About Cornerstone

Objective

Cornerstone Appraisal Services recognizes that insurance to value is the cornerstone of profitability for both insurance companies and their agents - so much so that we have based our name on it.

We are dedicated to providing the most accurate replacement cost appraisals in the industry, as well as detailed risk engineering and risk analysis services to the discriminating client. Our nationwide network of appraisal & loss control experts specialize in high value homes, and are among the most experienced in the industry.

Cornerstone’s objective is to provide a product with the quality you expect, and the professionalism your clients deserve.

Benefits

Almost all companies face rising concerns over budgetary constraints and staffing resource issues. As a result, most companies are looking for reassurance that their money is being spent wisely.

An accurate replacement cost appraisal can provide you and your company with the following benefits:

• Reduce the number of 'shock' losses through thorough fire protection, and loss control engineering
• Keep your company from paying policy limits in a partial loss situation when there is no co-insurance penalty
• Keep your company from paying in excess of policy limits when "Guaranteed Replacement Cost Coverage" is provided
• Increase customer satisfaction and retention by providing a valuable service to the customer and protecting them from co-insurance penalties
• Expedite the claim settlement process by establishing accurate documentation of the construction and special features of the home as well as an accurate replacement cost before the loss
• Create a value-added marketing tool with customized reports
• Provide a tangible product for you and your customers

Philosophy

We believe no company can be all things to all people without sacrificing either service or quality.  An inspection company, which asks their staff to provide drive-bys, commercial appraisals, as well as high value residential inspections, risks becoming “the Jack of all trades and master of none”.  Cornerstone has chosen to specialize in appraising high value and older homes.  It takes specialized expertise to provide underwriters with the detailed reports, accurate replacement value, and risk evaluations, which are essential to profitability in this market segment.

Staff

Inspection companies typically have a poor reputation for quality, accuracy, and professionalism of their staff.  We are determined to change that perception by employing the most highly trained and professional appraisers in the industry. Cornerstone also provides continual training and structured feedback for each member of our staff.

Appraising is a delicate balance between art, science, and experience. The quality and accuracy of an appraisal is based on an individual's knowledge and experience. Our staff is our greatest asset. They are highly skilled, qualified, and trained in reconstruction cost appraisals.  In addition to years of experience, our appraisers continually research pricing of specialty features and conduct contractor interviews to maintain first hand knowledge of construction costs in their areas. This provides them with the knowledge and confidence necessary to accurately appraise the high value residential market niche and lend credibility to our product.

Unlike most inspection companies, Cornerstone hires only individuals with prior experience in appraising, property claims adjusting, or construction. This means you will always have the most knowledgeable, and experienced staff completing your appraisals. Our appraisers are experienced at interacting with companies, agents and VIP clients.  In spite of an individual's prior experience, all new Cornerstone employees are also required to complete a rigorous one-on-one training course for product consistency, and to ensure our strict standards for quality and accuracy are not compromised.

Service Areas

Cornerstone is now servicing over 30 states with plans to expand nationwide.  While we are aggressively seeking to provide services to our clients on a nationwide basis, our growth will come only as we can hire and train qualified, professional staff.  We will never sacrifice quality for growth.   Please contact us to inquire if we are providing service in your area.

In areas where we are not currently open, we can provide service with a minimum number of requests.  We can also open a new territory for continual service with a minimal volume commitment.  Our goal is to offer our expertise to underwriters where they need us the most.