Want to learn how it's done? We have a class for that!
Learn how to write your own contents estimates/invoices in this live 4-hour 1:1 Zoom training with Barb. You will learn about the 3 main phases of pack outs; appropriate line items; the importance of F9 notes; learning when to use SF, CF and LF; avoiding double-dipping and other red flags; and so much more.
If you have a current job that requires a written Xactimate estimate or invoice, we will use it as the basis of the training. You will start to write your first estimate in this training.
Include your whole team!
Coordinate with Barb to schedule a good time for the training.
Step 1
Purchase the Estimate Package
See options for Pack Out Estimates, Textile Estimates or Estimate Reviews
OUR SERVICES
Estimating
Xactimate Estimate Writing, Reviews & Training
With over 30 years' experience, Barb Jackson, CR will write your pre-estimates and invoices in Xactimate from info you provide from your initial walk through; write the final invoice; and/or do a review when you get push back.
Or have Barb show you how to write with 1:1 online live Estimating Training!
Step 2
Complete & Submit New Claim Form
After purchasing an estimate writing service, you will receive an intake form requesting all required job information, supporting documentation, photographs, and scope details.
The estimate process does not begin until the intake form is fully completed and submitted.
Incomplete information will delay turnaround times.
To ensure a smooth review process, all files must be submitted in formats that can be opened on a standard Windows PC. Accepted file formats include PDF, JPG, PNG, DOCX, XLSX, and ESX files
Here's how it works:
Step 4
Reviews & Revisions
Your estimate includes two review cycles, allowing you to provide feedback and request reasonable revisions.
Additional fees may apply for:
-
Extensive scope changes after estimate completion
-
Rewriting estimates to comply with a new carrier or program protocol
-
Custom pricing requests involving more than 20 line items
Rush Requests
"Help us, please!!!"
If you require an estimate faster than our standard turnaround time:
-
Submit the completed intake form with all supporting documentation.
-
Email your request directly to our team at customercare@totalcontentz.com or barb@totalcontentz.com (do no purchase through the website)
-
Send a text message to Barb immediately after submission so we can review availability as quickly as possible.
Rush estimates are:
-
Subject to current workload and availability
-
Not guaranteed
-
Billed at a separate rush rate
-
Paid in advance
-
Not available for purchase through the website
Step 3
The magic begins!
Once your intake form has been submitted, we will review the materials and respond within 24–48 business hours to confirm next steps or request any additional information needed.
After all required information has been received and confirmed, your estimate will be completed within:
24–48 business hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
You will receive:
-
Final Draft Report
-
ESX File
-
Supporting documentation, when applicable
More about Barb
(a.k.a. "The Queen of Contents")
Barb Jackson is the president of Total Contentz with over 30 years of experience in Contents Restoration. She began her restoration service business in Pittsburgh, PA in the 1990s. When writing estimates for her projects, she was so confident in their accuracy that she treated them as not-to-exceed invoices—often collecting advances or even full payment at the start of a job.
She personally walked and assessed every job site; identified complexities; calculated labor and supplies; and determined the scope of work and submitted a pre-estimate.
With a deep understanding of her team’s capabilities, she accurately estimated labor hours and ensured that production stayed on schedule and within budget, protecting her profit margins.
Now, she helps others do the same by leveraging tools they already use—such as CompanyCam, Contents Track, Encircle, and 360° virtual video software like Matterport and DocuSketch. By utilizing these technologies, she can virtually "walk the job" and provide accurate estimates. The higher the quality of photos and videos provided, the better and faster estimates can be generated.
I took Barb’s Contents Estimating course with 2 of our Project Managers and we cannot believe how much money we were losing BEFORE taking this course. AFTER taking her course and learning from her the fundamental line items, we now properly scope and price our jobs. Our jobs are profitable, and we could not thank her enough!
Chris Conover
C&B Complete Cleaning & Restoration