Construction Defect Appraisal Services

Property owners who sustain significant damage to their real estate such as flood and fire, landslide, unstable soils and geological conditions, cracked slab, landscape and tree root problems, structural problems, construction defects, and other casualty losses need an appraisal to establish if a diminution in value has occurred. If a property owner decides to pursue legal action, file an insurance claim, or file for a tax deduction, they must prove that the event i.e. fire, storm, flood actually caused the loss and separate out any loss caused as a result of market forces (appreciating or declining real estate market). Record keeping is also very important in substantiating a claim for litigation or loss recovery. Tips to do list:

  • Get a home or commercial appraisal by a California appraiser with experience in construction defect appraisals, landslide, casualty loss appraisal, county property tax assessment appeal appraisal services, and real estate expert witness testimony.
  • Construction defect appraisal and a Property Tax appeal requires a well-researched and documented appraisal to support any insurance damage claim or assessment appeal.
  •  Photographs of the property before and after the damage will help show the condition and value of the property prior to the casualty loss.
  • Many times well researched peer reviewed appraisal articles along with newspaper articles complete with dates and the publications name provide further evidence in support of a casualty loss.
  • Well researched appraisals are the most desirable tools for establishing diminution in value and damages including real estate values before and after casualties.
  • Keep detailed receipts for repair and replacement claims for insurance.

IRS Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts (Business and Nonbusiness), explains the comprehensive rules for figuring a loss.

Attorneys and Accountants rely on our residential and commercial real estate appraisal services when calculating appraised values for estates, divorce, probate, partnership dissolutions, mediation, easements, encroachments, or other real estate disputes requiring a residential or commercial appraisal of real property. We understand their needs and are used to dealing with all parties involved. Our licensed and certified real estate appraisal expert opinions provide appraisals that meet the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the requirements of the courts, and various agencies.

Our appraisers are familiar with the procedures and requirements necessary to perform forensic appraisals with an effective date and Fair Market Value estimate matching the date of the loss. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Opinions of value by a certified appraiser used in court or documents filed with the IRS should be supported by a detailed report as to how the appraiser arrived at his conclusions. Such a report should certainly demonstrate that the valuation is well founded and substantiated.

We provide real estate appraisal services for flood & fire damaged property for insurance claims. Before and after values tend to establish diminution in value.