Background

LARGE LOSS & CATASTROPHE RESPONSE

When the Scope Exceeds Ordinary, We Scale to Meet It

Catastrophic damage demands more than standard restoration. Palm Build deploys industrial equipment, experienced project managers, and multi-crew operations for disasters exceeding $100K — from single-building losses to regional catastrophe events.

Beyond Ordinary Restoration

Large loss events overwhelm standard restoration. We exist for exactly these situations.

A "large loss" is any disaster big enough to require special resources, extended timelines, and coordination beyond what a typical contractor can provide. Whether you're facing a catastrophic hurricane event, a major commercial fire, or widespread flooding affecting multiple buildings, our large loss team brings industrial-scale equipment, experienced project managers, and the capacity to deploy multiple crews immediately. For properties requiring full rebuild, we transition directly into reconstruction under the same project manager.

  • Projects typically exceeding $100,000 in scope
  • Multi-building, multi-floor, or campus-wide events
  • Industrial equipment for rapid mitigation at scale
  • Dedicated project managers for complex coordination
  • Multi-carrier insurance claim experience
  • CAT team mobilization for regional disasters

The First 2 Hours

What To Do Right Now

Catastrophic damage compounds faster than residential losses. Every hour without industrial-scale response increases total project cost by 10-20%. Four critical moves in the first two hours.

01

Evacuate and Secure

Ensure all occupants and personnel are safe and accounted for. Shut off utilities if accessible without entering compromised areas. Establish a perimeter — do not allow anyone into structurally damaged zones until engineering assessment is complete.

Life safety before property
02

Document Everything

Before anyone touches the property, photograph and video every angle — exterior damage, interior rooms, roof lines, mechanical systems. Wide shots and close-ups. This baseline documentation is the foundation of your insurance claim and will be worth tens of thousands in adjuster negotiations.

Photos protect your claim
03

Activate Your Emergency Team

Large losses exceed what a single contractor can manage. Call a restoration company with CAT-level resources — industrial equipment, multiple crews, and project managers who handle $100K+ scopes daily. Delays of even 12 hours compound damage exponentially at this scale.

Scale demands specialists
04

Notify Your Insurance Carrier

File the claim immediately and request a large loss adjuster — standard desk adjusters are not equipped for six- and seven-figure scopes. Provide your initial documentation. A restoration partner experienced in large loss claims can coordinate directly with the carrier from hour one.

Request a large loss adjuster

Large losses don't wait

24/7 CAT team dispatch across FL, NC, and SC. We mobilize industrial equipment and multi-crew operations for disasters exceeding $100K.

Loss Scale Taxonomy

What "Large Loss" Actually Means in Dollars

The restoration industry uses tiered thresholds to define large loss work. Each tier triggers different crew sizes, equipment fleets, carrier workflows, and timeline expectations. Knowing your tier shapes the entire project from day one.

$500K

Median Project Value

typical large loss across our portfolio

$3M+

Owned Fleet Value

equipment and vehicles, not rental-dependent

30+

Max Concurrent Sites

simultaneous projects during major CAT events

Standard Commercial

$100K – $250K

Crews
2 – 4 technicians, single supervisor
Equipment
10 – 20 air movers, 2 – 4 dehus, 1 portable extractor
Timeline
1 – 3 weeks mitigation, 4 – 8 weeks rebuild
Carrier Level
Single adjuster, standard claim flow

Large Loss

$250K – $1M

Crews
5 – 10 technicians, dedicated PM
Equipment
20 – 50 air movers, 4 – 8 dehus, truck-mount extractor, thermal imaging
Timeline
3 – 6 weeks mitigation, 3 – 6 months rebuild
Carrier Level
Large-loss adjuster, supplements likely, Xactimate ESX required

Catastrophe

$1M – $5M

Crews
10 – 25 technicians, PM + field supervisor
Equipment
Desiccant trailers, multiple truck-mounts, 80+ air movers, generators
Timeline
6 – 12 weeks mitigation, 6 – 12 months rebuild
Carrier Level
TPA-directed, daily reporting, forensic accountant likely

Major CAT

$5M+

Crews
25+ technicians, rotating shifts, multiple PMs
Equipment
Full fleet deployment, 200+ air movers, desiccant trailers, 40+ HEPA, self-sufficient ops
Timeline
12+ weeks mitigation, 12 – 24+ months rebuild
Carrier Level
Program-level TPA, attorney involvement possible, BI claims central

When You Need Large Loss Services

What Qualifies as a Large Loss Project?

Large loss typically refers to damage exceeding $100,000 in scope, multi-building events, or projects requiring specialized resources, multi-crew coordination, engineering consultants, and complex project management that standard restoration cannot address.

Multi-story building flooding disaster requiring large loss restoration

Major Water Events

Flooding affecting multiple floors or buildings, burst main water lines, sprinkler system failures, or catastrophic pipe failures requiring industrial extraction and multi-crew response.

Multi-story floodingMain water line breaksSprinkler system failuresStorm surge intrusion
Large commercial building fire damage requiring major restoration

Significant Fire Damage

Large-scale fire damage requiring structural engineering assessment, multi-phase restoration, environmental testing, and coordination with fire investigators and insurance carriers.

Commercial building firesMulti-unit residential firesIndustrial facility firesWarehouse fires
Hurricane damage to large commercial facility

Catastrophic Storm Damage

Hurricane, tornado, or severe storm damage affecting entire properties or multiple locations simultaneously. Requires rapid mobilization, emergency tarping, and coordinated multi-site response.

Hurricane damageTornado impactSevere wind damageHail damage to large facilities
Storm damage affecting multiple buildings in corporate campus

Multi-Location Events

Disasters affecting multiple properties requiring coordinated response teams, centralized project management, and standardized documentation across locations.

Portfolio-wide damageRegional disaster responseMulti-site coordinationCorporate campus damage

Not Sure If Your Project Qualifies?

Call us at (888) 245-5155 for a rapid assessment. Our large loss coordinators can evaluate your situation and recommend the appropriate response level within minutes.

Capability Overview

Large Loss Capability Matrix

A professional overview of our capacity at every scale — from single-property losses to regional catastrophe events requiring multi-site coordination.

Equipment Specs & Deployment

Beyond the Counts: GPM, CFM, and Deployment Recipes

Counting "200+ air movers" tells you scale, not capability. Large loss decisions hinge on hard specs — gallons per minute, cubic feet per minute, pints per day, kilowatts — and on knowing exactly which fleet recipe matches the scenario in front of you.

Large loss equipment fleet staged for deployment
Industrial drying equipment deployed at large loss site

Truck-Mount Extractors

8 units
Model
HydraMaster CDS 4.8
Specs
12 GPM flow, 350 CFM vacuum, 230°F heat
Use case
High-volume standing water removal, Cat 3 black-water response

Desiccant Dehumidifier Trailers

4 trailers
Model
Phoenix DesiccantMax 400
Specs
5,500 CFM process air, 75 lb/hr moisture removal
Use case
Large-footprint drying (20K+ sq ft), cold environments, tight timelines

LGR Commercial Dehumidifiers

50+ units
Model
Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi
Specs
240 PPD at AHAM, 235 CFM
Use case
Precision drying of contained spaces, Cat 2 / 3 events

High-Velocity Air Movers

200+ units
Model
Phoenix Axial Air Mover
Specs
3,400 CFM airflow, low-amp draw
Use case
Broad-area evaporation across multi-floor deployments

HEPA Air Scrubbers

40+ units
Model
Abatement Predator 750
Specs
750 CFM HEPA filtration, 0.3μm rating
Use case
Containment, Cat 3 microbial response, mold abatement

Portable Generators

12 units
Model
Multiquip DCA-70USI
Specs
56 kW prime, Tier 4 final, sound-attenuated
Use case
Utility-down scenarios during CAT events, off-grid sites

Fleet Deployment Recipes

Single Commercial Loss

$250K – $1M

1 truck-mount extractor, 20 air movers, 4 LGR dehus, 2 HEPA scrubbers, 1 generator

Multi-Building Complex

$1M – $5M

2 truck-mounts, 80 air movers, 12 LGR dehus, 8 HEPA scrubbers, 1 desiccant trailer, 3 generators

CAT Event (Regional)

$5M+

Full fleet deployment: all truck-mounts, 200+ air movers, all LGR units + 4 desiccant trailers, 40 HEPA scrubbers, 12 generators, self-sufficient support package

2026 Large Loss Cost Guide

How Much Does Large Loss Restoration Cost?

Large loss restoration typically starts at $100,000 and can exceed $5 million for multi-structure catastrophe events. The primary cost drivers are damage type, affected square footage, number of structures, environmental hazards, and reconstruction complexity. Palm Build provides Xactimate-based scoping using the same platform your insurance carrier uses — so estimates align from day one.

Large loss threshold

$100K+

Multi-crew, multi-phase scope

Avg catastrophic claim

$280K

2026 multi-peril residential

Max single-event scope

$5M+

Multi-structure CAT deployment

Cost by damage type and scale

Every large loss is unique, but these ranges reflect 2026 Xactimate pricing across Palm Build's project history in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Catastrophic water event

Multi-floor pipe burst, sprinkler discharge, or sewage backup affecting 10,000+ sq ft with structural saturation

Typical range

$100K - $500K

Phases: Emergency extraction, industrial drying (50+ dehu/air mover sets), selective demo, rebuild

Major structural fire

Multi-room or multi-story fire with smoke migration, structural compromise, and contents loss across the building

Typical range

$150K - $1.2M

Phases: Board-up, hazmat abatement, structural demo, smoke remediation, full reconstruction

Hurricane / CAT event

Wind and water intrusion across multiple structures, roof loss, flooding, and debris impact requiring regional deployment

Typical range

$250K - $5M+

Phases: Emergency tarping, water extraction, mold prevention, phased reconstruction across structures

Multi-building commercial

Campus, HOA complex, or multi-tenant commercial property with simultaneous damage across buildings

Typical range

$200K - $3M+

Phases: Parallel mitigation crews, phased occupancy management, multi-carrier coordination

Cost allocation by restoration phase
PhaseWhat it includes% of totalTimeline
Emergency response & stabilizationBoard-up, tarping, emergency extraction, hazmat assessment, power/generator setup, temporary climate control15-25%Hours 0-48
Mitigation & environmentalIndustrial drying, smoke/soot remediation, mold prevention, asbestos/lead abatement, contents pack-out20-35%Days 2-21
Selective demolitionStructural tear-out, contaminated material removal, environmental clearance testing, engineering assessments10-15%Weeks 2-6
Reconstruction & finishStructural framing, MEP rough-in, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, paint, fixtures, final inspections30-45%Weeks 4-26+

Phase percentages shift based on damage severity and reconstruction scope. Fire losses allocate more to demolition and environmental; water losses allocate more to mitigation and drying. Multi-structure events add 10-20% for coordination and logistics overhead.

Regional pricing: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina

Florida

South FL / Tampa metro

$120K - $2.5M avg

Hurricane frequency drives demand surges that spike material and labor costs 20-40% during CAT events. Flood vs wind deductible splits add claims complexity. Post-2024 insurance reform affects carrier response timelines.

North Carolina

Charlotte / Western NC

$100K - $1.8M avg

Winter freeze events and mountain flooding create concentrated large losses. Lower labor rates offset longer mobilization distances. State licensing requirements add compliance overhead to multi-trade reconstruction.

South Carolina

Coastal + Upstate

$110K - $2.2M avg

Coastal hurricane exposure combined with aging building stock increases structural reconstruction scope. Multi-carrier coordination across HOA complexes is common. State wind/hail pool adds claims-handling complexity.

Need a large loss scope assessment?

Our project managers provide detailed Xactimate-based estimates for losses exceeding $100K

Contact Large Loss Team

Our Large Loss Response Process

From Mobilization to Close-Out

Large loss projects follow a structured 7-phase process designed to control complexity, maintain documentation standards, and deliver predictable outcomes on high-stakes, extended-timeline restorations.

01

Mobilization

Hours 1-6

Crew deployment, equipment staging, logistics coordination. Self-sufficient teams mobilize with generators, fuel, and supplies. For CAT events, pre-staged resources deploy from positions near the impact zone.

Crew deployment Equipment staging Supply logistics Travel coordination
02

Site Assessment & Stabilization

Hours 6-24

Comprehensive damage assessment across all affected areas. Emergency stabilization begins immediately — water extraction, board-up, shoring, utility isolation. Thermal imaging and moisture mapping establish baseline.

Damage assessment Emergency board-up Water extraction Moisture mapping
03

Scope Development & Insurance Coordination

Days 1-5

Detailed Xactimate estimates developed. Initial adjuster walkthrough scheduled. Multiple carrier coordination begins for complex claims. Scope document establishes the foundation for project approval.

Xactimate estimates Adjuster walkthrough Carrier coordination Scope documentation
04

Mitigation at Scale

Days 1-30+

Multiple crews operating simultaneously across zones. Industrial drying, decontamination, and selective demolition proceed 24/7 when needed. Phased approach allows partial operations in occupied buildings.

Multi-crew operations 24/7 drying Selective demolition Phased restoration
05

Project Management & Daily Reporting

Ongoing

Dedicated project manager coordinates all trades, subcontractors, and stakeholders. Daily progress reports with photos, moisture data, and crew logs. Weekly stakeholder briefings keep all parties aligned.

Daily reports Moisture logs Budget tracking Stakeholder briefings
06

Reconstruction Planning & Execution

Weeks to Months

Seamless transition from mitigation to reconstruction. Permits, engineering, and trade coordination managed under one project manager. Phased rebuild allows partial occupancy where possible.

Permit management Trade coordination Phased rebuild Code compliance
07

Close-Out & Final Documentation

Final Phase

Building inspections, air quality clearance, and certificate of completion. Final documentation package compiled for insurance records — including complete photo history, moisture logs, and financial reconciliation.

Building inspections Air quality clearance Final billing Documentation package

Timelines vary by scope. Minor large losses may complete in 4-8 weeks. Major multi-building catastrophe events can span 6-12 months. We provide detailed project schedules with milestones at the outset.

Phased Execution Framework

12-Week Gantt View of a Real Large Loss Project

Large loss timelines are not sequential checklists — they are overlapping workflows choreographed by a project manager. This is what the calendar actually looks like across 12 weeks of mitigation through close-out.

Emergency Stabilization

Week 1–2

Extraction, board-up, temporary power, moisture control. The clock starts the moment we get the call.

Scope & Insurance Coordination

Week 1–3

Adjuster walkthroughs, Xactimate writeups, carrier approvals. Runs in parallel with stabilization.

Selective Demolition & Dry-Out

Week 2–4

Controlled demo, structural drying to S500 standard, daily moisture logging.

Decontamination & Environmental

Week 3–5

Mold prevention, antimicrobial treatment, environmental testing and clearance documentation.

Reconstruction Planning

Week 4–6

Permits, material procurement, subcontractor scheduling, trade sequencing.

Structural Rebuild

Week 5–9

Framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, insulation. Multi-trade coordination under one PM.

Finishes & Punchlist

Week 8–11

Paint, flooring, trim, fixtures, punchlist closeout, owner walkthroughs.

Close-Out & Documentation

Week 10–12

Final certifications, lien waivers, document package delivery. Warranty period starts at handover.

Why the overlap matters: Overlap is intentional — parallel workflows compress total calendar days. A 12-week sequential project compresses to 8 – 10 weeks when scope, decontamination, and rebuild planning run concurrently rather than sequentially.

Catastrophe (CAT) Event Response

When Disaster Strikes a Region, Not Just a Building

Catastrophe events like hurricanes affect hundreds of properties simultaneously. Responding at this scale requires pre-planned deployment strategies, self-sufficient teams, and the organizational capacity to manage dozens of large loss projects concurrently across a wide geographic area.

Catastrophe response staging area with restoration fleet preparing for deployment

CAT staging area — equipment and crews pre-positioned for rapid deployment

Discuss CAT Response Capabilities

Storm Tracking & Pre-Staging

We monitor storm tracks and stage equipment and crews outside the projected impact zone days before landfall. When winds die down, we mobilize within hours — not days.

Self-Sufficient Deployment

CAT teams deploy with generators, fuel, satellite communications, food, and lodging. We do not depend on local infrastructure that is likely down after a regional disaster.

Multi-State Coverage

Offices in Florida and North Carolina with coverage extending to South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. Partner networks provide additional surge capacity nationwide.

Multi-Property Triage

After a hurricane, we may run dozens of projects concurrently. Triage protocols prioritize critical sites — hospitals, occupied buildings, revenue-generating properties — while less critical sites queue behind.

Logistics & Supply Chain

Pre-arranged fuel contracts, material supply agreements, and lodging reservations. We truck in our own supplies and maintain equipment independently during extended deployments.

Multi-Carrier Coordination

In widespread disasters, different properties are insured by different carriers. We coordinate with numerous adjusters simultaneously, maintaining carrier-specific documentation for each site.

Pre-Staged

Equipment positioned during hurricane season

12-24 hrs

Full mobilization for multi-state CAT events

Dozens

Concurrent projects managed during CAT events

Named Storm Protocol

The 7 Phases of a Hurricane CAT Response

Hurricane response is a temporal protocol, not a checklist. From the moment a storm enters the cone of uncertainty to the final demobilization weeks after landfall, every decision is shaped by the clock. This is how Palm Build runs a named-storm CAT response from staging through reset.

Hurricane CAT staging deployment with restoration trucks pre-positioned outside the impact zone

Pre-landfall staging — equipment and fuel trailers positioned outside the projected cone of impact.

01

Pre-Landfall Staging

T-72 to T-48 hrs

Track the storm cone, convoy equipment to staging areas outside the projected impact zone, and pre-position fuel trailers, generators, truck-mounts, and desiccant trailers. Crew lodging is confirmed on the safe side of the storm before landfall.

02

Post-Landfall Assessment Grid

T+6 to T+24 hrs

Once roads are passable, sweep teams enter assigned zones and grid-categorize every claim property by severity (red / yellow / green), structural safety, and access. Data flows into the dispatch matrix in real time.

03

Priority Dispatch

T+12 to T+72 hrs

Emergency stabilization rolls out by priority — hospitals, occupied residential, revenue-critical commercial, then secondary sites. Tarping, board-up, extraction, and temporary power deploy on 24/7 shifts.

04

FEMA & Carrier Coordination

Day 2 – Day 14

Document disaster declaration status, coordinate with FEMA and SBA inspectors where applicable, and notify carriers of CAT-scale claims. Expedited authorizations and emergency scope approvals unlock faster mitigation.

05

Debris Management

Day 3 – Day 21

Coordinate debris hauling, C&D disposal, hazmat segregation, and right-of-way staging per local emergency ordinances. Many municipalities waive tip fees for CAT debris — documented separately for claim reimbursement.

06

Multi-Property Triage Handoff

Day 5 – Day 30

As stabilized properties hand off to reconstruction, new intake replaces them in the queue. PMs maintain emergency response at newly assessed sites without losing sight of stabilized ones.

07

Demobilization & Reset

Day 14 – Day 45

As the emergency phase winds down, surge crews and rental gear return home. Core PM teams remain for reconstruction. A full after-action review captures lessons for next-season readiness.

Large Loss Scenarios We Handle

Every Large Loss Is Different. We've Managed Them All.

Each scenario below requires capabilities beyond standard restoration — specialized equipment, multi-crew coordination, complex insurance handling, and experienced project management.

Aerial view of hurricane damage across multiple condominium buildings

Hurricane Damage to Multiple Properties

Scope: Portfolio-wide roof damage, water intrusion, debris removal across 10+ buildings. Multiple insurance carriers, displaced tenants, and emergency temporary repairs.

What makes it large loss: Requires CAT deployment, multi-site triage, and coordination with multiple adjusters simultaneously.

Related service details
Multi-story building with water cascading through stairwell from sprinkler system failure

Multi-Story Commercial Water Damage

Scope: Sprinkler activation or pipe failure on upper floors, water cascading through 10-20 floors. Server rooms, tenant improvements, and common areas affected.

What makes it large loss: Industrial extraction at scale, floor-by-floor drying, occupied building phasing, and business interruption coordination.

Related service details
Restoration crew in protective gear working in fire-damaged commercial warehouse

Large Fire & Smoke Damage

Scope: Hotel, apartment complex, or warehouse fire affecting 50,000+ sq ft. Structural compromise, environmental testing, contents pack-out, and complete reconstruction.

What makes it large loss: Engineering assessment, fire investigator coordination, environmental clearance, and phased multi-trade reconstruction.

Related service details
Industrial warehouse with fire damage and restoration equipment staged

Industrial Facility Incident

Scope: Manufacturing plant or warehouse with equipment damage, chemical residues, hazardous materials, and production line interruption. Environmental compliance required.

What makes it large loss: HAZWOPER-trained crews, environmental consultants, equipment decontamination, and production timeline coordination.

Related service details
University campus with storm damage across multiple buildings and restoration vehicles on site

Campus-Wide Event

Scope: University, corporate campus, or hospital complex with weather or water damage affecting multiple buildings. Occupied spaces, critical operations, and tight deadlines.

What makes it large loss: Phased restoration in occupied facilities, stakeholder communication protocols, and deadline-driven scheduling.

Related service details

Multi-Structure Coordination

When the Loss Spans HOAs, Condos, Campuses & Mixed-Use Buildings

Multi-structure restoration is fundamentally a coordination problem, not a technical one. Occupants, tenants, board members, facility managers, and property managers all have priorities — and the project schedule has to absorb every one of them without missing a milestone.

Multi-building hallway with drying equipment staged in a coordinated corridor strategy

Corridor & Stack Strategy

In multi-unit buildings, we work in corridors and vertical stacks to avoid disturbing unaffected units. Containment barriers and negative-air machines isolate work zones from occupied areas while drying proceeds.

Aerial view of multi-building apartment complex undergoing phased restoration

Phased Unit Access Protocol

Unit access is scheduled 48 hours in advance with written occupant notifications. The PM coordinates with property managers for master-key access, and vacant units are worked first to minimize occupant disruption.

Multi-building apartment restoration with relocation coordination

Displacement & Relocation Logistics

When units are uninhabitable, we coordinate with ALE (Additional Living Expense) coverage providers, document ALE expenses for claim reimbursement, and maintain occupant communication through the displacement period.

Restored multi-building apartment complex post-restoration

Occupant Communication Cadence

Weekly resident email updates, posted corridor notices for daily work plans, and a dedicated resident hotline. Clear communication reduces complaints and accelerates restoration timeline.

Coordination Matrix by Property Type

HOA / Condo Association

Primary contact
Board President + Property Manager
Uniquely difficult
Common-area vs. unit-owner policy boundary
Our solution
Scope split at policy boundary, joint adjuster walkthrough on both sides

Apartment Complex

Primary contact
Property Manager
Uniquely difficult
ALE coverage and tenant relocation logistics
Our solution
ALE coordination, unit-by-unit relocation tracking, displaced-tenant communication plan

Commercial Campus

Primary contact
Facility Manager
Uniquely difficult
Keeping operations running during mitigation
Our solution
Off-hours work, phased zone access, full containment with negative air

Mixed-Use Development

Primary contact
Master Owner + Tenants
Uniquely difficult
Competing stakeholder priorities, multi-tenant scheduling
Our solution
Weekly stakeholder standup with all parties, unified project schedule

Project Management & Documentation

Controlling Complexity at Scale

Handling a large loss is as much an organizational challenge as a technical one. The difference between a project that stalls and one that instills confidence is rigorous project management, relentless communication, and documentation that can withstand any level of scrutiny.

Large loss project manager at command center with multiple monitors and building plans

Dedicated command center for large loss project coordination and real-time monitoring.

Dedicated Large Loss Project Manager

Every large loss receives a dedicated PM who serves as your single point of contact. They coordinate all trades, manage subcontractors, maintain the schedule, and handle insurance communication. You deal with one person — they deal with everything else.

Daily Progress Reports

Structured daily reports document crews on site, work completed, equipment deployed, and upcoming activities. Executive summaries are distributed to all stakeholders each evening so decisions happen in real time, not weeks later.

Photo & Video Documentation

Time-stamped photographic evidence of all damage, demolition, and restoration progress — organized by location and date. Before, during, and after photos for every affected area create an indisputable record for insurance and legal purposes.

Moisture Mapping at Scale

Building-wide moisture readings recorded daily across all affected areas using thermal imaging and commercial moisture meters. Data tracks drying progress, identifies problem areas, and provides the documentation adjusters need to verify mitigation effectiveness.

Budget Tracking & Scope Management

Real-time budget tracking against the approved scope. Change orders are documented with photos and justification, then submitted for adjuster approval before execution. No scope creep, no billing surprises.

Stakeholder Communication Protocols

Structured communication cadence: daily reports, weekly stakeholder briefings, and milestone meetings with adjusters. In occupied buildings, tenant notifications and access coordination ensure minimal disruption to ongoing operations.

Audit-Grade Documentation

Chain of Custody for High-Value Claims

Beyond the dedicated PM and daily reports, high-value claims require an audit-grade documentation chain. Forensic accountants, SIU investigators, and litigation attorneys can scrutinize every photo, every moisture reading, and every distribution log months — sometimes years — after the project closes. This is the digital infrastructure that holds up to that scrutiny.

Organized documentation binders for a high-value large loss claim

Carrier-ready documentation package — every photo, log, and report linked through a verified chain of custody.

1

Timestamp Chain Initiation

Every moisture reading, photo, and report is timestamped server-side within 60 seconds of capture. Offline captures queue locally and sync when connectivity restores — timestamps are GPS and network-verified, not just device-clock.

2

Photo Audit Trail with EXIF

All photos retain original EXIF metadata: capture time, GPS, device, orientation. Photos are hash-signed and uploaded to cold storage immediately. The hash chain lets carriers and SIUs confirm no photo was altered post-capture.

3

Content Inventory Protocol

Contents pack-out uses barcoded tracking labels on every box. Item-level inventory captured with photo + category + condition note. Restoration, cleaning, and storage are logged per item for full chain-of-custody documentation.

4

Daily Report Distribution Log

Daily field reports auto-distribute to adjuster, policyholder, PM, and carrier SIU where applicable. The distribution log records email delivery, timestamps, and recipient confirmation for claim-dispute defensibility.

5

Carrier SIU-Ready Package

On claims over $250K, Special Investigations Units may review the documentation package. Our packages meet insurance fraud prevention standards: hash-verified photos, GPS-stamped moisture data, time-locked daily reports, and the full chain-of-custody log.

audit-log.txt

// Sample chain-of-custody excerpt

TimestampAction
2026-03-14 07:42:16 EST
Moisture reading — Unit 314, wall cavity
Tech J. Morales 28.4% WME
2026-03-14 07:43:02 EST
Photo captured — Unit 314 IR thermal
Tech J. Morales SHA-256 verified
2026-03-14 08:15:44 EST
Daily report drafted
PM K. Reyes Draft v1
2026-03-14 18:00:00 EST
Daily report distributed
System 4 recipients, all delivered

// SHA-256 chain hash: a7e9...c4f1

Sample 4-event excerpt from a real chain-of-custody log

Working With Insurance on Large Losses

Complex Claims Require Specialized Coordination

Large loss insurance claims involve more parties, more documentation, more scrutiny, and more money than standard claims. Adjusters, TPAs, forensic accountants, and sometimes attorneys all interact with the restoration process. We have the administrative capacity and experience to keep the claim moving.

Multi-Carrier Coordination

Large losses often involve separate property, contents, flood, wind, and business interruption policies — sometimes with different carriers. We maintain separate documentation streams and coordinate site visits with multiple adjusters simultaneously.

TPA Program Experience

We work within Third Party Administrator frameworks including predetermined Xactimate pricing, strict SLAs for response and reporting, and standardized documentation formats. Our internal processes mirror TPA requirements for consistency.

Business Interruption Support

BI claims require meticulous timeline documentation. We provide daily logs, schedules, and delay documentation that forensic accountants need to substantiate lost income. Faster restoration directly reduces BI exposure.

Xactimate Estimates at Scale

All estimates written in Xactimate with detailed line items matching the adjuster's system. For large losses, dedicated in-house estimators write and negotiate scope separate from the field crews performing the work.

Supplement Management

Hidden damage is common in large losses. We perform exploratory demolition early to identify problems before they burst the budget. Each supplement is documented with photos, data, and scope justification.

Carrier Relationships

We have working relationships with adjusters from major insurance companies built over years of professional collaboration. Understanding each carrier's requirements, documentation preferences, and procedures accelerates approvals.

For a comprehensive guide to the insurance claims process — from filing through final payment — visit our dedicated insurance resource page.

Insurance Restoration Guide

Named Partners

TPA Programs & Major Carrier Relationships

Large loss claims move at program speed when the restoration vendor is already inside the carrier or TPA system. We hold pre-approved vendor status with the major TPAs and maintain working relationships with adjusters across the largest commercial carriers.

S

Sedgwick

TPA Program

Pre-approved vendor
XactAnalysis + Sedgwick portal
Complex commercial claims, BI support
C

Crawford & Company

TPA Program

Pre-approved vendor
Crawford ClaimsCenter integration
Multi-line property claims, catastrophe response
G

Gallagher Bassett

TPA Program

Pre-approved vendor
GB Luminos platform
Large-deductible commercial programs

Xactimate ESX Mastery

All estimators certified in Xactimate; line items match adjuster format exactly. ESX files exchanged directly with carriers via XactAnalysis — no manual re-entry on either side.

Preferred Rate Schedules

Pre-negotiated program pricing on major TPA programs eliminates rate disputes and accelerates scope approval cycles by days, sometimes weeks.

SLA Compliance Tracking

TPA SLAs (4-hour contact, 24-hour arrival, 48-hour scope) are tracked in our internal dashboards and proven on every claim with delivery timestamps.

Direct Portal Integrations

Direct integration with XactAnalysis, Sedgwick viaOne, Crawford ClaimsCenter, and GB Luminos eliminates manual data entry and reduces claim turnaround.

Working relationships with adjusters from major commercial carriers including:

ChubbAIGTravelersLiberty MutualZurichThe HartfordCNAFM GlobalAllianzHanoverNationwideCincinnati Insurance

Insurance Walkthrough

From Scope Submission to Settled Claim

Large loss claims do not move on autopilot. Every phase has a deliverable, every deliverable has a deadline, and every dispute has a resolution path. This is what the walkthrough actually looks like — capped with a real $812K sample claim breakdown.

1

Scope of Work Submission

Initial Xactimate ESX with line-by-line scope, photo documentation, and moisture log submitted within 72 hours of stabilization. The carrier receives one structured package — no back-and-forth on basics.

2

Adjuster Walkthrough

Joint site walk with adjuster (and engineer if structural). All disputed items walked in person with photo evidence. Adjuster notes captured on a shared tablet — no post-visit surprises.

3

Supplement Process

Hidden damage discovered during demo becomes a formal supplement with photos, test data, and scope justification. Submitted within 5 business days, followed up until disposition is in writing.

4

Dispute Resolution

If scope disputes arise, we initiate a joint re-walk with the adjuster and PM. For unresolved items, we support appraisal, umpire, or mediation processes with documentation ready for third-party review.

5

Final Settlement & Close-Out

Final invoicing matches the approved scope exactly. Lien waivers, warranty docs, and the full documentation package delivered with the final invoice for rapid settlement.

Real-World Example

Sample Claim Breakdown — Multi-Unit Condominium Fire

Approved scope after supplements, ready for final invoice

Line ItemAmount
Emergency mitigation (extraction, board-up, contents pack-out)$67,200
Structural drying (desiccant trailer, 14 days)$48,900
Selective demolition (4 units, common corridor)$56,400
Environmental testing & clearance$14,700
Framing, drywall, insulation (rebuild)$198,500
Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-in$142,800
Flooring, finishes, millwork$121,600
Paint, fixtures, final trim$78,250
HVAC cleaning and ducting replacement$41,300
Contents restoration (textile, electronics, pack-back)$29,800
Project management & supervision (10% loaded)$73,000
Permit fees & engineering$12,500
Supplement Carrier-approved supplements (hidden framing damage)+$27,500
Approved Total$812,450

How to read this: This claim closed at $812,450 after a single approved supplement of $27,500 for hidden framing damage discovered during selective demolition. The supplement was submitted within 5 business days of discovery and approved without dispute because the documentation chain held up. Every line item maps to an Xactimate scope, every photo hash-verified, every report time-stamped.

Regional Large Loss Preparedness

Large Loss Readiness by Region

Each region presents different large loss risks, building code requirements, and climate conditions. Local knowledge directly affects response speed, scope accuracy, and regulatory compliance on complex projects.

Florida commercial property being prepared for hurricane season

Hurricane Season Readiness

Florida faces hurricane risk every season from June through November. We maintain pre-staged equipment and crews for rapid post-landfall deployment. Emergency Response Plan (ERP) clients receive guaranteed priority response, pre-arranged pricing, and a dedicated account manager who already knows their properties.

Storm Surge & Coastal Facility Response

Coastal commercial properties face storm surge, wind-driven rain intrusion, and saltwater damage that requires specialized remediation. We deploy industrial extraction equipment and desiccant dehumidifiers within hours of storm passage. Salt decontamination protocols prevent long-term corrosion damage.

Florida Building Code Requirements

Large loss reconstruction in Florida must comply with the FBC — one of the strictest in the nation. Wind-resistance upgrades, impact-rated materials, and structural connections frequently add scope. We identify code-required upgrades early and file for Ordinance and Law coverage.

Humidity & Mold Prevention

Florida humidity accelerates mold growth to within 24-48 hours of water intrusion. In large commercial facilities with central HVAC, spores spread rapidly through multi-floor ductwork. Our large loss drying protocols account for Florida climate conditions with industrial dehumidification capacity.

Large Loss Assessment

What Type of Major Damage Are You Facing?

Select your situation to understand how our large loss team responds.

Facing a Major Loss? Let's Discuss Your Situation.

Property managers, risk managers, and insurance professionals trust our large loss team to manage complex, high-value restoration projects with the precision and documentation standards these situations demand. Whether you need emergency mobilization now or want to discuss an Emergency Response Plan for the future, our team is ready.

Large Loss & Catastrophe FAQ

Answers about large loss restoration, catastrophe response, multi-building coordination, complex insurance claims, and what to expect when the scope exceeds ordinary.

FAQ Topics

Large Loss & Catastrophe Basics

In the restoration industry, a "large loss" generally refers to damage exceeding $100,000 in scope, but the dollar amount alone is not the only factor. Multi-building events, multi-floor commercial damage, catastrophe events like hurricanes or tornadoes, projects requiring coordination beyond a single crew, and high-profile or time-sensitive situations all qualify. The defining characteristic is complexity: multiple stakeholders, extended timelines measured in weeks or months, specialized equipment, and coordination between insurers, adjusters, engineers, and the property management team.

Still have questions about large loss & catastrophe basics?

When Scale Demands Expertise, We Mobilize Immediately.

Large loss events require industrial equipment, experienced project managers, multi-crew coordination, and complex insurance navigation. Our CAT teams are built for exactly these situations and can deploy 24/7.

Industrial Scale

Equipment fleet for $1M+ losses

Dedicated PM

Large loss project managers

CAT Deployment

24/7 catastrophe mobilization

Multi-Carrier Claims

TPA and adjuster coordination

Request Emergency Service

Need help right now? Call us.

24/7 live dispatch — average answer time under 30 seconds

(888) 245-5155