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Matthew Zomerlei, Forensic Building Consultant

Matthew Zomerlei

Forensic Building Consultant
AppraiserUmpireAdjuster

Independent building science and damage analysis for attorneys, carriers, and property owners. Conclusions grounded in how buildings are built, fail, and repaired, and written to hold up when they are challenged.

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What I Do

Six ways I am engaged.

From resolving a disputed claim amount to standing behind a disclosed opinion in court. Each engagement rests on the same foundation of independence and field-level construction knowledge.

01

Insurance Appraisal

Resolving disputed claim amounts under the policy's appraisal clause. Engaged as appraiser for either party to value the loss accurately.

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02

Umpire Services

Serving as the neutral umpire when two appraisers deadlock, delivering a reasoned, defensible award supported by the evidence.

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03

Building Consulting

Retained advisory on scope, cost, and repair methodology before a dispute hardens into litigation. Clarity early, when it is cheapest.

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04

Construction Defect Investigation

Determining the cause of construction defects and whether the work met the applicable standard of care and the building code.

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05

Expert Witness Services

Disclosed opinions, declarations, and testimony documented to a Rule 702 standard, built to withstand cross-examination.

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06

Property Damage Analysis

Establishing the cause, extent, and defensible cost of property damage from storm, water, fire, and other perils.

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The damage doesn't change based on who retains me.
The operating principle
Background

I have sat in every chair this dispute touches.

For nearly thirty years I have worked construction as a general contractor, and for the last several I have handled property claims as a licensed independent adjuster across first-party and large-loss work. I read and write estimates fluently in both Xactimate and Symbility.

Built, adjusted, appraised, and umpired. That range is what makes an opinion technically sound, plainly explained, and difficult to discredit, whoever is across the table.

General ContractorLicensed, Michigan
Independent AdjusterLicensed, 18 states
Appraiser & UmpireNeutral assignments
EstimatingXactimate & Symbility
Field Experience27 years construction
ServiceU.S. Marine Corps veteran
Contact

Tell me about the matter.

Available for retained and neutral assignments nationwide. Send the relevant documents and I will tell you where the evidence stands.

Email mzomerlei@forensicbuildingconsultant.com
Emailmzomerlei@forensicbuildingconsultant.com
Based InHolland, Michigan