When structural integrity is in doubt, independent, evidence-based assessment is essential.
Our structural investigations give you the clarity and confidence to act decisively. We deliver impartial analysis of structural issues supporting insurers, loss adjusters, brokers, and property stakeholders in making informed decisions. By identifying the root cause of structural problems and evaluating their impact, we provide detailed guidance to resolve issues swiftly and safely, backed by comprehensive documentation and structural building reports that stand up to scrutiny.
Structural Investigations Scope
Our structural investigation & assessment offering includes a broad range of specialist services to address structural concerns:
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On-site Structural Inspections
Thorough examinations of buildings and structures to evaluate condition and stability. -
Forensic Structural Investigations
In-depth analysis of structural failures, defects, or damage to pinpoint root causes (e.g. design flaws, material fatigue, foundation movement). -
Post-Event Structural Assessments
Rapid assessment of damage after events like storms, fires, floods, or impacts, separating new structural damage from any pre-existing issues. -
Structural Condition Reports
Preparation of unbiased structural building reports with clear findings, photographic evidence, and code compliance notes, suitable for insurance claims or remediation planning. -
Remediation Scopes & Advice
Recommendations for repair or stabilization, including scope of works or engineering advice to restore structural integrity (when within our assessment scope).
Typical structural Issues we assess
We investigate and report on a variety of structural issues common in residential, commercial, and industrial properties:
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- Foundation settlement, subsidence, and excessive building movement
- Cracking in walls, slabs, or structural elements and their underlying causes
- Roof frame damage, truss failures, or beam deflection
- Deterioration of concrete (spalling), steel corrosion, or timber rot affecting structural integrity
- Water ingress and moisture damage compromising structural components
- Structural damage resulting from extreme weather, fire, impact or other sudden events
By assessing these issues, we help differentiate between normal wear-and-tear, maintenance-related problems, and significant structural defects or event-related damage.
Our process: how we work
Need a Structural Assessment?
When you’re faced with potential structural damage or uncertainty about a building’s stability, our consultants provide the expert insight you need. Our structural assessments help manage risk, guide repair strategies, and ensure that decisions, whether related to an insurance claim, maintenance, or safety, are based on accurate, defensible information. This makes our investigations invaluable to insurers, loss adjusters, brokers, property managers and owners alike.
Don’t leave structural issues to chance. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with a professional structural investigation, or request a structural assessment to get started on securing your building’s integrity.
What is a Structural Report?
A structural building report gives you an independent, evidence-based assessment of a building’s structural condition. It documents observed issues, explains likely causes, and sets out practical next steps so owners, insurers, and property stakeholders can make informed decisions about safety, remediation, compliance, or claims.
It explains the condition of a building’s key structural elements, such as footings, slabs, walls, beams, framing and other load-bearing components.
It records observed defects or movement, outlines likely causes, and supports the findings with site observations, photographs and relevant compliance references.
It helps owners, insurers, brokers and property stakeholders decide on safety, repairs, remediation scope, claim pathways and next steps.
Why Choose Morse Building Consultancy for Structural Investigations?
When structural integrity is in question, the quality of your structural investigation and assessment matters. Morse Building Consultancy provides independent, evidence-based structural investigation services that separate event-related damage from pre-existing conditions and give you a clear path to remediation.
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- Deliver objective structural assessments and structural building reports suitable for claim, compliance, or legal use.
- Pair licensed building consultants with registered structural engineers who bring decades of practical experience.
- Provide clear, detailed documentation of causation, extent of damage, and risk to support confident decisions.
- Operate across all Australian states and territories, providing consistent quality wherever the property is located.
- Align our findings and recommendations with the National Construction Code, Building Code of Australia, and relevant Australian Standards.
Independent Engineers Frequently Asked Questions
What is a structural investigation?
A structural investigation is an instrumented, on-site assessment that explains how a building’s structure is performing, why issues have emerged, and provides practical, code-compliant remediation steps.
When do insurers and property owners need a structural assessment?
Assessments are required when there is visible movement in slabs or retaining walls, major cracking, suspected structural failure from impacts or storms, or when complex NCC compliance verification is needed.
What exactly does a structural investigation uncover?
It uncovers movement and cracking patterns, verifies load paths and restraints, assesses water and corrosion effects on reinforcement, and clearly separates fresh event damage from pre-existing structural distress.
How does a structural assessment differ from a standard building inspection?
Standard inspections are often visual and general. Structural investigations go much deeper into calculations, material testing, load capacity analysis, and engineering safety.
Do I need a registered engineer for a structural investigation?
Licensed building consultants can investigate construction issues and causation. However, registered engineers are required when structural adequacy, legal certification, or formal load calculations are needed.
Are non-destructive methods used in structural investigations?
Yes. Where appropriate, non-destructive testing such as ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic testing are used to detect internal defects without damaging the building structure.
How do proactive structural assessments benefit strata managers?
Regular structural health checks on aging buildings catch issues like concrete cancer and corrosion early. This allows strata committees to budget for repairs proactively and reduces the risk of surprise major loss claims.
How do insurers use structural building reports?
Insurers rely on these reports to definitively apportion loss, separate genuine storm or impact damage from long-term wear, and establish an NCC-compliant repair scope that prevents future liability.
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