How It Works
How Remote Xactimate Estimating Works
With Redefined Restoration LLC, a restoration contractor sends job documentation, we write a complete Xactimate estimate on our own license, the contractor reviews and approves it, and the fee is $150 or 1% of the approved total. Optional claim support adds invoice follow-up for 3.5% of the final amount paid, only after payment arrives.
From job site to paid invoice, here's the process. No software to learn, no Xactimate seat to buy, and no credentials to share.
How does the estimating process work?
Short answer: Four steps: send, we write, you review, approved total sets the fee.
Step 1
Send docs
Photos, moisture readings, scope notes, whatever you have.
Step 2
We scope & write
A complete, line-by-line Xactimate estimate, written on our own Xactimate license. Typical turnaround is 24–48 hours, depending on scope complexity. Larger or multi-trade losses may take longer, and we tell you the timeline up front.
Step 3
You get ESX + PDF
You review and approve it as-is, or ask us to remove items you don't think will get paid. The approved estimate comes back as an ESX file and a PDF report.
Step 4
Supplements if needed
If the job changes or comes back short, we supplement it. You pay only on the new money.
The approved total sets the fee: 1% of the version you approve, or $150 minimum. Approved estimates are billed on the next billing date: the 14th or the 28th.
What should I send with a job?
Short answer: Photos of all affected areas, measurements or a sketch, moisture readings and drying records, equipment placement and runtime, and any loss information.
The more complete the documentation, the stronger and more defensible the estimate. Use the water mitigation documentation checklist for water jobs. If something's missing, we'll ask.
How does claim support work?
Short answer: Five steps, and you make every decision.
Follow up.
We check on the status of your invoice and keep the file moving.
Document.
We provide the photos, notes and documentation behind the estimate.
Explain.
We answer scope and pricing questions on the line items written.
You decide.
You review every response and make every decision on your invoice.
You get paid, then we invoice.
3.5% of the final amount paid, once you confirm funds arrived.
If we're supplementing an estimate the carrier already approved, we confirm the baseline with you in writing first (for example, "Baseline: $20,000.00 RCV"). The 3.5% never applies to the baseline.
Who stays in control of the claim?
Short answer: You do, always.
You review and approve every estimate before it's submitted. Submissions and communications are made under your company's name, and you are the party of record on every invoice. We don't represent or contact policyholders, and we don't negotiate or settle claims.
What happens with a supplement?
Short answer: Same steps, but you send your existing estimate and we add what was missed.
You pay $150 or 1% of only the new money we add.
Related guides
Water Mitigation Documentation Checklist
What to capture on every water job, from day one through completion.
Learn moreESX File vs. PDF Estimate
What each file is, who can open it and why you should keep both.
Learn moreHow to Read an Xactimate Estimate
Line items, quantities, unit prices, O&P, RCV, depreciation and ACV, explained.
Learn more
FAQs
Do I need to give you access to my Xactimate account?
No. We write on our own Xactimate license and deliver the completed estimate to you for review and approval.
How does remote estimating work if you never visit the property?
You send complete documentation and we build the scope from it. With thorough field documentation, a remote estimate can be just as detailed as one written on-site.
How fast will I get my estimate?
Typically 24–48 hours, depending on the complexity of the scope.
Is my first estimate free?
Yes. Your first standard file is on us. 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.
Is there a contract?
Each engagement is governed by our Professional Services Agreement.
Ready to send your first job? Your first standard file is on us.
Talk to either owner directly.