Property Field Appraisal Specialist

The Property Field Appraisal Specialist plays a crucial role in the claims department, overseeing the assessment, estimation, and bid/tender process for large losses. This role involves attending loss sites to meticulously scope, document damage, and write estimates for building repairs. The Property Field Appraiser is responsible for reviewing building estimates submitted to ensure cost appropriateness and adherence to Estimating standards. Timely completion of estimate reviews and clear, accurate, and professional communication with internal and external customers are paramount. Additionally, the Property Field Appraiser records all estimate deviations, tracks vendor trends, and reports issues to the Vendor Manager. Participation in large loss committee meetings may be required to provide valuable insights on industry/market trends and cost analysis. 

The Property Field Appraiser generally completes 50 large estimates and reviews over 200 third party estimates per year.  They manage about 30 large/complex losses per year that will involve a tender and bid process and manage about an 80:20 split between Residential and Commercial claims. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct on-site inspections of complex residential and commercial property losses, assessing damage, repair requirements, building code considerations, and estimated costs. 

• Prepare detailed appraisal reports and collaborate with adjusters, underwriters, external vendors, insureds, third parties or third party insurers, and other stakeholders to support accurate, fair, and cost-effective claim settlements. 

• Provide responsive customer service while ensuring appraisal recommendations comply with building codes, company guidelines, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements.

• Utilize industry-standard methods and tools to accurately estimate the cost of repairs or replacement for -damaged properties. 

• Analyze and evaluate cost estimates to ensure they are reasonable, accurate, and reflective of local market conditions. 

• Effectively communicate appraisal findings, repair recommendations, and cost estimates to internal teams and external stakeholders. 

• Assess -damaged properties to determine if they qualify as total losses, considering factors such as structural integrity, safety concerns, and repair feasibility. 

• Prepare and submit tenders for total losses, ensuring compliance with company guidelines, policies, and legal requirements. 

• Complete bid analysis, evaluation and recommendation to Claims. 

• Partner with contractors, vendors, and suppliers to validate estimates, negotiate costs, monitor performance, and ensure repair quality, including reinspections of completed work. 

• Serve as Gore’s technical representative during dispute resolution/appraisal processes, supporting accurate assessments and effective cost control.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of property appraisals, findings, repair recommendations, and cost estimates.

• Prepare accurate and detailed reports summarizing appraisal outcomes, repair options, and cost breakdowns for claims processing and settlement purposes.

• Stay current on industry trends, construction methods, building technologies, and best practices through ongoing training and professional development. 

• Serve as an in-house technical resource, providing guidance and training to Claims Adjusters and Management on property appraisal and repair topics.

• Will be involved in our catastrophe response and CAT response plan

Requirements:

• 7+ years experience in Claims

• 5+ years experience as a large loss estimator/adjuster

• 5+ years experience in restoration contracting

• 5+ years experience in skilled trades

• 5+ years experience in general contracting Project Management

• 5+ years experience in Vendor Management with an insurance company

• Undergrad degree preferred

• Assess property damage, determine repair or replacement costs, evaluate estimates, and apply knowledge of building codes, regulations, and insurance requirements. 

• Manage bid/tender processes, negotiate competitive pricing, evaluate vendors, and support quality workmanship. 

• Clearly communicate appraisal findings and recommendations while effectively addressing questions, concerns, and escalations with customers and stakeholders. 

• Manage multiple appraisal assignments and priorities while staying current on industry trends, construction methods, and appraisal best practices.

• Assess property damage, structural and safety concerns, and apply knowledge of building science, construction materials, repair methods, and regional practices. 

• Use industry-standard estimating software, claims systems, Microsoft Office, and digital tools to develop accurate cost estimates and document property damage. 

• Prepare clear appraisal reports, cost breakdowns, and repair recommendations while analyzing estimates, vendor performance, and emerging trends. 

• Review property estimates for accuracy, quality, and alignment with company guidelines, policies, and applicable standards.

 Work Arrangement: This role is a remote field position with ongoing access to a company vehicle. You will be required to attend our Cambridge office once per month.

The expected base salary range for this position is $67,000 - $117,000. Depending on your relevant experience, skills, qualifications, market conditions and business needs, base compensation may vary. You have the potential to earn more through Gore Mutual’s discretionary bonus program which gives you an opportunity to increase your total compensation, provided the business meets its performance targets and you meet your individual goals.

Please note: This range reflects the expected base salary for this role but may not represent the full compensation range for all experience and skill levels. During the recruitment process, we will discuss and consider how your unique qualifications align with the broader range for this position.

Gore Mutual is proud to offer a comprehensive total rewards package which includes extended health and dental benefits, disability insurance, retirement plan matching, paid time off, recognition and perk programs.