Insurers and brokers want decisions that hold up under scrutiny, not just opinions. When claims involve structural questions, NCC compliant reports provide the evidence path from site findings to a code‑based scope, which reduces dispute risk and cycle time. At MBC, registered structural engineers work alongside licensed building consultants to deliver insurer grade reporting across Australia.
The General Insurance Code of Practice sets expectations for fairness and transparency in claims, which is why objective technical evidence is essential for complex files, as outlined by the Insurance Council of Australia.
NCC compliant reports explained and when insurers engage engineers
An NCC compliant building report documents what failed, why it failed, and how to rectify it in a way that meets compliance pathways. Insurers typically commission these reports when structural adequacy is questioned, when event damage and pre‑existing conditions are intertwined, or when multiple trades propose conflicting scopes.
MBC’s building consulting team collects measured evidence and then links findings to the relevant Performance Requirements or Deemed to Satisfy provisions in the National Construction Code. That approach produces transparent causation, a quantified scope, and language suitable for a report for insurance claim, not just a defect list.
How insurers use expert evidence in a report for insurance claim
Expert evidence narrows issues and supports consistent decisions. The ICA’s best practice guidance on expert reporting encourages clear instructions, disclosure of assumptions, and independence so that conclusions are testable, as noted in the Insurance Council’s expert report guidance.
MBC reports are prepared by registered engineers who record methodology, evidence, and limitations in a way that can be audited. Where litigation is possible, we ensure the report structure and records are suitable for expert witness use without rework.
NCC compliance requirements that shape a building report
The National Construction Code is performance based and sets minimum levels for safety, health, amenity, and sustainability. In structural claims, engineers often reference wind actions and tie down design, which are set out in AS/NZS 1170.2.
In practice, this means our reports describe the failure mechanism, identify which NCC clauses apply, and propose a rectification pathway that meets those clauses. The recommendations are not like for like by default, because reinstatement must be compliant, not merely similar to what was there. This approach improves acceptance by claims teams, insureds, and builders because the rationale is grounded in the Code rather than opinion.
Practical tips to brief and review NCC compliant reports
- Define the decision you need. Ask for clear apportionment between event damage and condition where relevant.
- Commission early evidence, including moisture profiles, level surveys, or intrusive checks through our site investigation services.
- Request decision‑ready outputs. Expect a measured scope, quantities, and references to the NCC clauses that justify rectification.
- Align language to policy. Distinguish sudden and accidental damage from progressive failure with time‑stamped observations and photographs.
- Keep an audit trail. Ensure photos, test results, and calculations are retained so the claim can be reviewed or defended if challenged.
Case study example: roof structure and drainage after a summer storm
A two storey brick veneer home presented with ceiling staining and warped plasterboard after a severe storm. Contractor opinions diverged on whether hail or long‑term drainage issues were to blame. MBC’s engineer inspected the roof, assessed fixings along the tie down path, mapped moisture across affected rooms, and checked roof drainage capacity relative to current NCC requirements. The report found wind‑driven rain entry through displaced flashings as event related, along with undersized gutters that had contributed to overflow at valley junctions. Our building report separated event damage from pre‑existing non‑compliance, set out make safe steps, and issued a quantified scope that included compliant flashings, batten re‑fixing, and drainage upgrades to meet current requirements. The insurer accepted the event component and authorised compliant reinstatement without dispute.
Why partner with Morse Building Consultancy
MBC is an independent building consultancy that operates nationally, with engineers and licensed consultants who specialise in insurer grade reporting. Our reports are written for decision makers, with a clear evidence trail, code references, and a measured scope that can be tendered. This consistency reduces leakage and helps complex claims move without escalation. We are a long‑standing, independent practice with credentials outlined on our About us page.
- Access to a national team of structural engineers and building consultants who deliver consistent methodology across states.
- End to end support from triage and site work to final building reports that stand up in negotiation or at hearing.
Ready to brief a complex file or standardise evidence across your portfolio? Contact us for an NCC compliant report tailored to your claim.