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 record that points to how something was installed, finished, or handled on-site. Being able to interpret that information then makes all the difference in deciding what to do next. Whether that’s arranging repairs, progressing a claim, or seeking further expert advice.
Workmanship vs other causes
It’s good to remember that not every structural issue comes down to poor workmanship. Buildings can experience problems for a range of reasons:
- Design limitations
- Environmental conditions
- Material behaviour over time
- Or a combination of these factors.
Workmanship refers specifically to how the construction work was carried out. That includes how materials were installed, how closely construction followed the plans, and whether recognised standards and tolerances were met on site.
A structural engineer report may touch on other possible causes, but when workmanship is being assessed, consultants look for signs that the issue relates to how the work was done rather than what was designed or specified.
This distinction is important when reading the report, particularly if responsibility or remedial action is in question.
Where workmanship shows up in the report
If workmanship contributes to structural issues, there are usually signs in the report, even if it’s not stated outright. These may appear in the consultant’s observations, technical notes, or the language used to describe how certain elements were constructed.
Common indicators include:
- Comments on installation – such as components not fixed correctly, inadequate clearances, or finishes that don’t align with plans or specifications.
- Mentions of non-compliance – like materials used in ways inconsistent with manufacturer instructions or construction that don’t meet Australian Standards or the National Construction Code.
- Visual evidence – including photographs that show poor alignment, incomplete sealing, or detailing that doesn’t match the intended design.
- Notes about workmanship quality – some reports may explicitly reference the apparent standard of work, using terms like “substandard,” “poorly executed,” or “not consistent with typical industry practice.”
It’s also worth noting how confident the consultant is in their conclusions. Reports often include caveats about site access, invasive testing, or limited visibility. These may affect how definitively workmanship can be assessed.
How consultants assess workmanship
To assess workmanship, building and structural consultants begin by looking at how the building was constructed in relation to the approved plans, specifications, and relevant standards. They document what’s visible on site and identify whether elements have been installed, connected, or finished as expected.
This includes checking the method of installation, the consistency of finishes, and the positioning of structural elements. They may also reference manufacturer guidance, construction tolerances, and standard industry practice when evaluating the work.
Where issues are found, consultants look at patterns—such as repeated detailing errors or misaligned structural components—that help indicate whether the problem is isolated or systematic.
Context matters, too. If the issue appears shortly after construction or after specific works were completed, that information helps build a picture of how and when things may have gone wrong. All of these observations are drawn together into a structural assessment that helps explain the building’s condition and the possible role of workmanship in what’s occurred.
What the report can and can’t tell you
Structural reports are technical documents, not legal findings. They provide valuable insight, but it’s important to understand their scope.
A structural building report can:
- Highlight defects or non-compliant construction
- Describe how elements were installed or finished
- Identify likely contributing factors to structural issues
- Provide visual and written evidence to support technical findings
- Support insurance claims, repair planning, or further investigation
A structural building report can’t:
- Assign legal responsibility or fault
- Confirm workmanship issues without adequate access or testing
- Replace legal or contractual interpretation
- Guarantee future performance or risk
Need a clearer picture of what a structural building report is telling you?
Our consultants deliver structural assessments grounded in standards and experience.
Get in touch to discuss your next steps.