One of the keys to the success and credibility of a substantial damage determination program is to ensure consistency in the way that substantial damage determinations are made.

Every community is different, but officials who perform substantial damage assessments should communicate and coordinate frequently.

It is also recommended that a community selects a single, defensible method for determining building value and require all substantial damage assessors to employ this same methodology so that all structures are consistently assessed using the same criteria.

It should also be noted that it is OK for substantial damage determinations to be revised based on additional information gathered later, such as from a certified appraiser. Substantial damage determinations are based on estimates, and the property owner has a right to appeal them if more accurate information can be provided.

Finally, it is recommended that all substantial damage assessments be reviewed and quality controlled before they are finalized. Taking photographs while in the field can help facilitate this review process and avoid cases where substantial damage assessments include inaccurate information.