About Us
Introduction
With over 30 years of experience in building science, insurance restoration, and water intrusion investigations, Mike Cosley has established himself as an industry leader in diagnosing and solving complex building issues. His expertise spans across residential, commercial, and industrial properties, where he applies his in-depth knowledge of building systems and material degradation.
Expert knowledge in multiple industry standards, including IICRC S500, S520, and S700
Mike is proficient in the application of multiple industry standards, including the IICRC S500 (Water Damage Restoration), S520 (Mold Remediation), and S700 (Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration). His adherence to these standards ensures that every project he undertakes meets the highest level of technical precision, safety, and professionalism. Through his forensic investigations, consulting services, and expert witness testimony, Mike helps clients resolve construction defect disputes, insurance claims, and restoration challenges with integrity and technical excellence.
Mike Cosley
Professional Background
Mike Cosley brings over 30 years of expertise in engineering, construction, and restoration to his consulting practice. He began his career with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, where he also earned All American Honors in Boxing, graduating in 1983. Following his graduation, Mike served as a project manager for the NAVSTAR/GPS satellite program, where he oversaw the construction of remote tracking stations worldwide. During his time in the U.S. Air Force, Mike demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical skills, managing multi-million dollar projects across Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States.
In 1988, Mike transitioned from military service to entrepreneurship, founding American Craftsman, a company initially focused on residential and commercial remodeling. His career took a pivotal turn in 1994, following the Northridge Earthquake, when he was introduced to the insurance restoration industry.
Leveraging his engineering expertise and hands-on experience, Mike quickly became an expert in water and fire damage restoration, structural drying, and microbial contamination.
Under his leadership, American Craftsman Restoration, operating as a C Corporation under the name Americraft Constructors Inc., grew into a respected leader in the insurance restoration industry. Mike’s commitment to technical excellence and his ability to navigate complex insurance claims helped the company expand its services and revenue.
In 1997, Mike began accepting consulting assignments, specializing in water intrusion investigations, mold remediation, and insurance claims disputes. His technical knowledge, combined with his extensive hands-on experience, positioned him as a sought-after consultant in the building science field. In 2002, he founded Construction Defect Forensics (CDF), where he continues to provide expert consulting, forensic investigations, and expert witness services.
Mike’s career is marked by a dedication to technical precision, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping clients resolve complex building science and insurance-related challenges.
Certifications & Expertise
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, Mike Cosley has built an extensive portfolio of certifications that showcase his expertise in building science, restoration, and environmental consulting:
Board Certified Indoor
Environmental Consultant (IEC)
Certified to assess and manage indoor environmental issues, including mold and microbial contamination, ensuring healthy and safe indoor spaces.
Board Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC)
Specializes in the investigation and remediation of microbial contamination in buildings, with a focus on mold and moisture-related issues.
Certified Restorer (RIA)
A prestigious designation awarded for advanced knowledge and skills in restoring properties affected by fire, water, and smoke damage.
Certified Appraiser & Umpire (IAUA)
Certified to act as a neutral party in insurance claim disputes, providing fair and unbiased appraisals and umpire services.
Certified Building Sciences Thermographer
Proficient in utilizing infrared thermography to diagnose building envelope problems such as water intrusion, heat loss, and structural anomalies.
Certified Level 1 Infrared Thermographer
Expertise in the use of thermal imaging technology for detecting hidden moisture, energy loss, and other building performance issues.
Certified Commercial Drying Specialist (IICRC)
Specializes in the drying of large commercial buildings after water damage, ensuring proper techniques and industry standards are followed.
Certified Water Damage Restoration Technician (IICRC)
Expert in the procedures and protocols for restoring properties damaged by water, including moisture measurement and structural drying.
Certified Fire and Smoke Odor Restoration Technician (IICRC)
Qualified to remove smoke odors and restore properties affected by fire, ensuring thorough cleaning and deodorization.
industry standards (IICRC S500, S520, and S700)
Mike Cosley adheres to the highest industry standards in water damage restoration, mold remediation, and fire and smoke damage restoration, as outlined by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). His commitment to these standards ensures that every project he undertakes is executed with precision, safety, and professionalism.
IICRC S500: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration
The IICRC S500 provides a comprehensive guide to handling water damage in residential, commercial, and institutional settings. Mike applies these guidelines to ensure that all water damage restoration projects follow industry best practices. This includes proper moisture measurement, structural drying, and microbial prevention techniques. By adhering to the S500, Mike ensures that water intrusion is managed in a way that prevents long-term damage and health risks.
IICRC S520:
Standard for Professional Mold Remediation
The S520 is the authoritative standard for mold remediation in various types of structures. Mike applies the S520’s principles in identifying, containing, and remediating mold in water-damaged buildings. His expertise in microbial contamination, combined with the S520’s rigorous procedural guidelines, ensures safe and thorough mold removal. This standard also covers health and safety precautions, essential to protecting both occupants and workers during remediation efforts.
IICRC S700: Standard for Professional Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
The S700 outlines the procedures for restoring structures and personal property affected by fire and smoke damage. Mike integrates these standards into his fire restoration work by focusing on the detailed removal of smoke residue, odor control, and the restoration of both structural materials and personal property. His use of the S700 standard ensures that fire and smoke damage are handled systematically, restoring properties to pre-loss condition in accordance with industry standards.
Mission Statement
At Construction Defect Forensics, our mission is to provide expert, unbiased analysis and consulting services in building science, water intrusion, and insurance claims. With over three decades of experience, we are committed to delivering technical excellence, integrity, and clarity in every project. We strive to empower homeowners, attorneys, and insurance professionals with actionable insights that resolve disputes, ensure compliance with industry standards, and promote the long-term durability of structures. Our goal is to foster trust and advocate for fair, evidence-based outcomes in every assignment.
