About

We are construction experts. At DBI, our teams have extensive and diverse backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, and insurance. We evaluate damaged structures of any size, at any location and conduct meticulous assessments of their core, shell and interior fit-out, as well as identify and determine the scope, repair methodology and associated costs. We provide deep analysis and feasible, objective recommendations.

Our knowledge of the industry is far-reaching, encompassing process, standards, technical language, and codes at every phase of a project’s life cycle. We are well-versed in bidding and negotiation of contracts and permits, and in the materials, labor and trades needed to see every assignment to completion.

DBI provides Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Suppression, and Energy systems damage assessment. This includes analyses of cause, solution, and estimated repair costs. Our expertise includes power distribution, emergency power systems, on-site power generation systems, wind turbines, solar arrays, CHP plants, boiler plants, chiller plants, and geothermal systems. In addition, DBI can provide analysis of the National Electric Code and NFPA Codes as well as codes related to mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.

DBI’s highly accredited team of experts has the licensing and expertise to conduct detailed evaluations of roofing and building envelope systems. We perform extensive forensic evaluations, including damage test analysis and meteorological research, to determine the cause of roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope damage. Our experience spans a diverse range of roof and building façade systems, including retractable roofs, domed structures, air-supported structures, high-rises, curtain walls, windows, and cladding systems.

DBI provides consulting on post-event damage, repair scope determination and cost estimating for the insurance and legal industries. We also work with owners, developers and management companies on modernization options, maintenance contracts, change order reviews and cost management. Our methodology includes direct negotiation with vertical transportation vendors and suppliers, maintenance record analysis, and code compliance assessments. 

Our long experience in evaluating escalators and hydraulic, traction, machine room-less (MRL), winding drum, counterweight and climbing elevators has seen us build strong relationships with specialty elevator contractors. Our resident experts are well-known and respected among top elevator manufacturers, including Kone, ThyssenKrupp, Otis, Schindler, and Fujitec. 

DBI’s team of dedicated landscape architects has a wealth of expertise and experience in assessing damage to resorts, amusement parks, golf courses, vineyards, and residential complexes. Our in-house team provides specialized landscape damage assessments, scope evaluations and cost estimating on plant species, associated infrastructure, as well as soil and soil stabilization material. We routinely apply the trunk formula method (TFM) to determine the appreciated value of mature trees.

An effective and responsive schedule is vital to successful completion. Our expertise enables us to build and analyze a schedule for a project of any scope, whether we’re conducting a feasibility study, creating a pre-construction schedule, or recovering an active construction project from delay. We are adept at forensic schedule analysis following a damage event, swiftly working to mitigate delays and additional costs. Our scheduling experts employ a variety of industry-standard formats, including Critical Path Method and incorporate project milestones, key constraints, and complex scope.

DBI's team of marine consultants has extensive experience in the fast-paced and highly specialized marine industry. We conduct post-damage evaluations of vessels, floating structures, and land-based marine structures and equipment. With an international network of marine surveyors, specialty contractors, and suppliers in the marine industry, we swiftly assess the scope and develop a repair methodology and schedule while remaining in compliance with maritime regulations. Our project experience includes yachts, chemical tankers, piers, wharves, docks, sea walls, and port and crane systems.

DBI provides independent, reliable guidance to sureties through all stages of a distressed contracted construction project, from pre-bond to post-default to litigation support. We draw on our unique boots-on-the-ground experience as leaders in the construction field to help sureties resolve payment and performance bond claims of every complexity.