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 one side of the process, it’s natural to wonder whether the findings are truly impartial.
We understand the concern. While we can declare our independence, the reality is that you have no way of knowing. It’s something we can only prove in the way we work, the structure of our reports, and the decisions we make.
There’s no certificate for independence
Unlike a professional license or qualification, there’s no official credential that proves a consultant is independent. And in truth, anyone can say they are.
That’s what makes this space difficult. Reports can look similar, but some are written to appease a client, while others are built on technical reasoning and code-specific facts. It’s not always easy to tell the difference if you’re not in the industry.
That’s why we try to be upfront about the safeguards we put in place to help protect our independence and why it matters in the first place.
Why an independent building consultant or independent engineer matters
Independence matters because building reports often become key evidence in an insurance claim, legal matter or dispute resolution process. If the report is seen to favour one side, or if the findings don’t stack up under scrutiny, it can delay outcomes, erode trust, or even result in the wrong decision being made.
The role of a building consultant isn’t to advocate. It’s to observe, document, and report on what’s there. Independent building consultants make those findings reliable for everyone involved.
What we do to maintain independence
To uphold and reflect our independence, we’ve built clear checks and balances into our process. These steps help ensure our reports are factual, transparent, and fair, regardless of who engages us:
Defined role from the outset
Our engagement terms make it clear that we’re providing an independent assessment. Our responsibility is to report on the condition of the property, the likely cause of any damage, and how it aligns with relevant codes and standards.
Technical context included in every report
We consider a range of technical factors, including the age of the building, the construction methods and materials used, and the site conditions. Our findings are framed against the codes and standards relevant at the time, so the assessment reflects how the building was designed to perform.
Evidence-based reporting
Our reports include the supporting evidence behind each conclusion. That may involve photographs, site observations, technical data or historical documents, depending on the nature of the issue.
These might sound like small things, but they make a real difference, especially when reports are scrutinised in court, at tribunal, or by other experts.
Choosing an independent building consultant or independent engineer
There are a lot of building consultants and engineers working in the insurance and construction space, and many describe themselves as independent. From the outside, it can be hard to know what that actually means—or how to tell whether a consultant’s processes support true impartiality.
If you’re commissioning a report or relying on one during a dispute, there are a few questions worth asking up front:
Do they work across sectors?
Consultants who work for a mix of clients (e.g. insurers, lawyers, owners, government) are more likely to be independent.
Are they upfront about their role?
A good consultant will be clear that their job is to assess the evidence, not advocate for any party.
What’s their reporting approach?
Without needing to see a report, you can ask how they handle things like historical codes, material deterioration, or defect identification.
Clarity backed by independence
At Morse Building Consultancy, our independent building consultants and independent engineers provide detailed, evidence-based reporting that stands up under scrutiny. Whether you’re commissioning a report or reviewing one in a contested claim, we’re here to offer clarity when it counts.
Need a truly independent assessment?
Get in touch with our team to discuss your reporting needs.