Property-specific precision
The analysis follows the actual property rather than forcing every building into a standardized allocation model.
Cost segregation services
Maven’s flagship service
Detailed Engineering Cost Segregation Studies
Maven’s full detailed engineering cost segregation studies help commercial property owners, multifamily investors, self-storage operators, and portfolio managers identify opportunities to accelerate depreciation while maintaining clear supporting documentation.
Every study is completed by our in-house engineering and tax team-from property review and physical inspection through the final report, CPA coordination, and full audit protection.
Method
Detailed engineering
Delivery
In-house team
Inspection
Physical site visit
Protection
Full audit support
Study fundamentals
What Is a Full Detailed Engineering Cost Segregation Study?
A detailed engineering cost segregation study analyzes a property’s individual components and identifies costs that may qualify for shorter depreciation periods, including 5-, 7-, and 15-year asset classes. Depending on the property, that can include appliances, decorative fixtures, dedicated systems, parking areas, landscaping, and other qualifying assets.
The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Technique Guide recognizes multiple study approaches. Maven chooses a detailed engineering methodology because it connects the tax classification to property-specific records, inspection evidence, and supported cost analysis.
Residential rental and nonresidential real property are generally depreciated over 27.5 or 39 years. Reclassifying eligible components may move deductions forward, but the result depends on the property facts, placed-in-service date, ownership structure, and taxpayer circumstances.
Current planning note
Certain qualified property acquired after January 19, 2025 may be eligible for 100% bonus depreciation under current federal law. Eligibility and timing remain property- and taxpayer-specific.
Engineering analysis
Available cost records, plans, property details, and engineering methods are used to identify and value qualifying components.
Physical site inspection
An in-house Maven engineer documents the systems, finishes, equipment, and site improvements that shape the study.
Full audit protection
Maven stands behind the study methodology and supporting documentation if the work is questioned in an IRS examination.
Why detailed engineering matters
Why Property Owners Choose Engineering-Based Cost Segregation
Compared with a generic allocation, a detailed study ties the depreciation analysis to the building, its records, and the components observed at the property.
Comprehensive documentation
Itemized schedules and supporting workpapers give your CPA a clear record for implementing the depreciation changes.
Actionable tax planning
Shorter recovery periods may accelerate depreciation and improve near-term cash flow when the deductions fit your tax situation.
The Maven difference: the in-house engineer reviewing the property remains connected to the evidence used in the analysis and report.
Explore real studiesStudy process
How Maven’s Cost Segregation Study Process Works
The live page’s three-step process stays intact, but every stage now shows who performs the work and what the client receives.
01
Comprehensive property analysis
We begin with a focused property review led by Maven’s in-house engineering and tax team.
- Review acquisition, construction, improvement, and depreciation records
- Conduct a physical site inspection and document property components
- Confirm study scope, tax goals, and CPA coordination needs
02
Detailed engineering report preparation
The inspection evidence and available cost information are converted into an itemized engineering analysis.
- Assign values using actual costs or supported engineering estimates
- Classify assets under the applicable depreciation categories
- Complete engineering and tax quality review before delivery
03
Delivery, CPA implementation, and support
You receive a detailed report designed to be useful after delivery-not simply a technical document that sits on a shelf.
- Deliver the component-level schedules and report package
- Coordinate with your CPA on filing and implementation questions
- Provide full audit protection if the study is examined
Tax strategy consultation
Cost Segregation Tax Strategy with Sean Graham, CPA
Every property sits inside a larger tax picture. Sean Graham, CPA and Maven’s founder, helps clients frame the study around their property, placed-in-service timing, income profile, and existing depreciation history before the engineering work is finalized.
01
When cost segregation deductions may offset W-2 or other active income
02
How opportunity-zone timing may interact with the property strategy
03
Whether short-term-rental participation rules may affect deduction use
04
When Form 3115 may help correct depreciation without amending prior returns
Maven coordinates with your tax advisor; property-specific tax and legal decisions remain with you and your advisors.
Meet SeanOne Maven study standard
What Is Included in a Maven Cost Segregation Study?
Every Maven engagement follows one detailed engineering standard; the scope and fee are tailored to the property’s size, complexity, records, and reporting needs.
The deliverable is built for two audiences at once: the CPA implementing the tax treatment and the reviewer evaluating how the conclusions were reached.
01
In-house engineering from start to finish
Maven’s team manages the property review, inspection, analysis, quality control, and final report without passing the core work to an outsourced study provider.
02
A physical inspection of the property
The site visit documents the actual systems, finishes, equipment, and land improvements relevant to the analysis.
03
Component-level cost analysis
Qualifying property is identified and valued using available project records and supported engineering-estimate methods where necessary.
04
Detailed schedules for your CPA
The final package organizes reclassified assets and supporting information so your tax advisor can implement the results efficiently.
05
CPA coordination
Maven remains available to explain the study, answer methodology questions, and help your CPA connect the analysis to the return.
06
Full audit protection
If the study is questioned, Maven supports the methodology, calculations, documentation, and technical conclusions behind the report.
Transparent starting ranges
Cost Segregation Study Pricing and Property Complexity
Maven provides clear general ranges while recognizing that every property is different. The fee reflects the inspection, engineering analysis, available records, review, reporting, and support required for the engagement.
Scope file A
Smaller properties
$2,500 – $4,000
Physical inspectionAudit protection
A common range for detailed studies on properties such as smaller office buildings, multifamily rentals, and light industrial facilities.
Includes site inspection, component analysis, detailed reporting, and audit protection.
Scope file B
Large or complex properties and portfolios
$5,000 – $10,000+
Physical inspectionAudit protection
A common range for larger investments such as hotels, apartment communities, industrial properties, and multi-property engagements.
Final scope reflects size, complexity, available records, property count, and reporting needs.
These are general ranges, not fixed quotes. Final pricing depends on property type, size, complexity, location, records, portfolio scope, and requested timing.
Why Maven
Why Choose Maven for a Cost Segregation Study?
A cost segregation study is not only a calculation. It is a technical record your CPA must be able to use and Maven must be prepared to explain.
Our commitment is straightforward: understand the property, document the analysis, coordinate the tax implementation, and remain available after the report is delivered.
1
In-house expertise
Maven’s engineering and tax teams complete the study together, preserving continuity from inspection through report delivery.
2
Thorough documentation
The report is organized to show the property facts, engineering methods, cost allocations, classifications, and supporting schedules behind the result.
3
Tailored recommendations
A free Estimate of Benefits helps you review the potential opportunity before deciding whether the study makes economic sense for your property.
Detailed engineering study FAQs
Common questions about Maven’s engineering studies
Common questions about timelines, site visits, records, look-back studies, and how Maven’s engineering method compares with modeling-only approaches.
How long does a detailed engineering cost segregation study take?
Most studies are completed in a few weeks after we receive property records and complete the site inspection. Larger portfolios, properties with incomplete construction files, or look-back studies that require Form 3115 can take longer. We share a timeline with your Estimate of Benefits so you know what to expect before work begins.
Do you inspect every property in person?
Yes. A Maven detailed engineering study includes an on-site inspection by our in-house engineering team. Walking the property is how we document qualifying components-appliances, specialty electrical, decorative finishes, parking lots, landscaping, and more-that a paper review or modeling study can miss.
What records do I need to provide?
Closing statements, construction or renovation invoices, a depreciation schedule if the property is already in service, and basic property details (address, placed-in-service date, purchase price, and land vs. building split) are the most useful starting documents. If records are incomplete, our engineers still complete the study using field measurements and accepted costing methods.
Can a study cover a property I bought in a prior year?
Yes. If you placed a property in service in a prior year and have been depreciating it on a straight-line schedule, a detailed engineering study plus IRS Form 3115 can catch up missed depreciation in the current tax year without amending prior returns. Sean Graham, CPA, reviews look-back opportunities during the consultation.
How is a detailed engineering study different from a modeling study?
Modeling and sampling studies estimate asset classes from drawings or similar properties, without a full physical breakdown. A detailed engineering study uses site inspection, quantity takeoffs, and cost records to classify actual components. The IRS Audit Techniques Guide treats this engineering approach as the most reliable method, which is why Maven performs detailed engineering studies for every cost segregation engagement.
Is a detailed engineering study worthwhile for a smaller property?
It depends on purchase price, land allocation, and your tax situation-not a one-size-fits-all dollar cutoff. We start with a free Estimate of Benefits so you can see projected first-year deductions against the study fee. Smaller office buildings, light industrial spaces, and multifamily rentals commonly fall in the $2,500–$4,000 range; you only proceed if the projected benefit supports the investment.
Property-specific next step
Get a Property-Specific Cost Segregation Estimate
Share the property basics and Maven will prepare a free, no-obligation Estimate of Benefits so you can review the potential savings, study scope, and fee before moving forward.
Bonus-depreciation eligibility depends on the property, acquisition date, placed-in-service date, taxpayer circumstances, and applicable law. Consult your tax advisor regarding eligibility.