Contents Estimate Training

Contents restoration estimates are typically the most confusing, least trusted and most challenged portion of a restoration project.  Avoid writing estimates which put up red flags with adjusters. Learn a straight-forward, transparent method to base your contents estimating on.  

• This 4-hour training session is offered via Zoom with Barb Jackson, CR

• Schedule at your convenience

• Include your entire team

• No travel expenses

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Successfully written estimates:

• Increase sales

• Speed up closure rates

• Decrease ALE - Additional Living Expenses

• Improve profit margins

• Build trust with insureds and adjusters

• Allow adjusters to set reserves

Learn a system that takes the guess work out of pack out estimates.   A method that can be easily adjusted based on the actual work performed, which can match the requirements of insurance carriers, TPA programs, & individual adjusters. 

When adjusters don't understand the pricing - they won't trust the estimate, they may not trust the contractor - and of course - they will push back on it.

• When is a pack out truly justified? What factors should be considered?

• "Time & Material" or "Line Item" Pricing - Is one better? Is one guaranteed to be less expensive for the insurance carrier?

• When is on-site storage the worst option?

• What value is there in identifying high value contents ASAP?

• When is the best time to decide on the level of pack back?

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Contractors- you may have seen your competitors win a bid based on a lower bottom line...only to see them submit supplements - which inflates the cost of the job in the long run.

Adjusters - you may have verbally agreed on a scope of work to be performed - was the delivered product as promised?

• Learn to understand the requirements of insurance carriers, programs and adjusters. High detail vs. very simple estimates.

• Overly complicated or too simplistic estimates - both can raise doubts.

• Success starts with a clearly defined scope AND an agreed upon estimate.

Learn how to:

• Progressively educate adjusters on contents restoration

• Perform a thorough walk through

• Offer exceptional customer service

• Assess type of damage

• Identify contents affected

• Inspect for hidden conditions

• Document, document, document

• Determine scope based on policy provisions (or limitations)

• Establish and maintain control of the job and job costs

• Manage expectations for all stake holders

• Write T&M and Line-Item Pricing

• Write clear opening statements

• Negotiate when there is limited coverage

• Protect yourself with Legal Contracts and Forms

• Set realistic expectations

• Use pre-estimating as a marketing tool and a way to get advance payments & set reserves

• Create contents estimates for on-site cleaning and pack outs

• Minimize push backs/price objections