Michael M. Powell, P.E., MRSA, MRSR
Senior Property Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
Having testified as an expert witness, what’s the most challenging aspect of presenting property loss consulting findings in a way that resonates with judges and juries?
The most challenging aspect of presenting loss-specific information to judges/juries is to be relatable and succinct, without being overly scientific or using words that can be difficult to understand. Having expertise is one aspect of it, but articulation of that expertise in a way that resonates with the audience becomes one of the most important skills for a consultant (like myself).
What’s the most unusual cause of property damage you’ve ever investigated that caught everyone by surprise?
All experts have to fight off temptation of confirmation bias (tendency to search for or lean into information that points toward an initial set of assumptions or hypothesis that you had). I had a high profile mold evaluation where the source was believed to be poor envelope construction/maintenance, but my analysis showed the moisture was transported through the air (humidity) due to lack of use of the in-place HVAC equipment (the wetting at the windows was condensation on the glass panes).
If you could give property owners one piece of advice to protect themselves before a loss occurs, what would it be?
Preventative maintenance. Many intelligent people prior to me had unique and savvy ways of saying this, like Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Deferred maintenance and breakdown of the envelope for a building can cause large amounts of property damage, but cases I tend to see have occupant exposure scenarios where medical needs/treatments for mold-borne illness or decay of structural support members cause very large bills.
Background
Mr. Michael Powell holds a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structural/geotechnical design and analysis. He is a registered professional engineer in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
Mr. Powell’s professional experience includes property investigations on residential and commercial/industrial structures, including building subsidence assessments, roof damage assessments, moisture intrusion, flooring damage assessments (tile, wood, etc.), swimming pool failures, and storm-related damage. He has evaluated the plumbing systems (supply and waste) for breaches and adequacy of installation and designed remedial efforts required. His professional skills also include geotechnical investigations of residential, municipal, and commercial environments, and structural analysis. He has also completed investigations of construction defects, including stucco, windows and doors, building wrap/waterproofing, flashing, framing, roofing, and swimming pools.
Mr. Powell has prepared calculations for structural and geotechnical analysis and design; prepared construction plans, technical specifications, and bid documents; and inspected the shop fabrication and the field construction of structural concrete and steel components. He has performed structural assessments of distressed and damaged buildings, evaluated and analyzed building failures, evaluated and analyzed plumbing failures and associated repair scopes. Mr. Powell has also provided engineering consultations, mediation testimony, arbitration testimony, deposition testimony, and trial testimony.
Mr. Powell is also a LEED® Accredited Professional, which demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the “green building” certification process for building design, materials, construction, operation, and indoor air quality issued by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Mr. Powell is a state-certified Mold Inspector and Remediator, in which indoor air quality issues are assessed for potential contamination in residences, commercial buildings, and other facilities, and mitigation is designed/implemented. Mr. Powell has prepared construction plans, technical specifications, and bid documents, as well as provided engineering consultations and deposition testimony to attorneys.
Education and Certifications
- Civil Engineering, B.S.: Florida State University (2001)
- Registered Professional Engineer: Florida (#65674), Texas (#101747), and North Carolina (#050885)
- Board Certified Forensic Engineer
- Certified Indoor Air Quality Investigator: NAMP
- Licensed Mold Assessor: Florida (#MRSA1719)
- Licensed Mold Remediator: Florida (#MRSR2561)
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED® AP): USGBC
- Tile Roofing Institute Florida High Wind Installer Certification
- Certified Professional Inspector: (#NACHI21111815)
- Level I Thermographer
- Part 107 Pilot’s License Holder
- Memberships: Indoor Air Quality Association, National Society of Professional Engineers
- OSHA 10-hour Construction Program