Projects

DBI was called to provide loss measurement when a flood damaged a massive chemical bulk storage facility following Hurricane Isaac. With trademark skill and exacting evaluations, the DBI team quickly developed a deep-seated knowledge of this variegated property, which included 70 storage tanks, ship docking stations, a railroad yard, tech systems, and a complicated network of 20 miles of interconnected pipes. In addition to the active facility, an expansion project had been in progress at the time of the loss event, with that infrastructure also heavily impacted by the storm. The approximate project value exceeded $50M.

A New Year’s Eve fire engulfed a 990-foot-tall skyscraper in the heart of Dubai. Upon request, DBI mobilized an on-site team. By setting up temporary offices in Dubai, DBI was able to effectively inspect the building, quantify the extent of the damages, and determine repair costs. Our analysis included cost benefit studies for various repair options and a building valuation/replacement cost model. Mere months after the loss event, DBI's clients had achieved a resolution of the property damage insurance claim with the building’s owners.

Hurricane Laura caused significant storm and fire-related damage to a 200-acre chemical manufacturing facility in Louisiana. A complicated road lay ahead; DBI led the way forward, preparing detailed ACV and RCV repair estimates for this enormous and structurally diverse site. Through comprehensive inspection and research, the team identified age, functionality, and damage to all 119 affected buildings and created an innovative site plan, all key components in helping the client move the claim toward resolution. Total estimated repair cost was $27M.

DBI conducted damage assessments and cost estimates after Hurricane Odile tore into one of the world’s largest recreational marinas off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, consisting of 380 slips that house vessels up to 375 feet. Our team conducted thorough condition assessments of floating walkways, rip-rap barriers, and marine support buildings, and solicited bids from maritime specialty contractors around the globe for these extensive and highly unique repairs. The project’s estimated value is $20M.

DBI mobilized its team of construction, MEP, elevator and landscaping consultants to Dorado, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Our team determined a full scope of repairs and developed a groundbreaking interactive report, transcending the traditional printed version and providing the client click-and-navigate site maps and key summaries to crucial information. Our integrating practices enabled DBI to tackle this complex challenge head-on: over 1,400 acres of 5-star resort property containing bespoke architecture, landscaping, fountains, and irrigation systems. In just 10 months, a real property amount of nearly $22 million dollars was agreed upon, with DBI’s performance and attention to detail commended.

The Westin St. John Resort Villas sustained extensive damage following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. DBI was assigned to inspect, scope, and estimate the cost to repair the 47-acre resort. DBI analyzed all incurred project costs for the 250 timeshare villas and for amenities that included a conference center, restaurant, and pool. The approximate project value exceeded $105M.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, DBI performed damage evaluations and developed cost estimates for 47 commercial buildings located in the historic, state-owned Waterbury Complex. As these structures ranged over a century in age and in methods of construction, DBI drew upon the diverse experience of team members to determine loss-related damages, develop rough order of magnitude (ROM) estimates, along with replacement cost calculations, and RCV and ACV repair figures. The approximate project value was $20M.

A fire severely damaged 10,000 square meters of production and office space in an Austrian industrial plant. DBI was a key part of an international team that provided estimates for as-was repairs, code upgrades and a detailed construction schedule. With extensive experience in the European market, DBI was able to determine appropriate construction costs and verify applicable ordinance and law requirements, A&E calculations, and application of VAT taxes, assisting the insuring market in the arrival of a fair settlement amount. The approximate project value was €45M.

DBI was brought in as the building consultant to clerk emergency services and measure damage to a 45,000 square foot Southampton luxury residence following a pipe burst. This highly specialized property contained many amenities, including 16 bathrooms, an indoor basketball court, a bowling alley, and a wine cellar. DBI’s skilled monitoring, accuracy and transparency in reportage were crucial in bringing the parties to reach a settled figure: The initial claimed amount exceeded $2.6M; following multiple meetings and expert clerking on DBI’s part, the final agreed-upon figure was $1.5M.

Since 2014, DBI has been the building claim consultant of choice for NYU, one of the largest property owners in New York City. DBI has consulted on over 30 projects with the university for their vast network of hospitals, educational and habitational facilities and commercial spaces. DBI was retained to evaluate the builder’s risk claim for the high-profile construction of the Langone Hospital Kimmel Pavilion. Despite extensive fire damage to the curtain wall, it was imperative that the project begin on time, given NYU’s role as provider of crucial health care services. DBI was front and center throughout, keeping all schedules on track with accurate analysis, regular site inspections and proposal reviews, and curating a network of specialty contractors to ensure best practices. The team’s tireless efforts were instrumental for the renovations to commence on the necessary timetable.

After a devastating fire, DBI worked extensively to determine scope of demolition and salvageable equipment for a major specialized glass manufacturer. Returning to production was paramount: stoppage was affecting first-class clients, vital projects and racking up quotidian costs. The team, aware of the gravity of the situation, established a temporary satellite office and led daily meetings to present their findings, a key factor in gauging the duration of this $50M project. DBI created a very strong work culture with the adjusting team - so much so that two subcontractors eventually joined our Chicago office in leadership positions.

For a collapsed bridge in Connecticut, the DBI team conducted a comprehensive damage assessment and outlaid the scope of repair, a project schedule, and repair pricing. DBI expedited bridge structure demolition by utilizing ground-level equipment rather than small, bridge-level equipment. This fast-tracked schedule resulted in savings of both duration and cost. The approximate project value was $185K.

An 11-story coal processing structure was left listing after a tornado. DBI was assigned to prepare an independent cost estimate to implement a very complex structural methodology for its straightening and repair. The team channeled their innovation and expertise to demonstrate how this intricate plan could be executed by creating a comprehensive construction schedule quantifying the duration of the project, along with estimates for labor, crew and material for these highly specialized techniques. The approximate project value was over $2.5M.

A snowstorm caused a partial roof and wall collapse at the Meadowlands Snowpark in New Jersey. DBI was brought in to assess damages and create cost estimates for the repairs. The DBI team also reviewed the costs of installing snow diverters, as required by the state of New Jersey and local building codes. The revamped structure serves as an indoor ski slope for patrons of the American Dream Complex in East Rutherford, NJ. The approximate claimed amount is $29M.

Following Hurricane Michael, DBI provided a loss measurement in response to wind and water damage to 3 adjacent apartment complexes, totaling nearly 1 million square feet and affecting more than 80 separate structures. DBI conducted detailed inspections and repair estimates for 868 apartment units, building exteriors, landscaping, and code-required upgrades. Using actual costs from projects in the same area, DBI was able to verify appropriate costs and profit margins, a key component in reaching a fair settlement. The approximate project value was $90M.

Due to severe flooding and winds caused by Hurricane Katrina, over 140 structures and infrastructure items were damaged at this famed amusement park. Conditions were further impacted by the site remaining untreated due to Katrina’s unforeseen extremity and resultant limited resources. DBI developed a meticulous replacement cost calculation for the entire park; a segregation of damages for an immense scope of rides, structures, restaurants, and outbuildings; and a scheduling and startup analysis was created. The approximate project value exceeded $40M.