When property damage occurs, navigating the claims process can be complex and overwhelming. Whether the loss is caused by natural disasters, construction defects, or unforeseen structural failures, property owners, insurance carriers, attorneys, and other stakeholders must ensure that claims are handled accurately and fairly. This is where expert third-party professionals play a crucial role in assessing damage, providing objective evaluations, and ensuring fair outcomes.
At Forensic Building Science (FBS), we investigate and diagnose defects or failures in building structures and systems. Over the past 20 years, we’ve inspected more than 10,000 commercial, industrial, and residential properties damaged by weather, water, fire, collapse, vibrations, explosions, impact, or construction defect. Engaging an expert at the right time can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems and can support the claim process with the information necessary to determine accurate claim resolutions.
When to Hire an Expert
Objective Damage Assessment
One of the primary benefits of bringing in an expert such as Forensic Building Science is the ability to conduct a thorough and unbiased damage assessment. Experts in forensic investigations leverage industry-leading methodologies to analyze the extent and cause of property damage. This ensures that all factors contributing to the loss are properly documented and accounted for, reducing disputes between parties and preventing costly miscalculations.
2. 3rd Party Expertise
Property damage claims often involve complex technical details that require specialized knowledge. Forensic Building Science provides third-party expertise to:
- Identify structural weaknesses and hidden damages that may not be immediately visible.
- Differentiate between pre-existing conditions and new damage resulting from an insured event.
- Support claims with detailed forensic reports that meet legal and insurance industry standards.
Bringing in an independent expert ensures that all damages are correctly classified, strengthening the credibility of a claim and facilitating negotiations between policyholders and insurers.
3. Expert Witness and Litigation Support
Disputes over property damage claims can sometimes lead to litigation or appraisal proceedings. Having an expert witness can be a game-changer in legal cases. Expert witnesses provide testimony based on scientific analysis and industry standards, enabling courts, attorneys, and arbitration panels to make informed decisions.
We provide expert witness services, offering in-depth reports, deposition support, and courtroom testimony. We provide expert witness services, offering in-depth reports, deposition support, and courtroom testimony. This level of expertise can be the determining factor in proving liability, cost assessments, and policy coverage interpretations.
4. Accurate Estimating and Project Management
Accurate cost estimating is critical for ensuring that repairs or replacements are appropriately valued. We utilize advanced estimating methodologies to provide precise financial assessments for restoration efforts. Our project management services help our clients coordinate the recovery process efficiently, ensuring compliance with building codes and best practices.
5. Risk Assessments and Preventative Solutions
Beyond post-loss investigations, experts play a vital role in risk assessments and preventive strategies. By analyzing vulnerabilities in existing structures, we can recommend measures to mitigate future losses, thereby reducing financial exposure for building owners, HOAs, municipalities, and insurers.
Persistent Building Performance Issues
If a building consistently underperforms—such as experiencing recurring leaks, mold growth, or energy inefficiencies—despite regular maintenance, it may indicate underlying structural or operational issues. An expert can conduct a thorough investigation to identify root causes and recommend effective solutions.
Structural Failures or Distress
Visible signs of structural distress, like cracks in walls, uneven settling, or unexpected material degradation, necessitate immediate attention. An expert can assess the severity of the damage, determine causation factors, and propose remediation strategies to ensure structural integrity.
Post-Disaster Assessments
After events like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, buildings may suffer damage that isn’t immediately apparent. Forensic building experts are trained to identify both obvious and subtle damages, ensuring that necessary repairs are made to restore safety and functionality.
Construction Defects
When construction defects are suspected—whether due to design flaws, material failures, or poor workmanship—an expert can evaluate the extent of these issues. These findings are crucial for addressing defects and can serve as evidence in potential legal disputes.
There is a Narrative Within Every Building, Including Our Office HQ
Fun Fact: When our company experienced growing pains back in 2013 and it was time for a larger office, our founder, Tom Irmiter, transformed a historic home built in 1885 into the company’s new office in St. Paul, Minnesota. Luckily, he was an expert and had a team of experts to consult with on this project! By carefully preserving the building’s character, including its intricate woodwork and original architecture, he maintained the home’s integrity while ensuring it met modern office standards. His renovation process involved meticulous attention to detail, blending cutting-edge technology with historical elements to create a workspace that embodied the company values. The renovation is a reflection of our dedication to honoring the past while embracing the future of forensic building science. Now, with a team and offices located throughout the country, we’re all excited for our annual staff meetings back in our HQ. The space is unique.
We are the Building Science Experts
FBS was founded in 2004 in response to a growing demand for inspections and causation analysis of residential and commercial structures affected by defective construction, improper sequencing, product failures, and non-compliance with building codes and standards.
Over the past two decades, our business has expanded to provide comprehensive Building Consultant and Expert Witness services for all types of structural damage and defects. We’ve assessed over 10,000 commercial, industrial, and residential properties impacted by weather, water, fire, structural failures, collapse, impact, and construction defects. We provide forensic investigations and inspections for attorneys, commercial building owners and developers, property managers, homeowner’s associations (HOAs), municipalities, carriers, and public adjusters throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Need an Expert? Contact FBS online or call (888) 462-3517 to get started!
