Storeys of success: a conversation with InsureBuild

The newly rebranded insurance builder is ‘growing, learning and proud to be leading from the front’

InsureBuild is primed for expansion after establishing branches nationwide and a workforce of 160. General manager of building and construction Timothy Clark reveals how the group – which undertakes construction, restoration, roofing, make-safe work and strata/facility management – stands out.

Insurance News: Tell us what inspired InsureBuild’s rebrand earlier this year.

Timothy Clark: We’re currently in an exciting phase of expansion. What started out as a family business more than 25 years ago has grown to be a national operation serving major insurers, government departments and private clients.

Founded by our MD Stuart Patterson, InsureBuild – formerly Pattersons Insurerbuild – is now well established in all states and regions across Australia aside from the Northern Territory, with 10 branches.

As growth accelerates, we are embracing new markets and clientele, and we’ve introduced new operating systems and technology, streamlined processes and brought in experienced leadership and key personnel to drive strategic growth. We’ve adopted several industry-leading digital platforms for project management, scheduling and client communication.

These tools allow us to track jobs in real time, reduce delays and improve transparency with insurers and homeowners. There is a clear increase in demand for reliable, tech-enabled insurance building services and we’ve stepped up to meet that need. Our model is entirely scalable, and our people are ready – so we’re going where the work is and building long-term relationships in new markets.

IN: How is InsureBuild responding to industry headwinds?

TC: It’s no secret that material costs, labour shortages and regulatory pressures have significantly impacted the insurance building sector. We saw this trend emerging early and knew we had to respond strategically. Rather than pass costs directly onto clients or compromise on quality, we’ve invested heavily in operational efficiency. That started with technology.

We’re in this for the long haul – rising costs are a challenge, but they’re also a call to evolve.

We want our clients and partners to know that at InsureBuild, we’re committed to delivering quality work efficiently, backed by great people and smart technology. We’re growing, we’re learning and we’re immensely proud to be leading from the front.

IN: How is technology helping you improve efficiency?

TC: A standout tool we’ve implemented uses AI to assist with the assessment and scoping of property damage, reducing the time from inspection to quote significantly. This helps us deliver faster outcomes and more accurate cost estimates, which is critical in the current environment.

We overhauled training across all departments, including our estimators, project managers and contract administrators. We introduced continuous professional development sessions and partnered with training providers to offer accredited upskilling pathways.

The result is a more agile, tech-savvy workforce that’s prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

It’s been incredibly positive, our people feel supported and more confident in their roles.

A culture of continuous improvement has not only lifted morale but also reduced turnover. We’re proud to be a destination firm where top talent in the industry wants to work. That’s something that Stuart and the business has always prioritised, and we remain genuinely proud of this culture.

IN: Can you share a large project you have worked on recently?

TC: The Soul Tower, aka Peppers, is a 74-storey building on the Gold Coast that was hit by significant flooding, and we are doing major construction works on levels 33 down.

The complexities of this type of job are significant, with our team taking possession of six floors at a time, all of which must be vacated, an action that results in significant business interruption costs.

Of course, this means that when we put together a timeline of works, we must adhere to it – without question. We pride ourselves on promising that if we say it will be done by a set date, it will be.

IN: How has the business navigated a more benign natural catastrophe season?

TC: We have branched out to alternative customer segments and explored other sectors such as government and strata, to name but a few. This has helped us maintain a complete workforce and ensure resources are ready to go to serve all major insurers when the next natural disaster strikes.

IN: What does the future look like for the insurance building industry, and for InsureBuild?

TC: There’s no question the industry will continue to face pressures, from both economic and climate-related factors. However, with the right mindset and investment in innovation, there’s also tremendous opportunity.

For us, the focus remains on smarter delivery, stronger partnerships with insurers, and a continued commitment to our team’s growth. We’re not just reacting; we’re helping shape the industry’s future.

For more information about InsureBuild services, visit insurebuild.com