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.

Does Xactimate Include Profit?

Does Xactimate Include Profit?

You can’t help anyone if you’re broke.

In a world where it feels as if everything is out of control, we must step back and consider what it is that we CAN control. While cost controls are a given, most “restoration” contractors have forgotten what a contractor does: sets the price.

Double digit inflation combined with global turmoil have put more upward pressure on pricing than most of us have seen in our lifetimes. Protecting profits must be our #1 priority.

With so much OUT of our control, we must exert control where we CAN. Pricing is our RIGHT and now is the time to exercise it.

  • Xactimate has never included business profit in any line item
  • The amount of overhead and profit is left up to YOU TO DECIDE
  • Adjusters claim that profit is included, but this is FALSE
  • Job-related overhead should be added as a SEPARATE LINE ITEM
  • Residental supervision is NOT INCLUDED in any line item
  • It is ON YOU to make sure the business turns a profit
  • Beware of project creep! Think ahead.
  • During inflation, adjust your line items
VIEW VIDEO
VIDEO: Inflation is REAL

VIDEO: Inflation is REAL

I just wrote up an estimate over the weekend. You’ll never believe what I found… If you aren’t looking at your costs, you’re in trouble.

  • Lumber prices are INSANE. Xactimate prices out boards at $10. The real-life price is very different.
  • Don’t work backwards. It could take six months to realize you are LOSING MONEY.
  • Xactimate hasn’t caught up yet. They WILL catch up, but they haven’t caught up yet.
  • Contractors are amazed. I added $50k or $60k to the project. It’s out of my control.
  • Need help? Adjusting prices is one of the services I provide. Contact me today.
VIEW VIDEO

 

No Insurance? What? Me Worry?

No Insurance? What? Me Worry?

Mold remediation is no big deal… until it’s not. Let me tell you about the dangers.
#moldremediation #insurance #liability #sick

PODCAST: Get Paid Your Worth

PODCAST: Get Paid Your Worth

Andy was recently interviewed for Restoration Domination Ep 027 on YouTube. You can watch the full video here.

Topics Covered:

  • Getting paid the ethical way, fast and in-full. Where do some contractors fall down and make mistakes? 
  • Why insurance companies don’t like to pay for profit. A little history of what happened in the industry. We (contractors) laid an unethical foundation.
  • Should OMP be negotiable? Why are you entitled to your OMP? How to stand up for your rights and what you charge. Who is your actual client?
  • Bulk pricing/invoicing. What is it? Does it work? Should I use it?
  • Advocating for flat rate pricing. How to make them take you seriously. Documentation gets paid. You need a system, like The 24 Hour Tech.
  • Being a better sales person. Soft sell vs. hard sell. What’s happening with deductibles? The need to remind property owners. Skin in the game and cash flow issues. Getting property owners on your side. What are they in for? How big will their final invoice be?
  • The need for a clean contract. Have you read your fine print? Don’t give up your power. Don’t use boiler-plate contracts. You don’t need to feel guilty about charging your worth.
  • Don’t be a Hyundai. What does that mean? The insurance company wants that. Do you?
  • TPAs are Necessary? We’re all in business to make money. Here’s an alternate opinion.
  • Insurance Profit Game. We’re certainly not getting the money. The insured isn’t getting the money. Who’s getting the money?
  • Making the case that CONTRACTORS are the enemy. We know this is ridiculous, but the insurance company paints this picture.
  • How much money do you need? You should know how much you have spent on a job. You need to make at least that much. Everything else is profit. What if you don’t know? The insurance company knows…
  • Having bad intentions from the start. This leads to difficult discussions later on. Be honest from the start. Trust us.
  • Power Question FREE DOWNLOAD. Put the adjustor in his or her place. Tell your client EXACTLY what they will say. Arm them with the right answers.
  • TOO MUCH TO COVER! Seriously. There’s a ton of golden nuggets in this one.
Restoration Rebels on Facebook
Insurance Power Questions

Insurance Power Questions

Take Your Power Back!

Ask your insurance company THESE QUESTIONS to get PAID IN FULL, before things get ugly. Request the answers via email so you have documentation for later (especially if this goes to trial!)

    1. Is my claim covered? This seems like a very simple question. If we lived in a perfect world, it would be. You would hope that the answer is “YES!” and you could get down to business. Unfortunately, the answer is usually “Maybe” and leads to an entirely different set of questions. Basically, you want to determine if the insurance company wants to make you whole, or just cover their butts and continue to make money.
    2. What if my loss exceeds my policy limits? Here’s where the picture starts to become more clear. Is the insurance company going to do right by me? Who knows? It could happen.
    3. Are there exclusions in my policy which apply to this claim? Welcome to the insurance game. Unfortunately, they wrote the play book. If there is a legal way for them to wriggle out of paying you, they will likely take it. Find the possible loop-holes now and save yourself a nasty surprise later.
    4. Will my insurance company pay all the necessary costs I incur to put my home back the way it was? Sometimes, a company will pay only the bare minimum. Your house might have had wall-to-wall, plush carpet. Will the restore include this?
    5. Can I choose the contractor to perform the needed repairs to my home? (If not, why?) Crooked insurance companies have led to the rise of “pet contractors.” These mercenaries will do exactly what the insurance company asks them. They will use substandard, cheap materials. They will cut costs by cutting corners. The only way to protect yourself is to hire your own contractor. This is the option we recommend. If you need a recommendation for a reputable contractor, we suggest a member of the Restoration Rebels group.
    6. Is there anything you can tell me that will help to settle this claim? Every insurance company has a quirk or two. We want to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. It is better to jump through the required hoops and get paid in full. You don’t want your claim hung up on a simple form.
    7. When can I expect the first check (how much will it be?) and when will the remaining checks be issued? Like lottery winnings, sometimes a claim is paid out a little at a time. This can be good to get a contractor to work faster. He or she needs to buy equipment and hire a crew. This is a whole lot easier with a little money to grease the wheels.
    8. What if the total of all of the checks is not enough to complete repairs? This is a trick the insurance company might pull on you. They might send a hefty advance and then not follow through with the remaining payments. Keep a running total of what you have received and what you have left to go.
    9. Are you authorized to settle my claim? (Obtain a name, title, phone number, and email of the person that is authorized). Do you know that old trick a used car salesman uses? “I have to go speak to my manager.” Don’t let this happen to you! Make sure you are getting answers from the manager. Full stop.

Insured

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