Author Archives: Andrew

Structural damage isn’t always visible during an initial inspection. Movement can occur below the slab. Water ingress may travel behind wall linings. Cracking that appears minor may relate to broader structural shifts. These issues are often suspected based on secondary signs—uneven floors, elevated moisture readings, or known exposure to water or ground movement. These conditions […]

Construction disputes are rarely straightforward. Claims often hinge on technical details: What caused the issue, who was responsible, and whether construction standards were met. These are not easy questions to answer without expert input. Insurers, brokers, and body corporates rely on construction expert witnesses to provide that clarity. Independent evidence helps uncover the what, why […]

One of the questions we are asked a lot as independent building consultants is: How are you independent when you are engaged by an insurer? It’s a fair question. In complex claims and disputes, of which there are many, being challenged like this is understandable. When someone sees a report commissioned (and paid for) by […]

Summer brings a sharp uptick in risk for property portfolios across Australia. Severe storms, bushfires, and flood events can strain claims teams and put pressure on both insurers and brokers to act quickly and decisively. Extreme weather events, including severe bushfires, intense heatwaves, and significant flooding, marked Australia’s 2024–25 summer season. Western Australia experienced its […]

When structural issues appear in a building, one of the first steps is to commission a structural building report. This provides a technical overview of the building’s condition and helps identify the likely causes and severity of the damage. When workmanship is in question, the report becomes especially important. It may be the first formal […]

The recent floods in Queensland during March 2025, followed by severe flooding on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales just a week ago, have left homes, businesses, and communities struggling to recover. When the waters recede, the real work begins—making properties safe, identifying the full extent of the damage, and planning for repair. […]

When building insurance claims are contested, it usually comes down to questions of evidence. What caused the damage? Was it due to poor construction, lack of maintenance, or a specific event? Is it covered by the policy, or is it excluded as wear and tear? These questions are rarely easy to answer without technical expertise. […]

When an insurance claim is contested, it usually comes down to one thing: uncertainty. The insurer needs to confirm what caused the damage, whether it’s recent, and whether it’s covered. The property owner needs to know the claim is being assessed fairly, with all the right information on hand. Without clear evidence, it’s hard for […]

Cyclone season always brings uncertainty. The scale and impact of each season may vary, but ever-present is the threat of damage from wind, rain and flooding. It may not be needed every year, but preparedness is a great responsibility for property owners and managers across northern and coastal Australia. In 2025, Cyclone Alfred caused widespread […]

When an insurance claim involves building damage, the assessment process is rarely straightforward. There are often questions about the cause, extent and timing of the damage—as well as whether the building met relevant codes or was already showing signs of deterioration. These complexities can lead to delays, disputes, or claim denials, even when the damage […]