Damage is only part of the story
Inspecting the damage is a critical step, but it is often only the visible symptom of what is happening beneath or within the building. A cracked wall may be a structural issue, or it may be caused by ground movement beneath the building. Sometimes it is a combination of both, or something else entirely. Getting the cause right is what determines whether a repair actually holds.
Because our engineers, surveyors and geophysicists work as one team, we assess the building and the ground together rather than looking at one and making assumptions about the other. That means we can investigate what is really happening, measure movement over time and, where necessary, look below the surface before recommending repair or remediation.
The result is an evidence-based assessment that insurers, councils and property owners can rely on, because it addresses the real cause of the damage, not just the symptoms.
OUR CAPABILITIES
How we assess damage
From land movement and retaining wall issues to structural damage and defects, we identify the likely cause and provide clear advice you can act on.
Land Damage Assessment
We assess land and slope damage around buildings, including settlement, cracking, erosion and landslides caused by heavy rainfall, earthquakes or ground movement. Our engineers assess what has moved, why it happened, and whether there is evidence of ongoing risk, then provide clear advice on safety, remediation and next steps.
Structural Assessment
Our engineers assess damage to buildings, including foundations, floors, walls and other structural elements. We consider whether damage is structural, cosmetic or related to movement elsewhere on the site, then explain what it means for safety, repair and reinstatement planning.
Insurance Reports & Claim Support
We prepare independent engineering reports to support insurance and Natural Hazards Commission claims. Each report documents the observed damage, likely cause and recommended actions, using evidence-based analysis to give insurers and owners a clear basis for decisions and help claims progress.
Land & Building Monitoring
Where ground movement or building damage needs to be tracked over time, we provide land and building monitoring to identify change and manage risk. This can include surveying, movement monitoring and coordination with other specialists, so reinstatement decisions are based on how the site is behaving, not just a single inspection.
Subsurface Issues (Voids & Sinkholes)
Not all ground damage is visible at the surface. We investigate subsurface problems such as voids, soft ground, sinkholes and buried features that may affect land or building stability. Using in-house geophysics and targeted testing, we help identify what is happening below the surface so repairs address the underlying issue.
Expert Witness & Dispute Resolution
We provide independent technical advice for insurance and legal disputes. Our engineers assess damage, explain technical issues in plain language and prepare objective, evidence-based reports that help parties understand the situation and move toward resolution. Selected Cook Costello engineers are members of the Natural Disaster Recovery Panel.
OUR PROCESS
What happens during a property damage assessment
Every situation is different. These steps show what typically happens, depending on the type, urgency and extent of the damage.
1. Get in Touch
You tell us what has happened, where the damage is, and whether there are any insurance, council or safety concerns. We ask a few initial questions and advise whether an engineering assessment is likely to be needed.
2. Review of Available Information
Where available, we review photos, plans, previous reports, council correspondence, insurer information or claim details so we understand the situation before visiting the site.
3. Site Visit and Engineering Assessment
An engineer visits the site to inspect the land, buildings, or affected structure, record the damage, take measurements and gather information relevant to the likely cause.
4. Reporting and Recommended Next Steps
We prepare a written report explaining what we found, the likely cause of damage, and recommended next steps for safety, repair, remediation, monitoring or further investigation.
5. Follow-Up Discussion
We talk through the findings, answer your questions and help you understand how the recommendations apply to your property, claim or next decision.
Why owners and insurers choose us
Cook Costello provides independent property damage assessments, backed by experience from over 10,000 assessments across New Zealand. Because our engineers, surveyors and geophysicists work as one team, we can assess the building and the ground together and get to the actual cause, not just the visible symptom.
That means evidence-based recommendations you can reliably act on: repairs that address the real problem, fewer surprises later, and a report that holds up if a claim is questioned or disputed.
Featured Projects
Request a damage assessment
Please complete the form and provide any available photos of damage, previous reports or other background material for context.
Our team will review your enquiry and advise on next steps, including any site investigation required. We have engineers with local experience in our offices in Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.