FAQ
Xactimate Estimating FAQ
Redefined Restoration LLC is a remote Xactimate estimating company for restoration contractors nationwide, owned by IICRC-certified Michael White and Erik Pauliks. Estimates cost $150 or 1% of the approved total, supplements are charged only on new money, and claim support is 3.5% of the final amount paid. Answers to common questions are below.
About the company
What is Redefined Restoration?
Redefined Restoration LLC writes remote Xactimate estimates for restoration contractors, supplements existing estimates, and provides administrative claim support on contractors' own invoices.
Who owns Redefined Restoration?
Michael White and Erik Pauliks, co-owners, who personally write every estimate. Michael holds IICRC WRT, ASD and FSRT certifications; Erik holds IICRC WRT and ASD.
Where do you work?
We're based in Huntington Beach, California, and work remotely with restoration contractors anywhere in the United States.
Are you public adjusters or attorneys?
No. Redefined Restoration LLC is not a public adjuster, insurance adjuster, insurance agent or broker, or law firm, and isn't licensed as any of these. We don't represent, advise or contact policyholders, don't adjust, negotiate or settle claims, and don't interpret policies or give coverage opinions.
Pricing
How much does an estimate cost?
$150 or 1% of the approved estimate, whichever is higher.
When does the $150 minimum apply?
Whenever 1% comes out to less than $150. That's any estimate, or supplement increase, up to $15,000.
Why is estimating based on what's written, not collected?
Writing the estimate is the service. You review and approve it first, so you decide exactly what number the fee is based on.
What if I don't think an item will get paid?
Tell us before you approve and we'll remove it. Anything removed isn't part of the fee.
Do I pay 1% on my whole estimate for a supplement?
No. Only on the new money we add. Your original amount is never charged.
When am I billed?
Estimating and supplements are billed twice a month, on the 14th and the 28th. Claim support is invoiced right after you confirm payment arrived.
Are there subscriptions, minimums or software fees?
No. You pay per file.
Claim support
What is claim support?
Administrative help with your own invoice and estimate: checking on invoice status, providing photos, notes and documentation that support the estimate, and answering scope, pricing and line-item questions.
Is 3.5% based on what we billed or what we got?
What you got. The fee only applies to the final amount paid, never to the baseline the carrier approved in writing before we got involved.
What is the baseline?
The amount the carrier agreed to in writing before we took the file (an approved estimate, approval letter, or payment already issued), measured at RCV. We confirm it with you in writing. If there's no written approval, the baseline is $0.
What if my invoice never gets paid?
Claim support is paid when paid. If nothing is paid, there's no 3.5% fee.
Who makes the decisions on my invoice?
You do, always. We provide follow-up and documentation; accepting, disputing or resolving any amount is your decision.
Is the fee charged to the homeowner?
No. It's compensation from you for our services. It's not a share of any policyholder's insurance proceeds and is never charged to a policyholder.
Process
Do I need to give you access to my Xactimate account?
No. We write everything on our own Xactimate license. You never share credentials or pay for another seat.
How does remote estimating work if you never visit the property?
You send complete documentation (photos, sketches, moisture logs, equipment records) and we build the scope from it.
What documentation do I need to send?
Photos of all affected areas, room measurements or sketches, moisture readings and logs, drying records, equipment placement and runtime, and any relevant loss information. See the checklist.
How fast will I get my estimate?
Typically 24–48 hours, depending on the complexity of the scope. Larger or multi-trade losses may take longer, and we tell you the timeline up front.
What loss types do you estimate?
Water damage mitigation, reconstruction and remodel, fire and smoke, mold remediation, asbestos and lead abatement, contents packout, storage and pack back, emergency tarping and emergency board up.
Is my first estimate free?
Yes. Your first standard file is on us. We'll write one full Xactimate estimate free of charge, no credit card needed. One free estimate per new company, for a typical, everyday loss. Large or complex losses (like whole-structure fires or large commercial jobs) aren't eligible. We review every request and may decline the free estimate at our discretion. If we do, we'll tell you before any work starts, so you're never surprised by a fee. See the free first estimate terms
Can I use just one service?
Yes. Use estimating only, claim support only, or both together.
Do you guarantee approval or payment?
No. Estimates reflect our professional judgment based on the information you provide. We don't guarantee coverage, approval, any payment amount, or the timing of any payment.