How to Succeed as a Remote Xactimate Estimator: Tips and Tricks

How to Succeed as a Remote Xactimate Estimator: Tips and Tricks

Xactimate estimators are professionals who use specialized software to create detailed cost estimates for construction projects. These estimates take into account the cost of materials, labor, and other expenses associated with a project, and are used by contractors to bid on and plan for construction jobs.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards remote work in the Restoration estimating field. With advances in technology and communication, it is now possible for estimators to work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a reliable internet connection and the necessary tools and resources.

The focus of this blog post is to provide tips and tricks for succeeding as a remote Xactimate estimator. We will cover topics such as setting up a productive home office, maintaining strong communication and collaboration, and staying motivated and productive. By following these guidelines, you can build a successful career as a remote Xactimate estimator, no matter where you are located.

Setting up a productive home office

One of the key components of succeeding as a remote Xactimate estimator is having a dedicated workspace at home. This could be a spare room or a designated area within a shared space, such as a living room or kitchen.

To create an ergonomic and organized home office, consider the following tips:

  • Invest in a comfortable and adjustable chair to prevent back and neck strain
  • Make sure your desk and computer setup are at the proper height to prevent eye strain and wrist discomfort
  • Keep your workspace free of clutter and distractions
  • Consider adding plants or other natural elements to your office to improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere

In addition to physical comfort and organization, there are certain tools and technologies that can help make remote work more efficient. These may include:

  • A high-quality computer and fast internet connection
  • A reliable backup system, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service
  • Communication and collaboration tools, such as video conferencing software and project management platforms
  • A virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data and maintain privacy while working online

By setting up a productive home office and investing in the right tools and technologies, you can create a comfortable and efficient work environment that enables you to be more effective as a remote Xactimate estimator.

Maintaining strong communication and collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are crucial for success as a remote Xactimate estimator. Here are some tips for staying in touch with team members and clients:

  • Set regular check-ins with your team and clients, whether through phone calls, video conferences, or email updates
  • Use project management software to keep track of tasks and deadlines, and to share progress updates with your team
  • Keep an open-door policy by making yourself available for communication during business hours, even if you are working remotely
  • Use video conferencing software to have face-to-face meetings and discussions, as this can help to build stronger professional relationships and improve communication

To effectively collaborate with your team, consider the following best practices:

  • Set clear expectations and guidelines for communication and collaboration
  • Use shared documents and project management software to ensure that everyone has access to the same information and can contribute to projects in real-time
  • Encourage open and honest communication, and be open to feedback and suggestions from team members
  • Encourage team members to work together and help each other out, even if they are not in the same physical location

By maintaining strong communication and collaboration, you can ensure that your team is aligned and working towards common goals, which is essential for success as a remote Xactimate estimator.

Staying motivated and productive

Remote work can have its challenges, and one of the biggest challenges is staying motivated and productive. Here are some strategies for setting and achieving goals as a remote Xactimate estimator:

  • Set clear and specific goals for yourself, and break them down into smaller, achievable tasks
  • Use a planner or project management software to track your progress and stay on track
  • Create a schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible
  • Take regular breaks to rest and recharge, and make time for activities that you enjoy
  • Find ways to stay engaged and motivated, such as joining professional organizations or networking with other estimators in your field

To maintain a healthy work-life balance as a remote Xactimate estimator, consider the following tips:

  • Set boundaries between work and personal time, and respect those boundaries
  • Make time for self-care, such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation
  • Take advantage of the flexibility of remote work by scheduling time off and vacations when it is convenient for you
  • Find ways to stay connected with friends and family, even if you are not physically present with them

By staying motivated and productive, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you can build a successful and fulfilling career as a remote Xactimate estimator.

In this blog post, we have covered several key tips and tricks for succeeding as a remote Xactimate estimator. These include setting up a productive home office, maintaining strong communication and collaboration, and staying motivated and productive. By following these guidelines, you can build a successful career as a remote Xactimate estimator, no matter where you are located.

We encourage you to try out these tips and see how they work for you. With the right tools and mindset, you can overcome the challenges of remote work and achieve great success as a remote Xactimate estimator.

As the trend towards remote work continues to grow in the construction industry, we believe that the future is bright for remote Xactimate estimators. With the right skills and approach, you can build a fulfilling and lucrative career in this field, no matter where you are located.

Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones

Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones

 

Protect Your Home from the Dangers of House Fires

The Most Common Causes of House Fires

  1. Cooking: Unattended cooking is a leading cause of house fires. It is important to stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stovetop. Keep flammable materials, such as oven mitts and towels, away from the stove. Make sure to pay attention to what you are cooking, and if you need to step away for any reason, turn off the stove or oven. It is also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of any accidental fires.
  2. Heating: Improper use of heating equipment, such as wood stoves and space heaters, can also cause house fires. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and keep flammable materials at a safe distance. If you are using a wood stove, make sure that the chimney is clean and in good repair to prevent a chimney fire. It is also important to turn off space heaters when they are not in use or when you are not in the room with them.
  3. Electrical: Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or overloaded outlets, can also cause house fires. Make sure to use proper electrical outlets and extension cords, and have your wiring checked regularly by a professional. If you notice any flickering lights or outlets that are hot to the touch, it is important to have them checked out as soon as possible to prevent a potential fire.
  4. Smoking: Smoking is another leading cause of house fires. It is important to properly extinguish cigarettes and to never smoke in bed or while drowsy. It is also a good idea to designate a specific outdoor area for smoking to reduce the risk of a fire inside the home.
  5. Candles: Candles should always be used with caution. Make sure to keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. If you are using candles, it is a good idea to blow them out before going to bed or leaving the room.

Other Potential Risks

In addition to the common causes of house fires listed above, there are also other potential risks to be aware of. For example, leaving appliances, such as a toaster or iron, on and unattended can be a fire hazard. It is important to turn off and unplug appliances when they are not in use.

Another potential risk is hoarding, which can create cluttered and hazardous living conditions. If you or someone you know struggles with hoarding, it is important to seek help and take steps to declutter and organize the living space to reduce the risk of a fire.

It is also important to be aware of the potential for natural disasters, such as wildfires and lightning strikes, to cause house fires. If you live in an area at risk for these types of disasters, it is a good idea to have a plan in place and to take steps to protect your home. This can include trimming trees and vegetation around the property, installing lightning rods, and having a supply of sand or fire retardant on hand to use in case of a wildfire.

Protecting Your Home and Loved Ones

The average cost per fire incident in the United States is $35,000, according to the NFPA. However, this figure only represents the direct property damages caused by the fire. It does not include indirect costs such as temporary housing, loss of income, or the emotional toll of experiencing a fire. The emotional impact of a house fire can be significant, and it is important to take care of your mental health and seek support if needed.

Tips for Fire Prevention

  • Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and in each bedroom
  • Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it
  • Create and practice an evacuation plan with your family
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking, especially when using the stovetop
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use when using heating equipment
  • Have your wiring checked regularly by a professional
  • Properly extinguish cigarettes and never smoke in bed or while drowsy
  • Use candles with caution and never leave them unattended
  • Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use
  • Seek help and declutter if you or someone you know struggles with hoarding
  • Take steps to protect your home from natural disasters, such as trimming trees and vegetation and installing lightning rods

By following these tips and being aware of the common causes of house fires, you can help protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of house fires.

 

CONTRACTORS: Get Paid in FULL

CONTRACTORS: Get Paid in FULL

You did the job. You hired the guys. You put in the sweat and tears. Now the insurance company wants to cut you a deal. Wait a second. A deal for who?

Don’t back down. The insurance companies are all bark. If you stand your ground, they will be forced to pay you in full.

Still don’t know how? Well, first you have to pull on your big boy pants. Don’t think you can? We can certainly do it for you. Our pants are big, indeed.

You can roll over and show your belly. You can take the offered 80%. Before you do that, think of how that will affect all of us. The insurance company gets used to screwing the little guy.

We want you to take the third option. We want you to fight back.

Are you ready?

STEP ONE: Set the tone and proper expectations.

The insurance company doesn’t want to pay you in full. Everybody knows that. To think otherwise is just crazy talk.

Out of the gate, they’ll try to pay you less. Here is an example of the types of emails I exchange with insurance companies all the time.

They are quick to throw the first punch.

“Your case is under review” they say. That’s all fine and good. You can review the case as much as you want, but you still need to pay the invoice.

This is not a negotiation. If they want to negotiate, they can take it to court. We know full-well that we would win a case if it went to trial. Properly documented losses never go to trial.

Xactimate shows in detail all the work that was done, along with what that work is worth.

There’s a term for this. It’s an “open and shut case.”

Your first email back to the insurance company should cover the following points:

 You signed a contract with the insured.

  • They are legally not able to change the contract.
  • The invoice that was sent is for services rendered and is non-negotiable.
  • If they don’t pay promptly, there will be late fees.

STEP TWO: Maintain pressure and stay the course

Let me repeat: The insurance company does not want to pay you in full. We all know this. We expect this.

Their next email will list some reason why they can’t pay you in full.

This is a lie. They are likely a billion-dollar company. The way they became a billion-dollar company is by ripping off folks like you and me.

Your next email should remain firm and non-negotiable.

Include the following in email #2:

  • You don’t care what the given reason is.
  • You signed a contract with the insured, not the carrier.
  • This is an invoice and not an estimate.
  • You cannot change your line item by law.
  • Making a change to a signed contract is a felony.
  • You stand behind your quality, and you are fully certified.

Remember: The insurance is playing a game with you. They want you to back down and take their low-ball offer. They have no teeth in their threats.

Under no circumstances should you accept their first offer unless that is an offer of payment in full (hey, it could happen!). Or you can decide you are willing to accept it.

STEP THREE: Count Your Folding Money

We aren’t doing anything illegal. We aren’t doing anything immoral. We’re getting paid for work we already performed.

Usually, after putting up a small fight, the insurance company will pay you in full. 

Really, it’s not much of a fight.

If they thought they had a leg to stand on, they would take you to court. Since they know they would lose that battle, there is no legal fight.

Most legal battles are not started by the insurance carrier. Instead, they are started by the insured party. When they realize that they’re on hook to pay the contractor invoice, they sue the insurance company to get full restitution. If the insurance company is smart, they would settle at this point. 

Some aren’t so smart.  As a contractor, that isn’t your fight.

ABOUT CLAIMS DELEGATES

In 2012, Andy McCabe founded the property claim estimating and claims consultancy called Claims Delegates. Claims Delegates retains an army of dedicated professionals who write Xactimate® estimates for contractors, attorneys and adjusters across the country. They also consult on Large Loss and CAT events. They are currently accepting new client applications. Contact us today!

Featured image by Isabel Vittrup-Pallier on Unsplash. Effects added in Canva.com

Put Me In, Coach!

Put Me In, Coach!

It’s a common dilemma. You had a flood in your house. The insurance company offers $10,000 to fix it. You can’t find a contractor to do the work for under $40,000. You may feel this is unfair. It certainly is. This is also by design. The insurance company makes more money when it pays you less than what you’re OWED.

Insurance companies use a very complicated program called Xactimate. This is also by design. If it were easy to use, the common property owner could master it. Xactimate software is very expensive. If it were affordable, the average property owner would have a copy.

We’re not talking about Microsoft Word, here.

Is it starting to feel like the deck is stacked against you? The insurance company is trying to get you on the ropes. They want you to feel powerless and hopeless. When you’re in that position, you will accept ANY low-ball offer they give you. Hint: You don’t have to accept the first offer.

Time to get US in your corner!

Like it or not, the insurance company uses Xactimate. That is their “language.” Speaking the same language as the insurance company generally leads to bigger and more successful claims. That’s why you need Xactimate.

Don’t let the insurance company tell YOU how much the damage is worth. Let an advocate fight for you. We’re on YOUR side!

We’re industry veterans. We’ve been doing restoration jobs for decades. We know the REAL cost of fixing a damaged property. Hint: The first offer from the insurance company will ALWAYS be less than what they think your claim is worth.

We need to be on the same page when we go to the mat with the insurance company. They have a “professional” quote that says the damage can be fixed for $X. We have a quote that says the damage can be fixed for $Y. Which quote is going to succeed? Hint: The property owner (YOU) have more power than you think you do!

Andy McCabe is a licensed Public Adjuster. He is insured and bonded. He’s been doing this a long time. Let him go after your carrier! Put me in, coach!

What’s the Real Cost of Training?

What’s the Real Cost of Training?

Will the person still be here next month?

I want you to think about the real cost of training a water tech. Has it really sunk in?

I’ve had years of experience with water damage. I’ve trained a lot of water techs. I’ve had a lot of workers quit. When that happens, I’ve had to retrain more workers. It is heart-breaking when those technicians quit.

I get it. It’s a hard job.

Personally, I’ve been through WRT three times. The first time was for my initial training. The second and third time was to update my IIRC certificate (for ServiceMaster).

Did I learn anything new the second and third time?

No!

I did learn one thing: training is expensive.

All three times, the cost to my employer was the same.

I had to get on an airplane. I had to stay in a hotel. I had to eat. I had to get paid a salary. I had to pay for the course.

Those figures change over time, but let’s give it a rough number… $3,000. And I took it three times. That $9,000.

Employers, this one’s for you: Was it worth it?

Not from my perspective. What if I hadn’t learned anything? What if I quit soon after? 

I’m just sayin’.

It happens.

What’s the answer?

I came up with a solution. If I was going to go through new technicians, well… like water… then I was going to create a system.

I want every tech to go through a training that was detailed enough to get the job done, and easy enough to finish in one day.

That was the 24-Hour Tech system. I created it first as a simple spreadsheet. Then I expanded it to a full book of lessons and explanations.

Now, it is a course.

  • Lifetime access
  • Free updates
  • Unlimited Students
  • One-day quick-start
  • $250 introductory price
BUY NOW or PREVIEW

What it is NOT

This course is not a replacement for WRT (or some other training course). The science is important. I want people to know the science. That’s not what I’m saying here.

I’m saying that a totally green new hire is NOT a candidate for an exclusive, three-day vacation training.

We’re comparing apples and oranges here. Yes, we want to spend $3000 to train a tech who’s been here for 6 months. Right now, we want to spend $250 to train a tech and get him or her to work. In a day, he or she will be ready to gather the data YOU NEED. That will make YOUR life easier. Now you can write a professional quote and get paid.

Why are you spending so much money training new techs?

I care about making YOU money

I was never one for college. It takes five years for a textbook to get into the hands of students. It takes a student four years to graduate. That means they come to you with information that is at least five years out of date (if not nine!).

I don’t need another piece of paper hanging on my wall. I don’t need a text-book education. I need a real-world education and a willingness to work hard. I want to know what I need to know. I want to feed my family. I want to help YOU feed YOUR family.

I want to get the job done, and done right.

That’s what I had in mind when I created the 24-Hour Tech program.

Get in.

Get your learn on.

Get out.

Start making money.

Lifetime access for just $250

If I forgot part of my WRT course, could I go back and ask the instructor? Not likely!

If I forgot a section of the 24-Hour Tech program, could I review it for free? You better believe it!

You have LIFETIME ACCESS for an UNLIMITED number of techs! It is an absolute steal at $250.

A no-brainer.

I will be going back regularly to update the course. I just finished a major update for 2021. I’m getting ready to release version three of the 24-Hour Tech. When it is done, it will be included in the course.

I can also come to you! Do you want 1-on-1 training for your employees?

Contact me for pricing.

[email protected]
971-806-6193

What’s the catch?

No catch. I have a heart for restoration and education.

Remember, I was the guy out there training new water techs.

I know the pain of training new people over and over.

Let me make your life just a little bit easier.

Please.

Sure, I hope we’ll become life-long friends, but that’s not what I’m trying to do here. I’ve felt your pain. I want to ease your pain.

For real.

Check out the FREE preview

There’s no harm in coming by to kick the tires. We have some FREE lessons for the 24-Hour Tech course. Make your free account here:

https://theclaimclinic.thinkific.com/courses/the-24hr-tech

I have a feeling you’re going to like what you see.

BUY NOW or PREVIEW

Who is this guy, anyway?

It’s possible someone shared this link with you and you have no idea who I am.

My name is Andy McCabe. I have been in the restoration industry for about 20 years now. I’ve been the guy crawling through basements at three in the morning. I’ve been the guy training others to crawl through basements at 3am.

I am a licensed adjuster.

I kind of do all the things.

I founded the company Claims Delegates to empower and educate people in disaster restoration. I am an advocate for the insured. I am a peer for the restoration contractor. I am a friend to all.

Mostly.

I’m on all the socials. Give me a listen!