ABOUT US
CONTACT USAPPRAISAL RESOLUTION
Appraisal Resolution was founded to help resolve disputes over the amount of a covered loss on property insurance claims.
We serve as an independent property insurance appraiser and umpire for both policyholders and insurance carriers, working nationwide from our base in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Our work covers all perils, including fire, smoke, water, hail, wind, hurricane, and business interruption.
Appraisal is a contract based process for resolving disagreements over the amount of a covered loss, and it works best when it is handled without bias. Every engagement we accept is approached the same way: each dispute is unique, deserves careful study, and should end with all parties treated fairly, reasonably, and with respect.
Thank you for learning more about Appraisal Resolution. If you have questions about the appraisal process, please reach out to us any time.
Fair and reasonable is more than a tagline here, it is how every file is handled. We are not public adjusters and we do not advocate for either party. We do not investigate or determine coverage. Engagements are accepted from policyholders, carriers, public adjusters, attorneys, and contractors, and every file is approached with strict neutrality, full independence, and no financial interest in the outcome of any award.
Both sides receive the same level of access, the same questions, and the same time and attention. Where the parties or appraisers reach agreement, that agreement is honored. Where they disagree, we form our own independent opinion based on what the building, the damage, the documentation, and the applicable construction and industry standards actually support. The goal on every file is a fair, accurate, and well documented determination of the amount of loss.
Appraisers on both sides of disputes also regularly retain Appraisal Resolution for umpire work, knowing each file receives the same preparation, the same technical scrutiny, and the same impartial treatment regardless of who made the appointment.
MEET RUSS LIS
President, Appraisal Resolution
Russ Lis has worked in the construction industry since 2003, inspecting, building, and remodeling residential and commercial properties. He began his career as a project manager for the largest homebuilder in the United States, where he assisted in building more than two hundred single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, and he has since overseen repairs and restoration on thousands of properties affected by hail, wind, water, smoke, and fire damage across diverse property types and geographic locations.
His background also includes leadership roles with the largest homeowners association property management company in the Twin Cities, where he served as a property manager, a national consultant to banks and financial institutions, and vice president in charge of business development, developing forensic accounting reports, building assessments, pro formas, and deferred maintenance budgets along the way.
Russ holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Stout and a Master’s degree from Ashford University. His continued professional development includes the State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry five day Building Official Seminar, manufacturer plant tours and technical training with leading building product manufacturers, and consistent participation in industry seminars. He treats continuous learning as a permanent part of the profession: the moment you stop learning is the moment you stop serving your clients at the highest level.
Today Russ works as a property insurance appraiser and umpire nationwide, experienced with Xactimate and other estimating platforms and methods. He also leads a Twin Cities construction company, operated as a separate entity from the appraisal practice, focused on roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and storm damage restoration, which keeps his damage assessments grounded in current, real world repair costs.
His approach is the same on every file: strict neutrality, full independence, and no financial interest in the outcome of any award. Both sides receive the same level of access, the same questions, and the same time and attention. Where parties agree, that agreement is honored. Where they disagree, the decision is based on what the building, the damage, the documentation, and the applicable construction and industry standards actually support.
“I enjoy meeting people of all backgrounds and am continually learning. This is an industry where disagreements happen often, but something can be learned from every appraisal you work on, not only from the other appraiser, who you may agree or disagree with, but from the excellent umpires and mentors I have been very fortunate to have.”
— Russ Lis
At a Glance
In the construction industry since 2003
Thousands of properties restored after hail, wind, water, smoke, and fire
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin Stout
Master’s degree, Ashford University
Experienced with Xactimate and other estimating methods
Independent appraiser and umpire, nationwide
Based in Prior Lake, Minnesota
Licenses, Certifications, and Designations
Appraisal and Umpire Credentials
IAUA Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association Certified Property Insurance Appraiser, CPIA
IAUA Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association Certified Property Insurance Umpire, CPIU
P.L.A.N. Property Loss Appraisal Network Certified Property Loss Appraiser, CPLA
P.L.A.N. Property Loss Appraisal Network Certified Property Loss Umpire, CPLU
State of Iowa Licensed Appraiser, IOWA 21623895
State of Iowa Licensed Umpire, IOWA 21623895
WIND Windstorm Insurance Network Appraiser
WIND Windstorm Insurance Network Umpire
Roofing and Exterior
HAAG Certified Commercial Inspector
HAAG Certified Residential Inspector
Building Experts Institute Roofing Shingle Assessor
CertainTeed Roofing Certification
Owens Corning Roofing Certification
Low Slope Roofing Certification, UW Stout
Metal Roofing Certification, UW Madison
FGIA Certified Window and Door Installer
Lomanco Attic Ventilation Certification
Vinyl Siding Institute Training
Associations and Leadership
Minnesota Insurance Alliance Member
Community Associations Institute Board of Directors
CAI Legislative Action Committee
CAI Association Management Specialist, AMS
CAI Certified Manager of Community Associations, CMCA
CAI Courses M100 Through M206
NOAA Metro SkyWarn Severe Storm Spotter
Professional Licensure
General Contractor License, Minnesota
General Contractor License, Wisconsin
Realtor License, Minnesota
Realtor License, Wisconsin
Lead Based Paint Federal, Company and Individual
Lead Based Paint Wisconsin, Company and Individual
Education
Bachelor of Science, University of Wisconsin Stout
Master’s Degree, Ashford University
Minnesota DOLI Five Day Building Official Seminar
Manufacturer Plant Tours and Technical Training
Ongoing Industry Seminars and Peer Collaboration
Restoration and Drying
IICRC Water Damage Restoration
IICRC Applied Structural Drying
IICRC Fire and Smoke Restoration
RSA Fire Restoration 151 Certification
Hydro Lab Water, Fire, and Advanced Drying Techniques
The credentials, licenses, certifications, training, and memberships listed above represent credentials obtained throughout Russ’s career and are not an exhaustive listing. Some may be pending, inactive, or in renewal status at any given time. A complete listing is included on his CV, and questions regarding the current status of a specific credential are welcome by phone or email.
Please be advised: the information on this website is for general purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The insurance policy and any applicable state statutes govern the appraisal process. As an independent appraiser and umpire, Appraisal Resolution does not advocate for either side of a dispute. If you have specific questions, we suggest you consult with an attorney.