Forensic cost estimating and scope development
A cost of repair opinion is only as strong as the scope beneath it and the sourcing behind each line. We build the scope first, solicit real bids against it, and disclose every markup, so the number can be tested line by line and still hold.
Scope first, then price. Never the reverse.
The fastest way to produce an indefensible estimate is to start with the software. Unit price databases are useful tools for checking a number. They are not a substitute for deciding, in writing, what work is actually necessary on this particular building.
We develop a written scope of repair describing what must be done, in what sequence and why. Only then do we price it, using subcontractor bids solicited against that written scope, production rates from work we have self performed, and current material costs. Overhead, general conditions and profit appear as stated line items rather than being folded invisibly into unit costs.
The practical test is simple. We do not produce an estimate we would be unwilling to sign a contract to perform. Because we hold a general contractor license, that is not a rhetorical standard.
What is priced that others often omit
- Access, staging, scaffolding and crane or lift requirements
- Occupied property phasing and after hours restrictions
- Temporary relocation, storage and loss of use
- Code upgrade work triggered by the scope of repair
- Permit, plan check and design professional fees
- Protection of finishes and adjacent unaffected work
- Testing, inspection and special inspection requirements
- Debris removal, containment and disposal
- Escalation where repair is years out from the estimate date
When a forensic estimate is the right instrument
Litigation and mediation
Cost of repair opinions for construction defect, insurance coverage, premises liability and contract dispute matters, prepared to be disclosed, deposed upon and defended at trial.
Insurance claims
Independent estimates on first party property losses, reconciliation against carrier estimates, supplemental claim development, and support in appraisal proceedings.
Owner decision making
Pre purchase and pre litigation assessment, so an owner or association can decide whether a claim is economically worth pursuing before spending on counsel.
Reserve and capital planning
Realistic replacement and repair costs for homeowner associations and institutional owners planning multi year capital expenditure.
Rebuttal and estimate review
Line by line analysis of an opposing expert's estimate, identifying scope omissions, double counting, inapplicable unit costs and unsupported markup.
Bid and change order disputes
Evaluation of contractor billing, change order pricing, delay impact and claimed extra work on commercial and public projects.
What the estimate package contains
An estimate that arrives as a single bottom line number is not usable in a dispute. Ours arrives as a package that can be examined at every level.
- Written scope of repairNarrative by building element, with sequence and rationale
- Quantity takeoffMeasured quantities with the basis of measurement stated
- Line item pricingUnit costs with the source identified for each
- Subcontractor bidsSolicited against our written scope, retained in file
- MarkupsOverhead, general conditions and profit shown separately
- Assumptions and exclusionsStated affirmatively rather than implied
- Photograph logKeyed to location, date and corresponding scope item
- Materials relied uponFull list of documents reviewed in forming the opinion
Need a cost of repair opinion that holds up?
Send us the property details, the existing estimates and your schedule. We will tell you what is workable and what is not.
- Direct(619) 464-3997
- Toll Free(800) 619-4833
- Office7777 Alvarado Road, Suite 408A
La Mesa, CA 91942 - LicenseCSLB #345079