Contractors

If you are a contractor and looking for our help to estimate or handle an insurance job please contact us and follow the steps below. We are here to help you get the most for your clients.

Inspection Process

During an inspection specific items are needed by the contractor for the insurance to accept an estiamte. Some of the most important items are accurate measurements and diagrams of the property, proof of what was damaged, and a detailed itemized estimate of what building back the property looks like. It is your responsibility to give us this vital information, so that we can provide you with the best service.

Make sure to have your tools to measure, sketch and photograph ready. We recommend a laser tape measure, regular tape measure and a level to inspect. We also recommend using graph paper, and at least 3 different colored pens/pencils to sketch the property. You can use your smart phone or a camera to photograph the property.

The Sketch

  1. You need to provide us a detailed sketch of the affected area. It is highly recommended to measure out and sketch anywhere else that the work may expand to. Just because the hardwood floor is seems to only be damaged in the kitchen, you should still measure and sketch any of the hardwood floor in the dining room, hallways and anywhere else it continues into will need to have accurate measurements to restore the property.

  2. When in doubt sketch the entire level.

  3. Don’t skimp on details, get measurements and diagrams that are accurate and legible. This takes time, so be patient. If we cant read what you wrote or see the details of the space, an accurate estimate can not be provided. If your elementary school teacher would fail you for your handwriting we will too and cannot provide an accurate estimate.

  4. Take measurements and notes for each room. If only a portion of the wall is replacing the baseboards or a 2’ flood cut of drywall then measure those out and put in a note section of the sketch.

Proof of Damages 

  1. This is the time to take photos with the fancy brick in your pocket called a phone. Be prepared; that means clean the lens, keep your hand out of the way and make sure the lights are on! Think about what is damaged and what we and the insurance company, who are not on sight need to see what is damaged. Please remember to keep these items in focus!

  2. Take overview photos. That means a photo from each corner of the room/hallway/space facing the opposite corner. These are the most important photos.

  3. If there are any details that need special consideration, take at least 2 photos from different angles showing it.

  4. When in doubt take an extra photo!

  5. All the above will be used in the estimate creation and may be submitted to the insurance as proof of damages.

  6. If you want to make sure nothing is missed, at the end of the photo shoot take a video. Make sure the house lights are on and there is sufficient lighting. Turn on video record with audio and walk through the damaged area stating what room you are in, then pointing out what is damaged and stating what needs to be repaired. Think of this video and commentary as explaining to your customer what needs to be replaced and done to restore the property.

The Estimate 

  1. This is where we provide the service of creating a detailed estimate using online database pricing. We take your sketch and create an accurate representation of the damaged property, add itemized line items to restore the property to previous condition (using our adjuster experience) and provide photos showing the damages.

  2. NOTE: Insurance pays to restore the property to previous condition with like kind and quality. This does not mean an exact match if materials are not available, any upgrades the contractor may promise or additions to the property. This gives some leeway in estimating.

Supplements

  1. If during work, there is damage that was not accounted for in the estimate, we will happily help in supplementing the estimate.

    • EX: If tearing up the flooring showed the subfloor was damaged, we can help supplement the estimate.

  2. Remember, take photos. If there is no proof it was damaged, then there is nothing us or the insurance can do to help restore the property.

Negotiate with Insurance 

It is uncommon for both our estimate and the insurance estimate to match. However, we negotiate with the insurance to come to a satisfactory conclusion. This is a give and take between us and the insurance. However, we have rarely failed to raise an insurance claim estimate in value.

We Expect:

  1. Understanding in the process and time frame.

    1. Negotiating with insurance can take time and be difficult. Estimating for very large or commercial jobs can be difficult.

  2. To keep you up to date on major changes.

  3. Payment once satisfactory negotiations have ended, regardless of completion status of the buildback.

We do Not:

  1. Collect payments from your clients.

  2. Collect payments from isnurance.

  3. Physically inspect the property.

  4. Run scientific analysis such as ITEL.

  5. Above are your responsibility, if need arises.