Expertise / Structural reports
Structural reports for insurance claims
A clear engineer's report on what happened, why, how far the damage goes and what it takes to put right. Written for insurers, loss adjusters, loss assessors and property owners.
AOCA investigates a wide range of building damage claims, from minor defects to major structural failures. Our focus is on establishing causation, extent of damage and compliance with policy definitions.
Every report is written to be read by someone who is not an engineer and to stand up if it is challenged. Property Claims Loss Assessors, who have worked with the team for many years, put it this way: rapid response times and a level of detail in the reporting that leaves no stone unturned.
What the report contains
The cause of the damage and the evidence for it. The extent of the damage, including what is not visible. Whether the damage matches the event claimed or arises from a pre-existing defect, workmanship or materials. A scope of repair and, where asked, a cost estimate. Photographs, drawings and a plain summary at the front.
The types of claim we report on
Subsidence and heave: identifying the true cause of movement, assessing damage and recommending appropriate remediation.
Fire damage: we assess fire-damaged buildings to determine structural integrity, repair feasibility and compliance with current regulations. Our inspections consider both visible damage and hidden structural implications, and our forensic fire investigation team also analyses scenes to determine the cause and mode of a fire.
Storm damage: we investigate storm-related damage, particularly wind-induced failures. Our assessments distinguish between genuine storm events and defects arising from poor workmanship or material failure.
Flooding: we undertake detailed flood investigations to determine contributory factors, including site alterations, culverted watercourses and drainage failures. Our reports address both causation and remediation requirements.
Impact, vehicle strike, structural failure and collapse, water ingress and escape of water.
Who instructs us
Insurers and their panel loss adjusters, loss assessors acting for policyholders, solicitors in dispute and litigation, management companies and property owners. We are independent: the same report whoever is paying for it.
Expert witness and litigation
We regularly provide expert witness services, drawing on years of direct project experience. From subsidence and structural failures to insurance claims and dispute resolution, our engineers offer clear, objective and practical technical evidence.
Common questions
How do I instruct AOCA?
Send the address, a line on what happened and any photographs through the contact page, or ring the Portlaoise office. We confirm the inspection date by return.
Can the homeowner instruct you directly?
Yes. Many of our reports are commissioned by policyholders or their loss assessor to support a claim or to get an independent second opinion.
Do you also design and supervise the repair?
Yes. The same engineer can scope the works, prepare drawings, procure a contractor and certify completion, which keeps the claim moving.
Which areas do you cover?
All of Ireland from Portlaoise and Dublin, and England and Wales from the Manchester office.
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