Mark Siegwald Debunks 5 Myths About Property Damage Claims That Cost You Time and Money

• Mark Siegwald, a Senior Consultant with Bower Building Consulting in Chicago, separates fact from fiction in restoration consulting.

The Myths That Drive Up Costs

Illinois, USA, Aug 18, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — After more than 24 years working across insurance adjusting, restoration, and consulting, Mark Siegwald has heard nearly every misconception about property damage claims. These myths do more than just confuse property owners. They delay recoveries, inflate costs, and sometimes leave damage unresolved.

“I’ve been the adjuster, I’ve worked in restoration, and now I consult. Each role teaches you something different. When you’ve seen a project from several perspectives, you stop looking for simple answers,” Siegwald said.

He now works with insurance carriers to assess major commercial and institutional losses caused by fires, floods, hurricanes, and mold. His role includes damage assessment, estimate auditing, contractor negotiations, and restoration oversight. Through that work, he has identified five myths that consistently mislead property owners and stakeholders.

Myth 1: All Restoration Companies Charge the Same Rates

Why people believe it: Many assume restoration work is standardized and that pricing is largely the same across vendors.

The fact: Pricing varies widely between contractors, and not all bids are based on the same scope of work or level of service. Some estimates include unnecessary steps or inflated unit costs.

“A lot of our work involves reviewing estimates, auditing pricing, comparing bids, and making sure repairs are being handled correctly. You want to avoid situations where work is either excessive or incomplete. The goal is to get properties restored properly and efficiently,” Siegwald explained.

Tip you can use today: Request itemized estimates from at least two vendors and compare line items, not just totals. Ask questions about any item you don’t understand.

Myth 2: Bigger Estimates Mean Better Repairs

Why people believe it: A higher bid can feel like a sign of thoroughness or quality.

The fact: A larger estimate does not guarantee better work. It may include unnecessary services, duplicate tasks, or inflated pricing.

“My goal isn’t to make a project bigger or smaller than necessary. It’s to make sure the repair plan accurately reflects the damage and supports a successful recovery,” said Siegwald.

Tip you can use today: Ask the contractor to explain why each service is needed. If they can’t justify it clearly, question whether it belongs in the scope.

Myth 3: You Should Always Accept the First Estimate

Why people believe it: After a disaster, people want to move fast and may assume the first responder knows best.

The fact: The first contractor on site is not always the best choice. Quick decisions without review can lead to overpayment or incomplete repairs.

Siegwald noted, “We’re seeing more complexity in nearly every major claim. The costs are higher, timelines are tighter, and there are often multiple parties involved. Insurance carriers want experienced professionals who can independently assess the damage and make sure the scope of work actually matches what’s needed.”

Tip you can use today: Take a day to review the estimate before signing. If time allows, get a second opinion from an independent consultant or another contractor.

Myth 4: Insurance Adjusters and Restoration Contractors Always Agree

Why people believe it: People often assume both parties are working toward the same goal and will naturally align.

The fact: Adjusters and contractors have different incentives. Adjusters work to control costs. Contractors want to maximize scope. Independent consultants help bridge that gap.

“You learn very quickly how important accuracy is. Every number matters. Every detail matters,” Siegwald said.

Tip you can use today: If there is a dispute between your adjuster and contractor, ask for a third-party review of the damage and scope before moving forward.

Myth 5: Once the Work Starts, Your Job Is Done

Why people believe it: Property owners often think hiring a contractor means they can step back entirely.

The fact: Oversight matters throughout the project. Without monitoring, work can drift from the agreed scope, timelines can slip, and quality can suffer.

“We’re there to make sure things are done correctly. Not overdone. Not underdone. Just done the right way,” Siegwald explained.

Tip you can use today: Schedule weekly check-ins with your contractor. Ask for progress photos and updates. Keep a copy of the original scope on hand to compare against what is actually being done.

If You Only Remember One Thing

Don’t assume every estimate is accurate or every contractor is equally qualified. Take time to compare bids, ask questions, and get independent input before committing to a scope of work. That simple step can save thousands of dollars and weeks of frustration.

Take Action Today

Share this list with a colleague, property manager, or friend who might face a claim in the future. Then pick one tip from this article and apply it the next time you review an estimate or hire a contractor. Small steps toward accountability lead to better outcomes.

About Mark Siegwald

Mark Siegwald is a Senior Consultant with Bower Building Consulting in Chicago. He has more than 24 years of experience in the insurance and restoration consulting industry, including roles as a claims adjuster with Kemper Insurance and Liberty Mutual and restoration leadership positions with Munters Corporation, Belfor USA, and Response Team 1. He holds multiple certifications including IICRC, ASD, Water Restoration Technician, AMRT, and AIC. His work focuses on damage assessment, estimate auditing, contractor negotiations, and restoration oversight for complex commercial and institutional losses.