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Cracking Movement?
Building Engineer Report Structural Assessment

Major Defect Found?
Structural Engineer
Forensic Building Report

Chartered Professional Engineer
National Engineers Register Link
Registered Building Practitioner
Business Licensing Authority Link
Professional Indemnity Insured
Australian Business Register Link
Director Engineering Consultant
Chris Dafter Professional History Linkedin
For over a decade, I was a forensic, structural and civil engineer.
I inspected thousands of Melbourne homes under major insurance claims. And I saw the same gut-wrenching scene again and again. Families stressed out and facing massive repair bills (typically $40,000 to $150,000+)! Why? Because nearly every claim I investigated was rejected by the insurer as “pre-existing damage.” No cover and no help.
I was always called in too late. Most families in trouble, had done everything “right” and hired a standard building inspector or contractor to "fix" the problem.
But skipping straight to the fix nearly always misses the critical issues. Like structural problems, foundation movement, or the things that cause the big expensive failures. I saw the unfair playing field clearly: insurers protect themselves by sending chartered engineers to fight claims, whilst homeowners get sent in with a checklist. That never sat right with me.
So I walked away from the insurance work and built something different.
A comprehensive building engineering service that puts homeowners on the same footing as the insurers.
Our team are Chartered Professional Engineers and Registered Building Practitioners.
Our job is to give you the facts. We tell you what’s really going on and what it will cost, then give you a clear plan for exactly what to do next.
Our Building Engineer Report includes a full Structural Engineer and Building Inspection plus a lot more. You’re not paying extra; you’re just getting more.
If we find something serious, we’ll break it down for you in plain English. We will work with you for as long as it takes, to ensure that you are confident with the next steps.
We’re typically on-site for 2-3 hours, depending on property size. You’ll receive a full written report with findings, photos, and recommendations within 1 week. Faster turnaround time can be arranged if needed.
Our background is in building engineering, structural design and consulting. Unlike building inspectors, we can diagnose the root cause of issues and give you a plan for the future. You’re not just getting an opinion; you’re getting an expert evaluation from chartered professional engineers.
We specialise in established residential homes. No apartments or high-rises. We service Melbourne suburbs from Greensborough and Eltham through Heidelberg, Kew, Balwyn, Box Hill and Doncaster, across to Ringwood, Croydon and Glen Waverley, and down to Brighton and Cheltenham. We also service Bayside and Mornington Peninsula.
Absolutely. We don’t leave you with just a report, we include a 1-on-1 phone debrief to answer your questions and guide your next steps. We are committed to helping you understand the condition of your home.
Feel free to book a call with Chris. You can also contact us at [email protected] or call us on 0492 909 191 for questions, quotes or advice.
We never share your details with third parties.
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