In a recent property damage dispute in Pennsylvania, VERTEX was appointed by the insurance carrier as their expert appraiser to help resolve a substantial discrepancy between the initial carrier estimate and a significantly higher claim submitted by the insured’s public adjuster. Prior to VERTEX’s involvement, the claim had already been reviewed by two independent firms (and an engineering firm) with no resolution reached. The core of the disagreement involved the extent of flooring damage and the scope of necessary repairs, particularly in relation to custom cabinetry and adjacent room finishes.
VERTEX’s inspection uncovered critical details that had been previously missed. One key issue was the assumption that replacing the wood flooring would necessitate regrouting adjacent tile flooring in other rooms. VERTEX determined that the wood flooring actually butted against the tile with caulk—not grout—meaning the tile work in undamaged areas would not be affected. This single discovery removed tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs from the scope. In addition, a prior engineering report failed to consider that damaged flooring extended beneath custom cabinetry, which did require inclusion in the scope and was properly accounted for by VERTEX.
Thanks to this careful analysis and open dialogue, both appraisers—VERTEX and the insured’s representative—were able to reach an agreement on a final award which was approximately $80,000 less than the amount originally demanded. The resolution was reached without the need for an umpire, avoiding further delays and additional costs. The entire process from assignment to signed award was completed by VERTEX in just over a month, demonstrating both thoroughness and efficiency.
This case highlights how bringing in a qualified expert can be the keystone in settling complex damages disputes. A seasoned appraiser is like a skilled architect on a renovation project—they don’t just take measurements, they understand the structure, challenge assumptions, and bring the whole picture into focus. When you’re dealing with high stakes and conflicting interpretations, that kind of professional insight isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. By leveraging VERTEX’s building consultants for impartial damage evaluations, clients gain confidence in reaching equitable resolutions. VERTEX’s involvement turned a contentious, stalled claim into a fair and well-supported outcome, saving time, money, and stress for all parties involved.
VERTEX’s team of building consultants provides trusted appraisal and umpire services to resolve insurance damage disputes—contact us using our form for expert assistance today.
