Claims to verify · Before you buy
How to verify owner hours and owner dependence
Published · Reviewed by The Diligence Standard Team · Updated
Reported weekly hours do not capture decisions, relationships, licenses or emergency availability. Build a task map from calendars, emails, approvals, employee interviews and operating records.
A realistic transaction story
The owner of a restoration company reported fifteen hours a week. He rarely visited job sites, but approved every estimate over $10,000, maintained insurer relationships and held the qualifying license. Replacing his visible hours did not replace his role.
What the evidence changed
The business was operationally dependent on a small number of high-value owner decisions.
What to check
- Write down the exact claim and who supplied it.
- Ask what was independently tested, by whom and under what scope.
- Map recurring tasks, exception decisions, relationships, credentials and the cost and time required to transfer each one.
- Translate any unresolved gap into cash, price, terms, timing or a decision not to proceed.