Insurance Engineering Assessments

Assessment of existing structures. Residential, multi-unit residences, commercial and industrial.

TEG Consulting Engineers are based in North Queensland and have extensive experience in both the design of new structures to the National Construction Code (NCC) as well as the refurbishment and repair of structures affected by cyclonic events.

As you would be aware, a majority of structures built in previous decades were not adequately designed when compared with current codes and this is especially significant in cyclonic regions. Until these structures are either refurbished or demolished, they present an ongoing risk to both the owners, Insurance Underwriters and the surrounding environment.

As we understand it there is no direct mechanism that relates the actual structural condition of a building to the fee required to insure it and this creates uncertainty that is of no benefit to the owner or insurer. In our work reviewing post cyclone damage it was clear that a significant amount of repair work was a direct result of inadequate construction and should not necessarily be covered by an insurance repair.

Notwithstanding initial construction defects, most buildings should be checked for deterioration at least every 10 years and it is our belief that if a building has been recently reviewed and can be shown as structurally adequate, the insurance risk to the underwriter is significantly reduced.

We are usually engaged directly by Builders engaged in renovation or repair works.

Where framing is enclosed we will typically prepare preliminary documentation and inspect at the commencement of works to address any unforseen items.

On-site issues can usually be addressed at least in concept whilst on site and we adopt a maximum 24hr turnaround to confirm detailing for works in progress (usually the same day).

To assess current framing compliance and provide repair or rectification details as required. Often existing structural drawings are not available, but even still inspections every 10 years are required in order to monitor deterioration of timber structures. We can prepare relevant framing drawings and provide compliance certificates customised to specific projects.

Typically older structures (especially housing more than 30 years old) do not have adequate roof framing connections to resist cyclonic loads. These deficiencies are easily addressed during roof maintenance work as strapping can usually be installed over existing connections to improve tie-down.

Another common structural modification is to retrofit wide-span doorways to the perimeter of a building. Knowledge of the shearwall layout can become critical when assessing global integrity.

In order to keep costs under control one of our main goals is to keep the Builder on-site and on program.

Our overarching requirement is that all building works exceed minimum code requirements and as Structural Engineers we can be the most flexible in addressing issues as we assess novel solutions as part of our general scope of work.

Regardless of who engages our services we are committed to act in accordance with Engineers Australia Code of Ethics.