ACS provides a wide range of commercial & residential services, a summary of which includes:
- Construction Forensics
- Causation
- Damage Assessment and Analysis
- Construction Estimating
- Clerk of the Works
- ADA Evaluation and Estimate
- Deposition and Subrogation Support
- Code Upgrade Evaluation
- Construction Defect Analysis
- Bid Reconciliation
- Post Construction Audit
- Umpire and Appraisal Services
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Water Testing - Moisture Intrusion - Leaks (more)
Loss and Site Analysis
- Perform initial review of the supplied file documentation including photographs, adjuster's log, contractor's estimates, plans and specifications and all correspondence.
- Perform investigative review of building department records, tax assessment records and other historical information related to the site.
- Inspect, photograph and measure loss site including verification of dimensions and condition of subject structure(s) and foundation(s).
- Evaluate other elements that may impact repair costs.
- Record field observations.
- Review engineering report(s).
Scope Development
- Develop Full Replacement Cost Estimate
- Generate Property Profile Reports (if available)
- In many areas of the country, tax assessment information is available for specific properties via internet services. In some instances, this has proven to be a valuable, additional source of information regarding a given building's characteristics.
- Research on Local Pricing
(when necessary)
- Communicate with local material and equipment suppliers, and/or contractors to obtain unit pricing and availability of products and determine contractor discounts vs. retail pricing.
- Plan Take-Off (when necessary)
- Determine building dimensions and verify corresponding quantities of all applicable foundation information, exterior and interior wall components, flooring systems, roofing systems, finishes, and utilities.
Contractor Qualification Services
Includes a review of:
- Contractor's standing with Contractors State License Board
- Work history (number and type of projects completed)
- Contractor's license(s)
- Contractor's bonding capacity and credit rating (if required)
- Insurability (liability, builders risk, etc.)
- References
- Expected bid format
Bid Reconciliation (when necessary)
- Compile bids into standard format and provide an analysis of the competitive bids through verification of all arithmetic operations, quantities and unit pricing of all bids. This analysis is then compiled into a report for review unless otherwise instructed.
Prepare Detailed Estimate using an Automated Estimating System
Secure an Agreed Price with the Designated Contractor
Settlement Meeting Services
- Services include pre-meeting review with the adjuster and/or counsel on relevant technical issues to be discussed in the meeting; and, provision and technical information during the meeting including substantiation of pricing information and scope of repair.
Insurance Appraisal Services
The following is a direct quote of California Insurance Code §2071:
"In case the insured and this company shall fail to agree as to the actual cash value or the amount of loss, then, on the written request of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within 20 days of the request. Where the request is accepted, the appraisers shall first select a competent and disinterested umpire; and failing for 15 days to agree upon the umpire, then on request of the insured or this company, the umpire shall be selected by a judge of a court of record in the state in which the property covered is located. Appraisal proceedings are informal unless the insured and this company mutually agree otherwise. For purposes of this section, “informal” means that no formal discovery shall be conducted, including depositions, interrogatories, requests for admission, or other forms of formal civil discovery, no formal rules of evidence shall be applied, and no court reporter shall be used for the proceedings. The appraisers shall then appraise the loss, stating separately actual cash value and loss to each item; and, failing to agree, shall submit their differences, only, to the umpire. An award in writing, so itemized, of any two when filed with this company shall determine the amount of actual cash value and loss. Each appraiser shall be paid by the party selecting him or her and the expenses of appraisal and umpire shall be paid by the parties equally. In the event of a government-declared disaster, as defined in the Government Code, appraisal may be requested by either the insured or this company but shall not be compelled."