Home
Data Assets
Total Component Estimating
Hazard Data
Flood Data

Data Assets

To ensure accuracy, we have dedicated a team of researchers monitoring the costs of labor, materials, and equipment for locations across North America. Every month, these experienced technicians gather costs for labor, building materials, and equipment used in the construction of homes, commercial buildings, and agricultural structures. Costs are gathered at the 5-digit ZIP and 6-character Canadian postal code level and are released to clients on a quarterly basis.

MSB’s Proven Research Methodology

MSB’s proven research methodology also considers the impact of five distinct knowledge areas upon building costs

• Historical research: determines replacement costs of homes built during various time periods.
• Regional research: involves the localization of relevant building codes and the impact of weather and local geographical influences on construction.
• Site research: surveys costs related to site access, debris removal, and general contractor soft costs.
• Style research: identifies building characteristics common to different building styles.
• Assembly research: determines the sets of materials, equipment, and labor crew size that make up the “assemblies” that allow MSB technology to calculate total-component estimates based upon units of measure specific to each component.
  

Powerful geocoding features in MSB’s estimating technologies automatically adjust for these knowledge areas to calculate reconstruction costs truly indicative of each individual home. 

Rigorous Validation for Reliable, Defendable Estimates

It is MSB’s unique data validation process that assures you will use MSB’s property insurance solutions with confidence.

• Plateline Studies: dedicates time and resources to study the difference between new construction and reconstruction by analyzing a database of total losses or “Platelines” for cost composition and system validation.
• Detailed Home Surveys: analyzes comprehensive home surveys performed by MSB’s outsourcing services, InterVue and InSpect.
• Independent Cost Research: MSB’s on-going and continuous process allows the delivery of consistent cost information at all levels of complexity.