Pre-Loss Assessment
Blue Team in Georgia
As a portfolio manager, you likely have a lot of different properties you need to oversee. This can make it challenging to keep track of and understand the risks each of them is currently facing, as well as whether you have the information necessary to make an insurance claim.
At BlueTeam, we’re proud to offer pre-loss assessments to portfolio managers. On this page, we’ll discuss what you should expect from this service and how you can request one on our app.
What Are Pre-Loss Assessments?
Pre-loss assessments are designed to prevent or mitigate losses by identifying and addressing potential issues before they occur. Pre-loss assessments may include an evaluation of:
- The property’s physical condition
- Operational and maintenance procedures
- Safety protocols
- Emergency plans
- Other relevant factors
The team will also evaluate the property’s location and exposure to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes.
The information gathered during a pre-loss assessment can be used to develop risk management strategies, improve emergency preparedness, and inform insurance coverage decisions.
The exact nature of a pre-loss assessment can vary depending on the organization providing it. This is why it’s important to understand what will be included in a pre-loss assessment before you request one.
Why Are Pre-Loss Assessments Important?
Pre-loss assessments are an essential part of risk management in the construction industry. By identifying potential risks and hazards before they occur, commercial property owners and managers can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of loss or damage, protecting their investment and ensuring the safety of occupants.
Repair and restoration are complicated. A pre-loss assessment allows us to do preliminary work, which:
- Reduces the time any repairs or restoration will take.
- Improves your reputation, since occupants will see how quickly you’re able to get your property back up and running.
- Minimizes the loss of revenue that results if you have to shut down your business.
Benefits of a Pre-Loss Assessment
Identifying Potential Hazards Early
A pre-loss assessment enables commercial property owners to identify potential hazards early on and take proactive measures to address them before they cause damage.
Minimizing the Risk of Loss
By identifying potential risks and hazards and implementing measures to reduce them, a pre-loss assessment can help minimize the risk of loss or damage to a property. A proactive approach safeguards structural integrity, making sure critical elements such as the building’s foundation and load-bearing walls remain resilient in the face of natural disasters or unforeseen accidents.
Improved Safety for Occupants
A pre-loss assessment can identify potential safety hazards, such as structural weaknesses or compromised foundations, and recommend measures to improve the safety of the building for its occupants.
Cost-effective Risk Management
A pre-loss assessment is a cost-effective way to manage risks associated with owning and operating a commercial property. By identifying potential risks before they cause damage, commercial property owners can take measures to address them and reduce the need for costly repairs and emergency maintenance work.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements
Engaging in a pre-loss assessment empowers commercial property owners to uphold compliance with stringent regulations, mitigate potential liabilities, and enhance overall safety and durability of the structure while avoiding penalties or legal issues.
What Our Pre-Loss Assessments Include
Our pre-loss assessments include a wide range of information about the property, which can help us carry out repairs and restorations when an unexpected incident occurs:
- Year Constructed
- Type of Occupancy
- Number of Floors
- Size of the Building (Sq. Feet)
- Building Construction
- Type of Foundation
- Type of Roof
- Roofing Material
- Blueprints / Building Plans Available
- Interior Framing
- Ceilings
- Plumbing/Sewage System
- Main Water Shutoff Location
- HVAC/Mechanical
- Fire Suppression System
- Main Electrical Panel
- Volts/Amps Capacity
- Automatic Transfer Switch Installed
- Gas Main Shutoff Location
- Emergency Backup Generator Information
We’ll also record information about your emergency backup generator, including its:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Power Rating
- Maximum Load Rating
- Fuel Tank Capacity
- Date of Last Service
- Backup Power Utilized For
- Generator Service Company Name
- Client Account #
- Emergency Contact Name
- Phone
This data is important during an emergency if your building needs to stay running. However, it can also be useful during repairs or restoration, allowing your business to keep going while we do our work.
We take note of specific loss response info, including:
- Best Staging Location
- Environmental Materials
- ACM Surveys Provided for Property
- Industrial Hygienist Retained
Taken together, all this information makes a major difference in the speed of any restoration work that gets done.
How to Complete a Pre-Loss Assessment in the BlueTeam App
Step 1: Login to the App
- If you have not already, please download the app. Sign in using your BlueTeam App login credentials to either the mobile app or desktop site.
Step 2: Begin Pre-Loss Assessment
- From the home screen, select the down arrow under “Action Items” to view incomplete pre-loss assessments.
- Click the arrow next to the pre-loss assessment you would like to complete.
- You will be brought to that specific property’s details. Scroll to the bottom of the details and select the link “PLA – (Not Completed)”.
Step 3: Contact Information
- Fill in your contact information.
- Your Company information will autofill.
- Fill in the Site Contact information.
- You can add additional site contacts by clicking the “+ Add Site Contact Info” button.
- Swipe to the right.
Step 4: Facility Information
- Fill in the facility information fields 1 through 13.
- Swipe to the right.
Step 5: Emergency Backup Generator
- If applicable, fill in the property’s backup generator information and the best emergency contact.
- Swipe to the right.
Step 6: Loss Response Info
- Fill in the loss response information, including the best location for BlueTeam to set up their equipment/trucks in the event of a loss.
- Swipe to the right.
Step 7: Attachments
- Add important facility documents like Blueprints, Building plans, ACM environmental surveys, and additional contact information.
- Click Save, which will allow you to go back in and make edits before submitting as complete.
Step 8: Mark as Complete or Continue Editing
- If you are finished filling in the pre-loss assessment and want to submit it as final, click “Mark as Complete”.
- Otherwise continue to fill out the pre-loss by clicking the edit Pencil on the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
- Once complete, click “Save” and then click “Mark as Complete”.
Please note that these instructions are designed for the mobile app, but our website functions similarly. If you have any questions, a BlueTeam representative will be happy to assist you.
How to Use the Results of a Pre-Loss Assessment
Develop a Risk Management Plan
A risk management plan outlines the measures that will be taken to reduce the risk of loss or damage to the property. The plan should be based on the results of the pre-loss assessment and include recommendations for upgrades, repairs, and other measures to improve the safety and structural integrity of the property.
Prioritize Upgrades and Repairs
Based on the recommendations in the risk management plan, prioritize upgrades and repairs that address the most significant vulnerabilities identified in the pre-loss assessment. Focusing on these critical issues first can help reduce the risk of loss or damage and improve the overall safety of the property.
Schedule Routine Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections keep your commercial property compliant with regulatory requirements and identify potential hazards before they become a problem. Schedule routine maintenance and inspections based on the recommendations in the risk management plan and the results of the pre-loss assessment.
What Can We Do After a Loss Occurs?
If your commercial property is damaged, the information provided will be useful for filing a claim. We’ll also leverage this data to swiftly start the restoration services should you require them.
We’re equipped to handle a broad range of issues, including but not limited to:
We break the process of addressing damage into four steps:
Inspect
During this phase, we prioritize safety, work toward preventing further damage, and conduct testing to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Diagnose
Following the completion of tests, we identify the most suitable course of action to resolve the issues affecting your commercial property. At this stage, we also assess the severity of the problem and determine what can be salvaged and what requires replacement.
Treat
With a well-defined plan in place, we implement the necessary measures to restore your property to its normal state. The specific restoration procedures may vary depending on the extent of the damage, but we consistently prioritize both speed and quality to expedite the process of getting your commercial property operational once again.
Document
Throughout every step of the process, we keep documentation. We understand that this can be important for insurance purposes, and we also want to make sure that the job is done to your satisfaction. At the end, we’ll provide the complete documentation and navigate the claims process with your insurance company.
Looking for Pre-Loss Assessments for Your Commercial Properties?
For expert Pre-Loss Assessment services, don’t hesitate to reach out to BlueTeam today. Our experts can help you safeguard your property and ensure its resilience against potential hazards.
We’ve also built the BlueTeam app with the pre-loss assessment feature to ensure our clients have the full transparency they need, 24/7.
Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to have someone from our team walk you through the process of using the app? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help portfolio managers with all their restoration, construction, and roofing needs.
We are your trusted partner in times of need.
FAQ About Pre-Loss Assessments
How often should a pre-loss assessment be performed?
The frequency of pre-loss assessments can vary depending on the type of property and the level of risk it faces. It is generally recommended to perform pre-loss assessments at least once every three to five years or when making major changes to your commercial property.
Is a pre-loss assessment different from an insurance appraisal?
Yes, a pre-loss assessment is different from an insurance appraisal. A pre-loss assessment centers on evaluating the potential risk exposure a property faces and estimating the associated costs for repair or replacement in the event of a loss. In contrast, an insurance appraisal focuses on determining the fair market value of a property for insurance purposes. In other words, pre-loss assessments prioritize risk mitigation and preparedness, while insurance appraisals focus on determining the property's value to facilitate proper coverage.
Who performs pre-loss assessments?
Pre-loss assessments are typically conducted by professionals with specialized expertise in assessing property risks and safety. They often include seasoned insurance adjusters, highly-trained loss control specialists, and experienced engineers.