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Frequently Asked Questions

General Company Information
01 What is Prema Consulting Group, and what services do you provide?
Prema Consulting Group is a forensic engineering firm offering specialized consulting services in forensic investigations, building safety inspections, property assessments, and catastrophe response. We work with clients in industries including insurance, legal, real estate, and property management. Our services help address issues such as structural failures, property turnover assessments, and compliance with building regulations.

Prema Consulting Group is based in Tampa, Florida, and operates in the US with a southeastern focus and nationwide reach. We also maintain a strong presence in India, allowing us to deliver scalable solutions with global expertise.

Prema Consulting Group serves a broad range of sectors including insurance, legal, real estate, property management, and facilities maintenance. We specialize in forensic engineering, construction defect investigations, catastrophe response, facility condition assessments and building safety compliance services.
Prema Consulting Group sets itself apart through our commitment to precision, clarity, and results. We emphasize client trust by delivering tailored, comprehensive solutions that address the specific needs of each project. Our team combines a people-first approach with in-depth technical expertise, ensuring that every investigation is performed with rigor and care.

Prema Consulting Group provides services throughout the U.S., with a focus on the Southeastern region. We are experts in Florida’s building compliance and safety regulations and catastrophe response needs.

Our clients include attorneys, insurance carriers, third party administrators, property managers, property owners, real estate developers, and facilities managers. We work on a variety of projects, from construction defect investigations and forensic investigations to building safety and recertification inspections and catastrophe response inspections.
01 What is forensic engineering, and how does it differ from other types of engineering?

Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles to investigate and analyze failures, malfunctions, or performance issues in structures, materials, components, or systems. Unlike traditional engineering, which focuses on design, construction, and performance optimization, forensic engineering seeks to determine the root causes of problems after a failure has occurred. This analysis is often used to support legal claims, insurance investigations, or to guide design improvements and prevent similar failures in the future.

Prema Consulting Group specializes in structural failure analysis, construction defect investigations, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) system evaluations, and catastrophe response services. Our team provides detailed assessments for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and property management needs.

Prema ensures compliance by staying up to date with local, state, and federal building codes. Our engineers are trained in these regulations and conduct thorough reviews of building systems to ensure they meet safety standards. Our quality assurance process includes peer reviews, ensuring that each report is accurate and adheres to the latest industry standards.

A property condition assessment includes an evaluation of the building envelope (roofing, siding, windows), MEP systems, fire protection, and structural components. We identify potential issues, document any risks, and provide recommendations for repair or maintenance. This assessment is essential for property owners looking to protect their investments and prioritize immediate and future maintenance expenditures.

Construction defect investigations evaluate potential faults in building design, construction materials, or installation methods. They are often initiated when issues like water intrusion, structural instability, or MEP system malfunctions arise. These investigations help determine liability and often provide recommendations for remediation.

Prema Consulting Group uses advanced technologies as appropriate, such as infrared thermography, drone surveys, ground-penetrating radar, LiDAR scanning, and moisture mapping to conduct accurate, non-destructive investigations. We also leverage partnerships with testing laboratories when necessary.

Prema specializes in rapid catastrophe response. We deploy teams to assess storm, flood, earthquake, and other disaster-related damage. Our reports include detailed structural and environmental assessments, helping clients with insurance claims and recovery efforts.

Yes, Prema Consulting Group offers unbiased forensic engineering services that adhere strictly to the evidence. Our experts work with both plaintiffs and defense teams, providing impartial, fact-based findings that support legal proceedings.

Prema provides expert witnesses, detailed investigative reports, and demonstrative evidence (such as 3D models and animations) to help attorneys and insurance professionals understand the cause of a failure or dispute. Our focus is on presenting clear, reliable findings that stand up in court.

The timeline for a forensic investigation varies based on the complexity of the project. Small-scale assessments may be completed within less than two weeks, while more intricate investigations (such as those involving significant structural or MEP failures) may take several months. Prema prioritizes efficiency and communication, while ensuring thoroughness.

01 What does a standard property turnover and condition assessment service include?

A standard assessment includes a review of the building envelope (roof, siding, windows, doors), mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, fire protection systems, and the building’s structural integrity. Our team provides documentation of existing issues, risks, and a detailed report with maintenance and repair recommendations.

Our assessments cover the roofing system, windows, doors, siding, structural components, HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and fire protection systems. We evaluate both the current state of these systems and any potential risks that need addressing.

It’s recommended that property condition assessments be conducted at key milestones — typically during ownership transfer, major renovations, or every five to ten years for general maintenance. Some properties may require more frequent assessments based on their age, condition, or usage.

Prema’s engineers perform detailed inspections of MEP systems, examining key components such as HVAC equipment, wiring, and plumbing fixtures. We look for wear and tear, potential code violations, and system inefficiencies. Our goal is to help clients avoid costly failures through preventive maintenance.

Yes, after our assessment, Prema Consulting Group provides a comprehensive report that includes recommendations for repair, replacement, or maintenance. We also provide rough estimates for the costs and timelines of these repairs.

Our team uses advanced techniques like infrared thermography to detect leaks or insulation issues. We also evaluate the physical condition of roofing, siding, and windows to identify areas of concern, such as weather damage or material degradation.

01 What is a building milestone inspection, and when is it required in Florida?

A building milestone inspection is a structural evaluation mandated by Florida law for certain buildings once they reach 30 years of age. The inspection assesses load-bearing components like foundations, walls, and roofs to ensure ongoing safety.

While milestone inspections focus solely on structural integrity, building recertification inspections (required at 25 or 30 years, depending on the location) also include assessments of electrical systems, ensuring that all building components meet current safety standards.

Recertification inspections assess structural components, electrical systems, and overall safety conditions of the building. These inspections help identify risks, determine necessary repairs, and ensure compliance with local safety regulations.

Prema assists property owners by conducting thorough building safety inspections, compiling reports that meet Florida’s recertification requirements, and helping clients address any violations or repairs needed to ensure compliance.

Florida law requires that milestone inspections be completed by December 31 of the year the building turns 30 years old. After the initial inspection, recertification is required every 10 years thereafter.

Yes, Prema’s team is fully equipped to handle both structural and electrical inspections as part of the recertification process. Our experts ensure compliance with Florida’s building codes and safety standards.

01 How quickly can Prema respond to a disaster site after a catastrophe?

Prema Consulting Group can mobilize quickly after a catastrophe. We prioritize responsiveness, often deploying teams within 24-48 hours of receiving a request. Our nationwide network and strategic partnerships enable us to adapt to the scale of the disaster and provide immediate assistance. 

Prema’s catastrophe response services include:

  • Damage assessments and evaluations of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems.
  • Detailed origin and cause investigations for insurance and legal purposes.
  • Documentation of damage through advanced technologies like Lidar scans, infrared thermography, drone surveys, and moisture mapping.
  • Mitigation and scope of repair assessments to aid recovery planning.
  • Forensic reports that are tailored for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Prema handles a wide range of natural disasters or catastrophes, including:

  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Floods
  • Earthquakes
  • Wildfires
  • Ice dams and snow damage
  • Landslides

Each disaster type requires specialized evaluation, and we provide tailored services for structural and environmental damage assessments.

Yes, Prema specializes in providing forensic damage evaluations for insurance claims. We work closely with insurance professionals to document and assess the extent of damage, determine the root causes, and provide comprehensive reports that support claims resolution.

Prema utilizes a mix of photographic documentation, satellite imagery, drone imagery, and advanced scanning technologies like Lidar and infrared thermography to provide detailed, visual records of damage. We provide the level of documentation that is necessary to make our determinations with confidence. Our reports include clear, structured data to facilitate claim processing, legal assessments, and recovery planning.

01What roles are available at Prema Consulting Group?

Prema Consulting Group offers various roles, including:

  • Forensic Engineers (civil, structural, MEP)
  • Project Managers
  • Field Investigators
  • Administrative and client support roles

Check our Careers page for current job listings, including both full-time and contract opportunities.

To apply for a position, visit our Careers page and search for roles by location, department, or contract type. Each job listing includes an application portal where you can submit your resume and cover letter.

At Prema, we foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. We believe in the power of teamwork, where every voice matters. Our culture emphasizes continuous learning, growth, and client-first service, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about forensic engineering and making a difference to our clients and the public safety.

Prema offers a variety of career development opportunities, including:

  • Continuing education courses
  • Workshops and hands-on training
  • Professional certifications in engineering, construction, and forensic analysis.

Yes, Prema supports remote and flexible working arrangements, especially for employees whose roles do not require consistent on-site presence. We strive to create a balance between fieldwork and personal flexibility, enabling our team to manage their workload efficiently.

Our onboarding process is designed to integrate new hires quickly and effectively. It includes:

  • Initial training sessions
  • Team introductions
  • Access to our internal knowledge base for key resources and tools.

Engineers at Prema start as field engineers and can quickly advance to project leads and senior forensic experts. We emphasize skill development, and many of our engineers eventually lead large-scale investigations or cross-disciplinary teams.

01How do I submit an assignment to Prema Consulting Group?

Clients can submit an assignment through our online form on the website. You can also reach out directly via email (projects@premacg.com) or phone (866-33-PREMA (77362)) to discuss project specifics before submission. We are committed to streamlining the assignment process.

Our typical turnaround time for a standard forensic report is within 5 to 7 calendar days of the site visit, depending on the complexity of the assignment and the scope of the inspection. For more urgent needs, expedited services are available upon request.

Clients can communicate how they would like to be notified of project progress at the beginning of each project or as part of their profile and we can program our process to automatically tailor our communications to our clietnts’ preferences and provide transparency throughout the investigation process. Additionally the project coordinator, engineering manager and field manager are all fully equipped to provide real-time updates on each assignment they are assigned to if contacted by clients for any status updates. We are also developing a client portal to allow secure access to a client-specific dashboard allowing real-time updates that mimics what our project team utlizes every day!

Prema ensures clear and consistent communication with clients from the initial consultation to the final report. You can expect:

  • Progress updates
  • Site visit reports
  • Preliminary findings (if applicable)
  • Final comprehensive reports.

We will seek your input at the beginning of our client relationships as well as each unique project and tailor our communication based on your needs.

While we maintain client confidentiality, we can provide redacted report examples and testimony summaries upon request. You can also refer to client testimonials on our website for insights into our expertise and service quality.  Please email info@premacg.com or complete a contact form with specific requests.

For urgent inquiries, we recommend contacting us 24/7 via phone at 866-33-PREMA (77362). If you are submitting a new assignment please email attachments to projects@premacg.com or submit via our assignment form and explain the urgent nature of your timing and reference your message / conversation you had with our staff as applicable. Our team will prioritize urgent assignments and respond within the shortest possible timeframe.

01Does Prema work with subcontractors or partner with other firms?

Yes, Prema Consulting Group frequently partners with subcontractors (individual consultants and other firms) to complement our services. We work with a network of specialized consultants and technical experts to ensure every project is handled by the best professionals available.

We carefully vet our strategic partners based on their expertise, track record, and alignment with Prema’s values. We look for firms that share our commitment to accuracy, client satisfaction, and quality-driven results.

Yes, we encourage qualified firms to submit their company information, including services offered, experience, and team qualifications, through our contact us page on the website. We regularly review submissions for partnership opportunities.

Prema looks for engineers with:

  • Active professional engineering license(s)

  • A proven track record in forensic engineering or consulting

  • Experience with complex investigations and litigation support

  • A commitment to timely delivery and collaborative work ethic.

  • Responsive and clear communication

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