When Appraisal Is the Wrong Move
Appraisal is powerful, but it’s not always the right tool. Here are the situations where we’d steer you elsewhere.
Most carrier estimates follow the same structure. Once you know it, you can spot the usual omissions.
The summary page
Shows RCV, depreciation, ACV, deductible and net payment. Check that the deductible is correct and note whether depreciation is recoverable.
Room-by-room sections
Each room or roof area lists line items with a quantity, unit price and total. Check that every damaged room and slope is included and that measurements look reasonable.
Common omissions
- Trade minimums and setup charges
- Steep and high roof charges
- Drip edge, starter, ridge and flashing
- Content manipulation (moving furniture)
- Matching adjacent areas
- Permits and code items
- Overhead and profit when multiple trades are needed
Depreciation
Look at the age and life used for each item and whether labor is depreciated. Use our RCV/ACV calculator to check the math.
Next steps
List every missing or under-priced item with photos and support, and send a supplement request. If the gap remains large, consider appraisal.
Keep reading
The Delaware Appraisal Clause in Plain English
A sentence-by-sentence walk through the appraisal paragraph found in most Delaware homeowners and commercial policies.
Wind or Water? Sorting Damage After a Delaware Coastal Storm
Homeowners policies cover wind; flood policies cover rising water. Here’s how to document both after a storm at the bay or the beach.