Ed Weller

Appraisal Services in Florida: Accurate, Unbiased Damage Assessment Involving Construction Losses

Appraisal Services in Florida: Accurate, Unbiased Damage Assessment Involving Construction Losses

In the aftermath of damage—whether from a storm, fire, or unexpected failure—the next step is critical: knowing what it will actually take to restore what was lost.

Insurance companies have their own numbers. Ed Weller brings the facts.

With over two decades in construction and credentials in both appraisal and insurance disputes, Ed delivers clear, defensible valuations rooted in real building knowledge, not guesswork. 

His reports reflect the full scope of loss, including unseen damage and future code requirements—so your claim reflects reality, not a shortcut.

Insurance Appraisal Services

These aren’t one-size-fits-all estimates. Ed delivers appraisals that balance technical detail with insurance documentation standards, ensuring clarity for both parties and resolution without unnecessary delay.

Appraisals include:

  • Storm and Hurricane Damage
    Full assessment of wind, rain, and impact-related damage to roofing, siding, framing, and exterior systems—accounting for regional code upgrades.
  • Fire and Smoke Damage
    Evaluation of surface-level destruction and system-level heat exposure, including insulation, wiring, plumbing, and ventilation impacts.
  • Water Damage and Mold Intrusion
    Moisture mapping, mold spread analysis, and long-term risk assessment from leaks, floods, or improper remediation.
  • Construction Defect Appraisals
    Identification and valuation of faulty workmanship or material failures—structural, mechanical, or finish-level.
  • Mechanical & HVAC Failures
    Comprehensive review of system breakdowns affecting functionality, energy performance, or code compliance in residential or commercial environments.

Disputed property damage claim? Ed Weller provides accurate, construction-based appraisals and neutral umpire services to resolve insurance disputes quickly and fairly. Schedule your consultation today.

Ed Weller’s Technical Expertise: Behind Every Accurate Appraisal

Ed’s appraisals are not based on generic templates or software presets—they are grounded in deep construction experience and real-world technical knowledge. 

Every report reflects a clear understanding of what it takes to rebuild in compliance with Florida’s current codes, material realities, and structural standards.

This depth of expertise ensures that each valuation is not only accurate but also defensible in arbitration, negotiation, or litigation.

Construction Knowledge You Can Trust

  • Current Building Codes and Standards
    Applied knowledge of Florida-specific requirements, including wind mitigation, energy efficiency, life safety, and ADA mandates.
  • Material & Labor Cost Evaluation
    Real-time awareness of market fluctuations, specialty trades, and region-specific pricing to prevent undervaluation.
  • Construction Methodology & Sequencing
    Insight into how jobs are phased, the impact of scope changes, and the real-world delays tied to access or environmental issues.
  • Permit & Inspection Requirements
    The evaluation of what it takes to re-permit, re-inspect, and complete repairs legally after damage is often overlooked in insurer estimates.
  • Quality & Specification Matching
    Accurate identification of finishes and performance levels to ensure like-for-like replacement, whether builder-grade or high-end.

Damage Assessment Capabilities

Ed looks beyond what’s obvious, identifying the full impact of structural, systemic, and secondary damage, especially where insurers often fall short.

  • Structural Damage Evaluation
    Detailed inspection of foundations, framing, and load-bearing components, including fire, water, or impact compromise.
  • Systems Damage Review
    Assessment of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and control systems to determine function loss and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensuing Damage Identification
    Discovery of issues caused by the initial event, such as mold growth, corrosion, or long-term moisture penetration.
  • Code-Driven Scope Expansion
    Recognition of required upgrades and changes imposed by updated codes—critical in older or previously non-compliant buildings.
  • Temporary Stabilization Costs
    Inclusion of costs for structural bracing, drying, shoring, and containment measures is necessary before permanent repair begins.

If your insurer and appraiser can’t agree, Ed Weller offers neutral, binding resolutions backed by real construction insight. Request appraisal or umpire services now.

Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Involvement: How the Process Works

In disputed claims, Florida policies often contain an Appraisal Clause—a built-in mechanism to resolve disagreements over the amount of loss without resorting to court. 

Here’s how that process typically unfolds, and how an umpire may become involved:

1. Invoking the Appraisal Clause

When the policyholder and insurer disagree on the value of a claim—not coverage, but amount—either side can invoke the appraisal clause found in the insurance policy.

2. Selecting Independent Appraisers

 Each party selects its own appraiser. These professionals are expected to independently assess the damage and determine what they believe is a fair amount for repair or replacement.

3. Appraiser Investigation & Valuation Attempts

Both appraisers conduct their own inspections, review documentation, and attempt to reach an agreement on the amount of loss.

4. Impasse Between Appraisers

 If the two appraisers cannot agree on the loss amount, the process stalls, and a neutral third party must be brought in to resolve the disagreement.

5. Appointing the Umpire

Together, the appraisers select an umpire to review both assessments and render a binding decision. If they cannot agree on an umpire, either party can petition the court to appoint one.

Ed Weller serves in this role as a neutral, certified umpire, bringing fairness, experience, and technical precision to resolve even the most contentious claim disputes.

Why Choose Ed Weller for Appraisal & Umpire Services?

In a high-stakes insurance claim, accuracy isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. But accuracy without credibility won’t hold up. 

That’s why policyholders, contractors, attorneys, and insurers across Florida turn to Ed Weller when clarity and neutrality are most important.

Ed offers more than credentials. With two decades of construction experience and deep familiarity with Florida’s insurance landscape, he brings a rare combination of technical depth, investigative rigor, and balanced judgment to every appraisal.

He’s not guessing. He’s not negotiating. He’s documenting reality—and resolving disputes based on facts, not friction.

Clients choose Ed because:

  • He delivers precise, defensible valuations that hold up to scrutiny
  • He is a certified insurance appraiser and umpire with a real construction background.
  • His neutrality and fairness have earned the trust of both policyholders and carriers.
  • He understands the policy language and the build environment, inside and ou.t
  • His process is efficient, transparent, and grounded in integrity.

Whether you’re facing a disputed loss or preparing to appoint an umpire, Ed brings the confidence of experience—and the calm needed to move forward.

Get a second opinion that holds up. Ed Weller delivers clear, defensible appraisals trusted by contractors, homeowners, and attorneys. Book your review today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a public adjuster and an appraiser?

A public adjuster represents the policyholder and negotiates with the insurer. An appraiser, once appointed under the policy’s appraisal clause, is neutral and focused solely on the value of the loss, not coverage or liability.

How do I invoke the appraisal clause in my insurance policy?

Review your policy to locate the appraisal clause. Either party—policyholder or insurer—can trigger the clause in writing, after a disagreement on the value of the claim has been clearly established.

What should I expect from Ed’s appraisal process?

You can expect a detailed, impartial review of all physical damage, related documentation, cost estimates, code compliance issues, and a final scope of loss. His work is clear, defensible, and formatted to meet insurer documentation standards.

Can Ed assist with appraisals on commercial and multi-unit properties?

Absolutely. Ed provides expert-level appraisals on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional properties—including those involving large-scale damage, code upgrades, and occupancy delays.