Quoting a restoration project after a fire, flood, or storm is not like quoting a kitchen remodel. You are not just selling to the homeowner; you are selling to an insurance adjuster who needs the scope, materials, and labor in a format they understand. Get the structure wrong and you will spend weeks revising instead of working.
The Xactimate Language
Adjusters speak the language of Xactimate. Your line items should match standard industry codes and pricing. You do not need to buy Xactimate, but your estimate must be broken down the same way: exact square feet of drywall, linear feet of baseboard, and per-unit costs. Bundled items get cut from claims.
The Power of the Photo Scope
In restoration, photos are leverage. A clear shot of a damaged subfloor or a hidden water stain is worth more than a long paragraph. Attach photos directly to the line items they support. When an adjuster can see the damage tied to the number, it is harder for them to cut it.
The Supplement Strategy
Restoration jobs almost always reveal hidden damage once work starts. Document the new findings immediately and submit a supplement to the claim. Never do extra work without writing it up first — that is how restoration contractors eat costs.
Insurance Estimate Checklist
- Break every line item into the smallest reasonable unit.
- Match descriptions and codes to industry-standard pricing.
- Attach a photo to every item an adjuster might question.
- Write a short narrative summary of the loss and repair plan.
- Document hidden damage and submit supplements immediately.
Insurance work rewards detail and documentation. Speak the adjuster's language, tie photos to line items, and supplement anything hidden. Get those habits right and your claims will move faster — and your margins will survive. For general estimating discipline, use our estimate checklist as a backup.