Know what the evidence supports.

A damaged property raises technical questions: Can flooring be saved? What do moisture readings show? Does contamination affect whether materials should be cleaned, dried or removed? DSi gathers observations, testing and records to help answer the questions in your agreed scope.

Our findings follow the evidence, regardless of who hires us. An inspection can support a restoration decision; it does not promise a particular claim settlement.

Ask what observations, measurements and technical reasoning support the proposed restoration scope. Identify the specific unanswered question you want DSi to investigate. A disagreement about coverage and a disagreement about the condition of the structure are different issues.

If reimbursement for an inspection is declined, ask for the explanation in writing and the policy provisions relied upon. An absence of a named exclusion, by itself, is not a promise that a particular expense will be paid.

Ask who will actually attend, and review that person's relevant qualifications and experience. Clarify who retained the consultant, the questions they will investigate, their methods and any financial interest in later repair work.

Before the visit, ask who will receive the report, whether you can obtain a copy, and how questions or factual corrections can be raised. Confirm the visitor's identity. Discuss any proposed photography or recording in advance and obtain any required consent.

Apply these questions to any consultant, including DSi. The quality of the evidence and reasoning matters.

Under our current Water Inspection Service Agreement, the client is responsible for DSi's fees. Do not assume that giving us a claim number transfers that responsibility to the insurer or postpones payment.

The agreement does not assign insurance benefits or create a letter of protection. Full payment for the inspection, report and authorized related charges must be received before the report is released, even if your claim remains unresolved.

You may submit your invoice, proof of payment and supporting documentation to your insurer for consideration. Keep copies of your receipts and correspondence. Ask your insurer what documentation it needs.

Reimbursement depends on the policy, the circumstances of the loss and the insurer's coverage determination. A paid receipt documents an expense; it does not guarantee reimbursement. Confirm the available payment method with DSi when your invoice is issued.

Ask your insurer whether an advance for an undisputed portion of the claim is available and what estimates or other records it requires. Availability and timing depend on your claim. Tell Ken about any funding concern before authorizing work; do not assume DSi has agreed to extend credit.

DSi's assignment is technical inspection and documentation. Our inspection agreement does not appoint us as your attorney or public adjuster.

For help with policy interpretation or a disputed claim, consider an attorney or an appropriately licensed public adjuster. A public adjuster engaged by you works on your behalf and charges a fee. Check credentials, fees and the proposed agreement before hiring. Your state insurance department can also explain consumer complaint options.

Identify the intended recipients in your assignment. Under the agreement, you may share the complete report for this property and related professional advice without misrepresenting the findings. Discuss distribution before work begins; authorized providers and legally required disclosures are addressed in the agreement.

Ken confirms the inspection scope, pricing, approved travel or extras and any retainer before you accept. A required retainer is credited toward the final invoice and must be received before travel or attendance. Review the current agreement and your project-specific quote for the authorized amount.

Confirm the reporting schedule for your assignment, including any laboratory work or additional investigation. Report release requires full payment; a fixed turnaround is not promised for every project.

Have the property address, loss date, current restoration stage, desired deadline and the questions you need answered ready. Submit a service inquiry or call Ken at 817-542-1189. Discuss secure document transfer before sending project records.

Ken reviews the request and confirms scope, fees and availability. The client signs the prepared agreement, DSi countersigns, and the appointment is coordinated subject to any required retainer. An inquiry alone does not book an inspection.