Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

The  Construction & Insurance Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and detailed estimates for residential and commercial construction, remodeling, repair, and insurance restoration projects. This position evaluates project scope, determines labor and material requirements, prepares estimates using  Xactimate , communicates with insurance carriers and adjusters when necessary, and helps ensure projects are properly scoped, documented, and priced.

A strong understanding of  insurance restoration estimating and Xactimate is an important part of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed estimates for residential and commercial construction, remodeling, restoration, and repair projects.
• Prepare insurance restoration estimates using  Xactimate estimating software .
• Review insurance scopes, adjuster estimates, loss documentation, photos, measurements, and supporting documentation.
• Conduct job-site inspections to evaluate damages, take measurements, document existing conditions, and determine the appropriate scope of work.
• Create detailed scopes for water, fire, storm, and other property damage restoration projects.
• Accurately apply appropriate  Xactimate line items, quantities, measurements, labor, materials, equipment, and supporting documentation .
• Review carrier or adjuster estimates and identify missing, incorrect, or under-scoped items when applicable.
• Prepare estimate revisions and supplements when additional damage, work, or necessary items are identified.
• Provide photographs, measurements, invoices, subcontractor quotes, documentation, and other information necessary to support estimates and supplements.
• Communicate professionally with insurance adjusters, carriers, property owners, project managers, subcontractors, and other parties regarding estimate and scope questions.
• Maintain detailed documentation of communications, estimate revisions, approvals, supplements, and project changes.
• Review project plans, drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and other available project information.
• Perform material quantity takeoffs and determine anticipated labor requirements.
• Obtain and review pricing from suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Prepare detailed estimates that account for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, permits, overhead, profit, and other applicable project expenses.
• Identify missing scope items, potential cost issues, and project risks before work begins.
• Prepare and price change orders when the project scope changes.
• Maintain organized estimating files, including photos, measurements, estimates, proposals, invoices, quotes, and supporting documentation.
• Work closely with project managers and field personnel to ensure the estimated scope matches the work being completed.
• Compare estimated costs with actual project costs to improve future estimating accuracy and profitability.
• Complete estimates, revisions, and supplements within established deadlines.
• Maintain current knowledge of construction methods, restoration practices, material pricing, labor costs, and insurance estimating procedures.

Xactimate & Insurance Estimating Responsibilities:

The estimator should have experience working with  Xactimate and understand how to develop complete insurance restoration estimates from initial inspection through final approval.

Responsibilities may include creating sketches and measurements, selecting appropriate Xactimate line items, writing detailed line-item notes, attaching supporting documentation, reviewing adjuster estimates, preparing supplements, and documenting why additional work or costs are necessary.

The estimator should be comfortable communicating with insurance adjusters and other representatives regarding differences in scope and pricing while maintaining accurate documentation throughout the claim and restoration process.

Position Expectations:

The Construction & Insurance Estimator must be highly detail-oriented, organized, and capable of evaluating a project from both a construction and financial perspective.

Estimates should be accurate, thorough, properly documented, and defensible. The estimator is expected to identify items that could affect the cost or scope of a project before work begins and communicate those concerns to management and the project team.

For insurance restoration projects, the estimator should understand that proper documentation is essential. Photos, measurements, notes, invoices, subcontractor estimates, and other supporting information should be maintained to support the estimated scope and any supplements submitted.

Typical Requirements:

• Previous insurance restoration estimating experience preferred.
• Experience using Xactimate estimating software strongly preferred.
• Experience preparing insurance estimates and supplements.
• Understanding of property damage restoration and insurance claim estimating processes.
• Knowledge of water, fire, storm, and other property damage restoration work preferred.
• Previous construction, estimating, restoration, or project-management experience.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial construction methods and materials.
• Ability to read construction plans, drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Strong mathematical, measurement, and material takeoff skills.
• Strong computer skills and ability to use estimating and project-management software.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, insurance adjusters, subcontractors, suppliers, and coworkers.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, claims, supplements, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project locations for inspections and measurements as needed.