Author Archives: Andrew

Why accurate building reports matter when insurers question claims

building reports from Morse Building Consultancy

Insurance claims don’t always go to plan. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable rise in insurance disputes across Australia. In 2023–24, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority received more than 29,000 general insurance complaints—a 5% increase from the year before. While that figure spans everything from property to car insurance, it reflects a broader trend: […]

Certified engineers and summer storm recovery: When to seek expert advice

Forensic investigation, magnifying glass

Australia’s summer of 2024–2025 has brought a series of significant weather events across multiple regions. From Cyclone Zelia in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to Townsville’s 4.4 magnitude earthquake, widespread flooding in parts of Queensland and New South Wales—and most recently, Cyclone Alfred affecting South East Queensland—many communities have been impacted by storms and extreme weather. […]

Damage reporting after severe weather: a guide for body corporates and real estate agents

internal roof damage assessment after severe weather

Severe weather can turn things upside down in no time. For body corporates and real estate agents, there’s a lot to juggle—insurance claims, sorting repairs, and keeping tenants in the loop. It can get messy fast. When getting things back on track, damage reporting plays a massive role. If you get this part right, claims […]

What a structural assessment reveals about workmanship in dispute cases

window installation displaying incorrect installation and faulty workmanship.

Workmanship disputes are a common source of tension in construction, often involving builders, property owners, insurers, and other stakeholders. Cracking walls, uneven flooring, water ingress, and structural instability can all raise questions about whether a defect is due to poor workmanship, material failure, or external factors. To determine liability and resolve disputes, a clear, evidence-based […]

Understanding cyclones: How they’re rated and what that means for Australian structures

cyclone aerial shot from space

Queenslanders are no strangers to extreme weather. It wouldn’t be summer without some kind of memorable weather event. But 2025’s Tropical Cyclone Alfred is different, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most significant systems in recent years. Currently classified as a Category 2 system (as of the 4th March 2025), Alfred is […]

The rising cost of inaction: Why damage reporting after extreme weather protects your investment

Damage reporting after severe weather

Extreme weather events in Australia are becoming more frequent and severe. Floods, cyclones, and storms leave a trail of damage, creating major challenges for property owners and investors. In the aftermath, knowing where to start can be overwhelming—but one step is essential: accurate damage reporting. Morse Building Consultancy specialises in forensic assessments and damage reporting, […]

Construction dispute resolution: what private clients and real estate agents need to know

two men shaking hands with large construction in the background

Building construction disputes are an unfortunate reality in the building industry. They affect everyone overseeing property developments, from private individuals to real estate agents. These disputes often arise due to issues like defective work, delays, and contractual misunderstandings. In the September quarter of 2024, the construction sector accounted for 59% of all working days lost […]

Decoding structural building reports after a storm: what insurers and body corporates need to look for

large storm system developing over the coastline

Storms can wreak havoc on buildings, leaving insurers and body corporates with the complex task of assessing structural integrity, organising repairs, and managing claims. In Australia, these challenges are compounded by rising insurance premiums and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. According to the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA), one in twelve properties is […]

Understanding insurance building reports: how building consultants bridge the gap between insurers and property owners

two builders or engineers onsite projecting managing scope of works for insurer and property owner

When property damage or defects occur, the claims process can become a source of confusion and frustration for insurers and property owners alike. Miscommunication, disputes, and delays are common when technical details aren’t clearly understood. This is where building consultants play an essential role. Through detailed, objective insurance reports, they provide clarity, support claims processes, […]

Navigating disputes over workmanship: how independent engineers support fair outcomes

house severely damaged after disaster

Workmanship disputes have become a persistent challenge across Australia’s construction and property sectors. A growing percentage of our work relates to litigation or private individuals battling builders whose workmanship they are unhappy with. Whether insurers are addressing claims, real estate managers are resolving maintenance disputes, or developers are facing allegations of defective builds, the stakes […]