when it applies
Independent building consultancy combines licensed building consultant expertise with input from registered engineers where structural adequacy is in question. It applies when you need to determine causation, extent of damage, compliance gaps and the most practical rectification method.
Typical outputs
- A defensible building report with photos and a quantified scope
- Clarification of event-related versus pre-existing damage
- Compliance references to the NCC and Australian Standards
- Costed options and next steps suitable for tendering
This is often commissioned as a builders report for insurance claim when a single coordinated expert opinion is required.
How insurers use expert evidence
Claims teams rely on expert reports that are impartial, clearly scoped and evidence based. The Insurance Council of Australia’s Expert Report Best Practice Standard sets expectations for instructions, assumptions and opinions within competence. Well-structured reports reduce leakage, enable accurate settlements and stand up to internal and external review.
Current CAT conditions
Recent storms and floods across several states are generating mixed-peril files where hail, wind-driven rain and flash flooding intersect with pre-existing defects. We are seeing roof system fatigue exposed by hail, rain bypassing flashings, saturated insulation and secondary mould growth within 48 to 72 hours. Independent triage separates event damage from deferred maintenance, documents safe access and asbestos considerations, and prioritises make safe actions that prevent secondary loss. For flood-affected claims, early moisture mapping, controlled strip out to substrate and dry-back verification before reinstatement will shorten lifecycles, reduce leakage and avoid rework.
A practical triage guide
Use this quick guide to decide who to engage.
- Structural impact or movement visible
Start with a building consultant for causation and scope, then request an engineer review if capacity or stability may be affected. - Roof leaks, facade ingress or water damage
Commission a building report with moisture mapping and defect analysis. - Scope or costing disputes
Request an independent quantified scope and methodology review. - Compliance or product suitability questions
Test against the NCC and relevant Australian Standards, documenting evidence of suitability.
Typical claim scenario example
After a severe hail and wind event, a commercial tenancy reports ceiling collapse and wall cracking. An MBC building consultant identifies historic roof fastening issues and recent wind uplift. The building report separates maintenance from event damage and sets out a costed scope. One bay is nominated for structural verification. A registered engineer confirms lintel adequacy and temporary propping needs. The insurer accepts event-related items, avoids paying for historical defects, and the owner uses our scope to tender rectification works.
FAQ
Do I need a structural engineer report or a building report?
Begin with a building report for causation and scope. If structural adequacy is uncertain, a structural engineer report by a registered engineers can verify capacity and design compliance.
What is included in a builders report for insurance claim?
Causation analysis, extent of damage, NCC and Standards references, photographs, and a quantified scope suitable for tendering and settlement.
Do you operate nationally?
Yes. MBC provides consistent methodology and surge capacity across all Australian states and territories, with independent reporting aligned to insurer requirements.
Why partner with Morse Building Consultancy
- Independent, insurer-grade reporting that is factual and defensible
- Licensed building consultants working alongside certified engineers
- National coverage and coordinated surge capability
- Clear recommendations, quantified scopes and compliance alignment
Bottom line
Independent advice improves accuracy and reduces leakage. For immediate triage or a current file, contact us today.