When claim costs are debated, assumptions get expensive. Commissioning detailed structural damage reports gives adjusters measured facts, clear causation and itemised quantities that price accurately against market rates. The General Insurance Code of Practice expects openness, fairness and defined timeframes in claims, which lifts the value of objective evidence when volumes spike.
Why costs drift without solid evidence
Disputes rise when files rely on incomplete photos, vague descriptions or conflicting contractor quotes, and AFCA recorded more than 29,000 general insurance complaints in 2023–24, which shows the scale of scrutiny on decisions.
For adjusters, the quickest path to a defensible reserve is a structured structural building report that tells you what failed, why it failed and how to fix it lawfully.
What a detailed report includes
A decision-ready report from MBC is written for pricing and audit, not just record keeping.
- Causation with site photos, measurements and time-stamped notes.
- Quantities by trade, such as square metres of affected roof sheets and linear metres of flashings.
- Risk actions, including make safe steps and any occupancy limits.
- Compliance references to the National Construction Code where relevant.
- Assumptions and exclusions so estimating teams know scope boundaries.
If concealed conditions matter, our site investigation services capture moisture profiles, level surveys and fastener pull-through checks that materially change volumes.
How adjusters use expert evidence to set reserves
Detailed reporting standardises reserving and reduces variance across like claims, and ICA guidance on expert reports encourages independence, clear instructions and disclosure of assumptions so conclusions are testable.
At MBC, licensed building consultants work with registered engineers so findings, calculations and limitations can be checked at internal QA or tribunal if required.
Compliance that changes the price
Cost accuracy depends on compliance because reinstatement must meet the performance-based National Construction Code rather than like for like.
In practice, a structural engineer report may specify upgraded tie-downs, compliant flashings or drainage capacity where the pre-event installation was undersized, which prevents later variations and supports acceptance by builders and insureds.
When to commission a report
Use a structured report when:
- contractor quotes diverge on cause or quantities
- structural adequacy is uncertain after wind, impact or movement
- a high-value file needs consistent quantities across multiple tenders
- the claim is trending toward dispute and needs a clear evidence trail.
For more complex sites or multi-property events, we integrate findings into portfolio views through our broader Building Consultancy Services.
Estimation workflow that follows the examples
- Define the decision. State whether you need make safe advice, fitness for occupancy or a full reinstatement scope.
- Specify evidence. Request intrusive checks where safe, moisture mapping and level surveys as part of the structural assessment.
- Ask for quantities. Require itemised measurements suitable for pricing and tender, not just descriptive defects.
- Insist on NCC references. Ensure rectification items cite the compliance pathway and relevant Standards.
- Keep the audit trail. Retain photos, readings and calculations with the claim number for later review.
Case snapshot: scope clarity that narrows tenders
A community facility reported ceiling bowing after a storm and early quotes varied because each contractor assumed different flashing lengths and sheet replacement rates. Our structural investigation measured 88 square metres of wet insulation, 82 linear metres of flashings for replacement and confirmed uplift along the tie-down path, which translated into a priced scope that brought three tenders within a tight range and cut variations during works.
Why partner with Morse Building Consultancy
Morse Building Consultancy is a national building consultancy that writes insurer-grade reports for decision makers, and our reports combine clause-based reasoning with quantified scopes and clear assumptions so reserves and settlements reflect the real work required. You can review our credentials and independence on About us.
Ready to standardise estimation quality across your portfolio or close variance on a complex file? Contact us for a prompt assessment.