Methodology

Every opinion traces to an observation.

Our standard of documentation is simple and unforgiving: if a conclusion cannot be traced to a documented, reproducible observation measured against a recognized standard, it does not appear in our report.

Our standard of documentation

Most disputes over property loss are not disputes about opinion — they are disputes about record quality. One party documented the condition; the other characterized it. When the file reaches an appraisal panel or a courtroom, that difference decides the matter.

We build the record first and reason from it second. Observations are captured in a form another qualified professional could independently verify: located photographs, logged readings, measured dimensions, and dated third-party data. Every opinion in our reports carries a pointer back to that record.

Calibrated moisture meter reading documented against water-damaged drywall

The route

Five waypoints, every engagement.

  1. Step 01

    Engagement & Conflict Check

    Before any substantive work, we run a conflict check against parties, properties, and prior engagements, and confirm scope, deliverable format, and deadlines in writing. Disclosures are documented, not verbal.

  2. Step 02

    Site Capture & Evidence Preservation

    Inspection follows a written protocol: orientation and elevation photography, affected and control area documentation, calibrated moisture readings, thermal imaging where indicated, and reality capture via Matterport or photogrammetry. Physical evidence is logged with chain of custody.

  3. Step 03

    Analysis Against Recognized Standards

    Findings are measured against IICRC S500/S520, applicable building codes, manufacturer requirements, and estimating platform methodology — not against a preferred outcome. Storm and weather data are correlated to the claimed date of loss.

  4. Step 04

    Report Preparation

    Reports state the scope of investigation, the methodology applied, the observations made, and the basis of every opinion. Assumptions are disclosed on the face of the document. Exhibits are drawn from the capture record.

  5. Step 05

    Testimony & Resolution Support

    We carry the record forward into appraisal, examination under oath, mediation, deposition, and trial — with methodology walkthroughs for counsel and demonstrative exhibits built from the documented file.

Standards we work under

  • IICRC S500 — Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration
  • IICRC S520 — Standard for Professional Mold Remediation
  • Xactimate and Cotality estimating methodology, databases, and effective pricing dates
  • Applicable building codes and jurisdictional amendments
  • Manufacturer installation and repairability requirements
  • Carrier and policy documentation requirements, including proof-of-loss support

Work product

Appraisal-ready scopes
Itemized scope and valuation packages formatted for panel review, with quantities reconciled to measured documentation.
Expert reports
Disclosure-compliant reports stating scope, methodology, observations, opinions, and the basis for each.
Rebuttal memoranda
Focused analysis of opposing expert methodology, data selection, and internal consistency.
Demonstrative exhibits
Annotated photographs, measurement overlays, and 3D captures prepared for mediation, deposition, and trial.
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