In late November 2025 severe storms pounded eastern Australia. The Insurance Council declared a catastrophe and more than 16 000 insurance claims were lodged across 140 postcodes in south-east Queensland. This is not an unusual story, as Australian’s we a use to wild weather catastrophes, but are our property’s? Witnessing builders shore up hail-damaged property, the smell of wet timber and the groan of props served as a stark reminder that hidden damage often appears long after tarps go up. To avoid costly surprises and restore confidence, insurers and property owners need independent engineers who can uncover hidden defects and provide impartial advice.
Why independent engineers matter
Independent engineers are registered professionals who examine buildings without allegiance to insurers, builders or owners. Their role is to observe, measure and report on causation, extent of damage and remedial options using recognised codes. Morse Building Consultancy notes that independence matters because reports often become evidence in disputes; perceived bias undermines trust. Engineers Australia reminds practitioners that work should be peer-reviewed by competent colleagues to maintain good practice, and the CROSS safety network describes a case where an unsafe basement design was caught only because an independent engineer reviewed it. In short, impartial eyes catch problems that others miss.
Contractors bring practical experience, but their commercial interests can influence scope. Independent engineers are not tied to a repair contract, they document evidence objectively and set repair scopes that align with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian standards. They also provide historical context by comparing original design requirements with current codes, which is essential when deciding whether tie-downs or bracing need to be upgraded during repairs.
A problem bigger than one storm
A respected consulting engineer told ABC News that about 75 to 80 percent of the Darwin apartments he inspected had serious structural issues, with leaks rusting reinforcement, spalling concrete and forcing temporary props to hold up slabs. This is proof that what we see nationwide is not unique. He warned that unchecked water ingress could condemn a building. Engineers Australia’s Watershedding Community of Practice backs up that warning “Water leaks are the leading cause of defects in Australian apartments and commercial buildings. They account for 80 – 90 per cent of defects and cost building owners and insurance companies up to 3 billion dollars annually”. They advocate for code changes to ensure slabs and balconies drain even if membranes fail. Independent engineers, armed with moisture meters and borescopes, are best placed to detect these hidden problems and recommend durable solutions.
Recognising when to call an independent engineer
Not every claim warrants the cost of an engineer, but several red flags make it risky to rely solely on a contractor’s judgement. Movement or cracking around foundations or retaining walls suggests subsidence. Repeated leaks after repairs hint at deeper problems such as nail pull-through at truss connections. Damage around roof penetrations and structural connections can compromise entire assemblies. Disputes over whether cracks or leaks stem from a storm or long-term deterioration are best resolved by a neutral expert. Complex structures – heritage buildings, high-rises or unconventional materials – and any situation where design competence is in doubt also call for a registered engineer. Engaging the engineer early is essential, why? Because, evidence disappears quickly and mould, swelling timber and corrosion can complicate repairs.
Briefing engineers effectively
A clear brief helps engineers deliver answers efficiently. Specify why you are engaging them. Is it causation analysis, risk assessment or a repair scope? Make sure you provide relevant policy clauses, so they know whether like-for-like replacement or upgrading to current codes is required. Collate evidence such as dated photos, videos, moisture readings, inspection notes, meteorological data and any building plans or maintenance records. Independent assessors use Bureau of Meteorology data on hail size and wind speed to target investigations.
Safe access matters. Let the engineer know about tarps, scaffolding or other make-safe measures so they can plan their inspection. Agree on deliverables and deadlines at the outset: a short summary for internal decisions, a detailed report for tendering or both. The General Insurance Code of Practice sets strict timeframes for claims, so appoint a single contact and ensure everyone understands the engineer’s role and communication channels.
What to expect from a report
An insurer-grade investigation report should be concise yet comprehensive. It summarises cause and extent of damage, highlights safety issues and recommends remedial options. It documents evidence with dated photos, moisture readings and measurements and references relevant sections of the NCC and standards such as AS/NZS 1170.2. A quantified repair scope outlines works, tolerances and hold points for supervision, while a make-safe log records temporary measures like tarping or dewatering. Finally, the report should outline any further investigations or upgrades needed for long-term durability.
Why it pays to be independent
Engaging independent engineers delivers tangible benefits. Early, accurate assessments prevent secondary damage and reduce indemnity leakage. Quick storm assessments within 48 hours help carriers meet Code timeframes and contain secondary loss. Evidence-based findings build trust with policyholders and often lead to faster claim resolution. Independent reports help insurers meet the General Insurance Code of Practice, which obliges them to take responsibility for repair quality and adhere to clear claim timeframes. Beyond individual claims, engineers can identify systemic issues – common weaknesses in a region or recurring failures due to specific construction methods – giving insurers data to refine risk models and advise clients on prevention.
Building a culture of independence and quality is essential as climate variability increases. Maintaining a panel of registered engineers across disciplines ensures capacity during surge events and gives claims handlers someone to call when specialist input is needed. Encouraging policyholders to document damage promptly, tracking performance indicators such as closed-file times and variation volumes and being transparent about how engineers are selected all help demonstrate the value of independent assessments.
In Summary
Independent engineers bring impartiality, technical rigour and code knowledge to the claims process. Recognising red flags, commissioning thorough investigations and briefing engineers effectively can prevent costly surprises. Recent storms and persistent water-related defects show that ignoring hidden damage is not just expensive but dangerous. Investing in registered engineers is not just about compliance. It is about safeguarding the homes and workplaces that Australians rely on every day so that no roof is held up by luck alone.