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Publisher’s Note

Publisher’s Note

AroundtheIndustry

Restaurant

Schlotzsky’s

Schlotzsky’s has unveiled a new unit in Oklahoma City that features two drive-thru lanes and no dine-in seating, one of two new smaller formats for the 300-unit chain. The drive-thru lanes at 85% of Schlotzsky’s restaurants generate about half the chain’s sales, and that figure has been growing during the pandemic amid rising demand for off-premises dining.

Subway

Subway has trimmed its US restaurant count over the past few years, and growth plans going forward will focus on strategic development with an emphasis on the customer experience. The 100% franchised sandwich chain also will transition to more multi-unit operators and use data to ensure that it tailors units to the needs of their specific locations.

Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse has opened a new prototype in Charlotte, Fort Worth, Texas and Polaris, Ohio. The casual-dining chain, which plans to build 75 to 100 additional restaurants in the US, also is beginning to refresh its existing restaurants to incorporate elements of the new prototype.

Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. parent begins $500M brand update

CKE Restaurants Holdings has unveiled plans for a major update of sibling chains Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, a project that will include revamping restaurant exteriors, simplifying menus, adding new kitchen equipment and implementing digital drive-thru menu boards. The chain will invest $60 million in making changes to company-owned locations, and franchisees are expected to collectively spend $440 million over the next four to six years.

Papa John’s

Papa John’s will open 320 new restaurants this year as part of a plan to grow by at least 1,400 and as many as 1,800 over the next three years.

Sweetgreen

Sweetgreen will start testing a new pickup only format in Washington, DC this summer that will strictly be for fulfilling digital orders from the Sweetgreen app and website and from third-party delivery services. The new format from the chain will feature an employee at the front to ensure orders are correct, and food will be prepared on-site.

The Golden Girls Kitchen

A Los Angeles fast-casual eatery with the theme of the perennially popular TV show “The Golden Girls” is slated to open in July. Derek Berry, the creator of TV-themed pop-ups including Good Burger and Saved by the Max, will open The Golden Girls Kitchen with a dessert-centric menu that’s heavy on cheesecake.

Retail

Dollar General

Dollar General is on track to open 1,110 locations, finish 1,750 remodels and complete 120 relocations in 2022. The retailer opened 239 stores during the first quarter and finished rolling out its DG Fresh program, which enables it to self-distribute frozen and refrigerated products.

IKEA

Select IKEA stores in the US will start selling solar panels and installation services this fall in a partnership with California-based SunPower. The products and services will be sold under the “Home Solar” line, which will be available to IKEA Family loyalty program members.

Kohl’s

Kohl’s plans to open about 100 small-format stores over the next four years as part of a plan to enter markets where it does not have a brick-and-mortar retail presence. The retailer also will invest $850 million this year to open 400 more in-store Sephora shops and update stores with features including zones to highlight emerging and women-owned brands.

Wayfair’s AllModern

Wayfair will open the first of two planned stores in Massachusetts under its AllModern banner. AllModern stores will feature a range of modern design styles and give shoppers a place to experience the pieces in person and also access digital design tools and place orders for delivery.

Walmart

Walmart will expand its drone delivery experiment with partner DroneUp to select delivery areas in six states, with the potential to provide the unmanned delivery service to about 4 million US households by the end of the year. Online shoppers will pay a $3.99 fee per order and there’s a weight limit of 10 pounds on each order fulfilled by the service, which Walmart launched in North Carolina about two years ago.

Kotn

Canadian brand Kotn began its US expansion with the May launch of its first store in Los Angeles. The retailer plans to open eight to 10 stores nationwide, which includes a 2022 launch in New York.

AroundtheIndustry

Psycho Bunny

Menswear retailer Psycho Bunny will open 29 new stores this year after launching 20 locations in 2021, and will end 2022 with 130 global locations. Existing stores have proven to grow sales both at stores and via the brand’s online shopping channels.

Hospitality

Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection

Hyatt Hotels has unveiled a worldwide portfolio of nine all-inclusive luxury brands called Inclusive Collection. Hyatt’s 26 global brands now fall under four banners, including Timeless Collection, Boundless Collection and Independent Collection.

AC Hotel by Marriott

Walmart’s plans for revamping its corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas will include a 153-room AC Hotel by Marriott. The hotel, set to open in 2024, will also boast a rooftop lounge and 6,000 square feet of space for events and meetings, and the plans also call for a fitness center and a child-care facility.

Club Med Magna Marbella

The opening of a resort in Marbella heralds Club Med’s return to Spain after a 20-year hiatus. Club Med Magna Marbella, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, features 485 guestrooms across 35 acres.

Autograph Collection

Eight years after reopening as a revitalized mixed-use development, the David Whitney Building in downtown Detroit will undergo a rebrand and expansion of its hotel space. Detroit-based The Roxbury Group and TreeFort Hospitality are bringing an Autograph Collection hotel to the site at One Park Avenue, as well as new food and beverage venues.

Rand Tower Hotel

Rand Tower Hotel, which opened in late 2020 in a historic downtown Minneapolis skyscraper, features a one-of-a-kind aviation theme that makes a great home base for exploring the area. A $110-million renovation and conversion project retained the design of the former Minneapolis Gas Light Co., entered in the National Register of Historic Places.

Fremont Hotel & Casino

Fremont Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is expanding its casino floor and replacing its buffet with a new dining hall with six “quick-serve” restaurants. The dining hall will have some nationally known brands and use the former buffet’s space as well as a piece of land behind the building.

Orbital Assembly

Orbital Assembly has been designing a new hotel that is set to open in 2025 and will include futuristic concepts such as “several modules connected by elevator shafts that make up a rotating wheel orbiting the Earth.” The company also is working on a second station for space tourism to open by 2027, as well as a “business park” for offices and tourists.

Grocery

Amazon Fresh

An Amazon Fresh store has opened in Huntington Beach, California, the banner’s 15th location in Southern California. The store features the cashierless Amazon One palm scan and Just Walk Out checkout technology, which appears to be the standard for the latest Amazon Fresh stores, including upcoming locations in New York and New Jersey.

Wegmans Food Markets

Wegmans Food Markets officially is entering the nation’s capital this July. The grocer’s first Washington, DC, location is at City Ridge on Wisconsin Ave. in the northwest corner of the city and construction is moving along at a fast clip.

Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market has reached an energy savings goal by improving energy performance by 21% since 2010, hitting the target two years early. The company is the only grocer that has signed on to the US Energy Department’s “Better Buildings Challenge.”

Kroger Restaurant Supply

Kroger has opened a supply service for restaurants, bakeries and caterers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that provides next-day delivery on orders of $250 or more. Kroger Restaurant Supply aims to help restaurants circumvent ongoing supply chain issues and offers them an alternative to ordering in large quantities on a pre-set schedule by allowing orders seven days a week.

Food City

Food City plans to join the Ace Hardware family of stores—thus making Food City the place with the helpful hardware man. The grocer is launching its line of Curt’s Ace Hardware stores later this summer.

Dom’s Kitchen & Market

Grocery startup Dom’s Kitchen & Market plans to open 15 stores by 2025 with a team that includes Bob Mariano, founder of Krogerowned chain Mariano’s.

OBITUARY

Interplan founder Ray Chocholek

Ray Chocholek, who co-founded Interplan in 1972 and served as the Founding Principal, passed away peacefully April 25, 2022 in Palos Park, Illinois at the age of 84. Chocholek’s passion for architecture began at an early age with his interest in model trains. In setting up landscapes for model trains, he took great care in the buildings and scenes he created for the trains’ surroundings. He went on to pursue architecture as a career, graduating from the University of Illinois, before eventually founding the Interplan Partnership on June 1, 1971. In 1972, his classmate from the University of Illinois, Lou Narcisi, joined the firm, which they eventually named Interplan Practice. Chocholek and Narcisi created a people-forward company that would grow into a leader in the architectural industry. The foundation of what they envisioned and created can be found in an old newspaper article from 1976, which highlighted how their unique differences played such a vital role in complementing everything they did. Their emphasis on “partnership” became threaded into the DNA of Interplan, focusing on celebrating the diversity of ideas and cultures, which was unique to most architectural firms of its time. Ultimately, this led to specializing in the multi-discipline firm Interplan has grown into today. Chocholek will be remembered for helping instill the passion for partnership and relationships that will carry the company for the next 50 years.

The numbers game

10 The percent that mall traffic was up in February, beating pre-pandemic levels, including at Minnesota’s Mall of America, according to analytical research firm Placer.ai

92

The percent that rising occupancy and room rates drove profit per room of pre-pandemic levels through April, according to HotStats

What they’re saying...

“We feel like this model can work in communities across the country that are struggling with similar malls that are underperforming.”

— Trademark Properties’ Ginger Davis on the trend of more enclosed malls transforming into health care centers

“We’re certainly getting back on the offense, and we see a lot of opportunities, certainly not only in 2022, but ... beyond.”

— Freshii’s COO Adam Corrin on how consumer demand for healthy dining options is driving the growth of the fast-casual chain, which has 384 franchised locations in 13 countries

“I think there’s a big opportunity right now where you don’t need to wait weeks, if not months to get in to see a primary care physician.”

— Placer.ai co-founder and CEO R.J. Hottovy on why retailers like Walmart, Walgreens Boots Alliance and CVS Health are expanding into the healthcare market

3.1 The number, in trillions, that the North American travel and tourism industry will hit by 2032, compensating for more than $1 trillion lost to the pandemic, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Report. The numbers will help generate 9.5 million new jobs

Up, up and renovate…

More airports getting makeovers

Airport renovations continue to be back in vogue. On the strength of the funding under the bipartisan infrastructure bill, more airport officials are stepping up airport renovations and modifications. For example, now that O'Hare International Airport has completed its $6 billion renovation of its runway system, the airport and airline partners are working on an $8.5 billion makeover that Chicago says will remodel the airport “from curb to gate.” Airport officials say reconfiguring the runways has reduced delays by 65%. In addition, construction is expected to begin next year on a new $675 million concourse at Dulles International Airport. Washington, DC-area airport officials recently approved a plan to replace a temporary concourse and to apply for a $230 million competitive federal grant under the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Why RoboBurger is a thing

Restaurateur Audley Wilson’s wish may have finally come true. After joining forces with mechanical engineer Dan Braido on a mission to build a machine to take the work out of burger making, the pair launched RoboBurger in 2019. Today, the vending machine—which holds ingredients for up to 50 burgers and features a freezer, a griddle and a toaster—debuted recently at the Newport Centre mall in Jersey City, New Jersey. RoboBurger plans to roll out nationally.

Live from your local mall, it’s….

In an effort to more creatively use its space, the American Dream Mall in New Jersey is teaming with Live Nation to host concerts and other events. The mall’s design—including wide open courtyards and tiered floors overlooking those open areas—lends itself to events and large gatherings. For DJ events in the amusement park, access to rides has been included in the ticket price. The move is part of a trend that is seeing malls across the country diverse its offerings to draw more consumers.

Total construction starts rise

Healthy growth in building construction in April offsets infrastructure weakness

Total construction starts rose 3% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $945.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose 6% and residential starts increased by 4%, while nonbuilding starts fell 4%. Year-to-date, total construction was 6% higher in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresidential building starts rose 19%, residential starts gained 3%, while nonbuilding starts were 2% lower. For the 12 months ending April 2022, total construction starts were 12% above the 12 months ending April 2021. Nonresidential starts were 24% higher, residential starts gained 11% and nonbuilding starts were down 1%.

Below is the breakdown for construction starts:

 Nonbuilding construction starts fell 4% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $187.1 billion. Starts in the environmental public works category rose 8%, while utility/gas plant starts moved 10% higher. Starts for highway and bridge projects fell 14% and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts dropped 2% during the month. Through the first four months of the year, total nonbuilding starts were 2% lower than in 2021. Highway and bridge starts gained 28% through four months and environmental public works projects were 2% higher. At the same time, miscellaneous nonbuilding and utility/gas plants starts dropped 37% and 39% (respectively) through four months. For the 12 months ending April 2022, total nonbuilding starts were 1% lower than in the 12 months ending April 2021. Environmental public works starts were up 10%, and street/bridge starts gained 6%. Miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were 33% lower and utility/gas plant starts were down 3%.  Nonresidential building starts rose 6% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $295.9 billion. In April, commercial starts rose 2%, institutional starts gained 8% and manufacturing starts increased 16%. Through the first four months of 2022, nonresidential building starts were 19% higher than during the first four months of 2021. Commercial starts advanced 11% and institutional starts 1%, while manufacturing starts soared 189% on a year-to-date basis. For the 12 months ending April 2022, nonresidential building starts were 24% higher than in the 12 months ending April 2021. Commercial starts grew 19%, institutional starts rose 11%, and manufacturing starts swelled 163% on a 12-month rolling sum basis.

 Residential building starts rose 4% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $462.9 billion. Single family starts gained 1% and multifamily starts rose 13%. Through the first four months of 2022, residential starts were 3% higher than in the first four months of 2021. Multifamily starts were up 16%, while single family housing slipped 2%. For the 12 months ending April 2022, residential starts improved 11% from the same period ending March 2021. Single family starts were 6% higher and multifamily starts were 27% stronger on a 12-month rolling sum basis. CCR

Eyes wide open

5 ways to spot substance abuse on the jobsite

It is common to rationalize substance misuse as a problem that could never hit close to home or involve our own loved ones. But it is important to understand there is no single pathway to an addiction. The harsh reality is that substance abuse can affect everyone equally, at any time, and does not discriminate in terms of severity. In fact, as of 2021, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, 21%-29% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them, and 8%-12% of people using an opioid for chronic pain develop an opioid use disorder. The “stigma” that comes with addiction should never prevent recovery conversations. Overall, the ultimate goal on the end of an employer should be to foster a strategic culture of safety, health, and wellness to help protect employees and their families. In the case of addiction, many issues can stem from a workplace injury, and unfortunately, this is even more prevalent in the construction industry. Opioids following surgery is another unexpected gateway to addiction. It is critical that today’s employers provide education to employees about substance misuse and opioids. According to the National Safety Council, 19% of workers in the construction industry have a substance use disorder (compared to the approximately 8.5% among all industries). While it is difficult to know exactly what is going on with each and every employee, here are five common warning signs of substance misuse and addiction in the workplace from the Mayo Clinic.

No. 1 — Unreliable or inconsistent work

If it often is difficult to rely on an employee to follow through with meeting an important deadline or complete a specific task, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, especially if these signs seem to arise suddenly or without known causes. No. 2 — Sudden changes in conduct

An impromptu change in punctuality, unexplained absences and temperament often can be a sign of substance misuse and could involve a number of factors, including disrespecting other teammates, frequent mood swings, and displaying poor work ethic.

No. 3 — Dramatic shifts in appearance

A lack of personal hygiene, an abrupt drop or gain in weight and other factors can all be signs of an employee with declining health or an addiction issue.

No. 4 — Personal issues that interfere with the workplace

An addiction issue affects the whole person, not just their career. With this, financial struggles, family conflicts, legal issues, and more, can very well result in a disruptive work environment for an individual who is struggling.

No. 5 — Withdrawing from social activity

Among the many conflicts associated with addiction, the affected can often feel alone in their struggle. Withdrawing can be a common, but unhealthy, coping mechanism.

Overall, while these may be some frequent signs of substance misuse or addiction, it is in no way a comprehensive list. Furthermore, it’s also important to realize addiction affects everyone differently, so there is no true tell-tale sign someone may have an issue, making it even more important employees feel safe and empowered to approach these challenges with the help of a trusted confidante. For more guidance on how to handle this difficult situation, there are many additional resources available, including information from the Mayo Clinic on how to identify drug addiction. CCR

On the ready

When to consider Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) insurance

By Preston Cavignac

Insurance is one of the top priorities any contractor must understand and manage. Although contractors may be more familiar with commonly placed policies like General Liability, Work Comp or Auto, many are less familiar with others, like Pollution. Over the last decade, we have seen prime contracts require higher limits and additional coverage. Whereas ten years ago you might not have been exposed to pollution requirements, they are becoming more common in 2022. It is crucial for contractors to have an understanding of the intent of Contractors Pollution Liability (CPL) insurance, and when it should be considered. There are various types of pollution policies, but only a couple apply to contractors. The most common policy is a CPL policy. A lesser-known policy is a Contractors Protective Professional Insurance (CPPI) Policy, similar to an Owners Protective Professional Indemnity policy, and then there are others specific to projects and/or certain trades. The CPL policy is designed to cover a contractor from damages (defense and indemnity) arising out of third-party bodily injury or property damage claims that result from the contractor’s negligent actions. In other words, it pays a contractor’s attorney fees and/or damages if a pollution incident injures someone or damages their property. In addition to protecting a contractor from third-party lawsuits, a CPL policy ordinarily comes with first-party coverage as well. They call it Emergency Response Cost, but the name may vary from carrier-to-carrier. This first-party coverage helps to minimize potential lawsuits by helping cover costs to rectify a pollution incident before a lawsuit occurs, which is a significant enhancement compared to other liability policies. The CPL policy not only covers contractors for costs that a contractor is legally obligated to pay, but it helps resolve a pollution condition before any legal action is taken. To understand a CPL policy, it is important to have a grasp on the pollution incident(s) it intends to cover. The definition of a pollution condition can differ between carriers. Generally speaking, it is defined as follows: • Bodily injury, property damage or financial loss arising from alleged or actual discharge, dispersal, release, migration or escape of smoke, soot, fumes, acids, alkalis, toxic chemicals, asbestos, liquids or gases, waste materials or other irritants contaminants or pollutants into or upon land, the atmosphere or any watercourse of body of water.

Equally important is the definition of pollutant. Pollutant can mean: • Any solid, liquid, gaseous, thermal or biological irritant or contaminant like smoke, acids, chemicals or any matter that corrupts or is harmful to the soil, air, water, living things or environment.

Insurance policies are challenging to read. Oftentimes it is clearer when examples are provided, as opposed to reading the actual policy definitions. Pollutants that are commonly covered by CPL policies are asbestos, mold, lead, silica, oils and gases, smoke, paint, fumes, alkalis, toxic chemicals, hazardous substances or waste, coolants, mercury, arsenic, radon, etc. While these policies can provide coverage for various pollutants, it is critical to specifically check on those pollutants that are most relevant to a contractor’s operations. Some CPL policies may have sub-limits for certain pollutants or specifically exclude others. Just because an exposure exists, does not mean a contractor needs to insure against the risk. There are other remedies a contractor has to reduce exposures to loss; however, some contractors are more exposed to pollution conditions than others. It goes without saying that environmental remediation contractors, or those regularly in direct contact with pollutants, have significant exposure. But other trades deal with exposure as well. Any contractor who regularly performs work in the dirt is considered a high hazard. Excavation, drilling, and site work contractors fall into this category. Roofing, mechanical, plumbing, doors/ windows, glazing, drywall, concrete and demo contractors are also at a higher risk. Other contractors that have an exposure, perhaps less than the ones previously listed, are painting, electrical, flooring and structural steel contractors. Quantifying the probability of a loss situation can be difficult. It can be more difficult to prioritize spending premium dollars when those dollars could be spent elsewhere. Even though many contractors have a pollution exposure, the main driver of purchases is contractual requirements.

We are seeing more contractors required to purchase these policies, and those requirements have very specific perils and situations that the policy must insure against. An example of a pollutant requirement is as follows: • If Contractor’s or any Subcontractor’s work includes, without limitation, excavation, boring, grading, demolition, plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinkler and process piping or any other work which could in any way contribute to or cause moisture to be introduced into the interior of the building, either by construction, sealing or penetrating any portion of the building's exterior envelope or releasing moisture within the building, that party must carry Contractors Pollution Liability insurance providing coverage for third party bodily injury, property damage and environmental damage arising from covered pollution conditions that are caused by or result from covered operations that are performed by or on behalf of the Contractor and subcontractors at the Project site. “Pollution Conditions” shall be broadened to include mold and other microbial matter. The policy shall also include coverage for clean-up costs; transportation; pollution conditions on, at, under or emanating from any disposal site, location or facility, used by or on behalf of that party for the disposal of any waste or waste materials; accidental release of asbestos; legionella liability; emergency response; and removal/ transportation of aboveground and underground storage tanks.

Fortunately, the CPL markets are broad and flexible. Exceptions outstanding, oftentimes these specific contractual requirements can be included within the terms and conditions of a CPL policy. As an added benefit, oftentimes CPL policies can be combined with Contractors Professional Liability. This may generate an additional premium of 5%-20%. If a contractor has both professional and pollution exposures, having one policy providing both coverages (shared or separate limits) is an efficient way to manage risk. Pollution liability as a contractual requirement and general exposure is not going away. Contractors should review any pollution exposure within their business to determine if it needs to be addressed, and if so, how. As mentioned, there are other ways to manage risk aside from purchasing insurance. If a contractor is concerned about the exposure, it would be prudent to request CPL quotes. This way a contractor has more data (premium, terms and conditions) to make an educated decision on whether or not a CPL policy should be a part of their overall insurance and risk management program. CCR

Preston Cavignac is Principal at Cavignac. Since 2011, he has helped Cavignac’s clients in industries including real estate, construction, development, manufacturing, hospitality, technology, marine and nonprofits. Preston also is an active member in a number of associations, including the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, the Association of Builders and Contractors, the Urban Land Institute, the Building Industry Association and the Association of General Contractors.

Pollution liability as a contractual requirement and general exposure is not going away. Contractors should review any pollution exposure within their business to determine if it needs to be addressed, and if so, how.

Filling the holes

Elevated building costs can present gaps in insurance By Scott McDonough & Kenneth Travers

Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series on what commercial construction professionals should know—and do—when it comes to insuring their projects amid today’s ever-changing climate.

Rising building costs do not just make new construction more expensive, they also can put property and business owners at risk of having gaps in insurance coverage. As the price for materials and labor increases at unprecedented rates due to the pandemic and supply chain issues, it can have a significant impact on insurance because it is not possible to fix or rebuild property at pre-pandemic values with today’s higher construction costs. This means a business owner may not be made whole after a loss and could be in jeopardy of significant financial strain. That is why regular property valuation assessments are vital to ensure adequate limits are in place in case of a loss. Since the pandemic started, the cost for many building materials increased, and it is not just material that increased. Construction labor costs also jumped in 2021 due to labor shortages, consumer demand, supply chain issues and increases in the frequency and severity of catastrophic events.

Building Cost Increases Likely to Stay

The cost for certain building materials has dropped since its peak earlier in 2021. Lumber, for example, went from more than $1,600 per 1,000 board feet in May to $647 in September. Despite this, industry experts believe the costs will remain higher than in 2020 before the pandemic hit when lumber prices were around $400 per 1,000 board feet. From supply chain shortages to consumer damage due to storms and catastrophic events, many factors are affecting costs in the construction industry. This includes continued COVID-19 restrictions, resultant shipping disruptions and labor shortages in the trucking and longshoreman industries. These longer-lasting impacts on the rise in costs of construction materials could continue through the second half of 2022 and into 2023.

How Construction Cost Increases Affect Insurance

Because construction costs have increased, it can also mean that business owners may not have adequate insurance coverage. Therefore, if a business sustains property damage, they might only have coverage for part of the rebuild due to the higher priced materials. Shortages of skilled and unskilled labor in the roofing, plumbing and electrical trades are compounding prices and adding to the difficulty in acquiring materials and durable goods. This significantly affects the insurance industry’s response on claims and losses in construction and may hinder business recovery.

EST 2010

The best way to make sure a business is adequately insured is to know the property value. It is important for business owners to perform regular property valuation assessments,

Understanding Insurance to Value

The best way to make sure a business is adequately insured is to know the property value. It is important for business owners to perform regular property valuation assessments, known as insurance-to-value, which can give business and property owners peace of mind after a loss. If there is a major loss, the coverage amounts in a business’ policy might not be enough to cover replacement costs at today’s prices. Having an accurate assessment of the complete cost to replace the insured property can be the difference between recovering quickly or incurring additional loss from delays in repairs.

Help with Asset Valuation

For business owners, determining the value of assets is not always a fast and easy process, especially considering the price fluctuations with building materials and construction labor. However, having an insurance agent or broker work with an experienced insurance company can help alleviate any complicated situations. It is important to find risk engineering specialists that know the ins and outs of many industries. These specialists must understand the unique risks and challenges those businesses face and can work to help with the asset valuation process by providing important insights, which then can assist in establishing more accurate replacement values. Risk engineering professionals should be able to track replacement costs on a quarterly basis, and during times of more rapid cost fluctuations, they access several industry data sources that track material and component pricing. By using that data to assist in property replacement cost valuation, they can help make sure business owners have adequate insurance to property value and better protect their facilities. CCR

Scott McDonough is Head of Large Property at The Hartford. Scott has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry specializing in technical underwriting and portfolio management across multiple lines of business and geographies.

Kenneth Travers is Technical Manager – Property and Product Specialist for The Hartford. He has more than 43 years of experience in the risk engineering field developing and delivering loss control engineering services and assessment tools for complex businesses with a focus in natural catastrophe, business impact, supply chain and fire protection engineering applications.

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