Why I Need to Be Hired Before I Write Your Estimate

Because You’re Not Just Getting a Price—You’re Getting a Claim Strategy

When a homeowner tells me:

“Why do I need to sign a contract just to get an estimate?”

I understand where they’re coming from. It’s a fair question.
But here’s the truth: what I do is not a quick quote.
It’s a strategic, professional process—and it takes real time, tools, and expertise.

Here’s What Goes Into My Estimates:

✅ I do a full Matterport scan of your home—so every room is documented
✅ I recreate your home in Xactimate, the same program adjusters use
✅ I copy the adjuster’s estimate line by line—not to match it, but to improve it
✅ I highlight everything they left out—so it’s easier for them to review and approve
✅ I prepare it as if I’m presenting it to the carrier myself—which, in most cases, I am

This isn’t a bid.
This is a claim negotiation tool—and it works.

Why I Don’t Work Off the Books

If I’m not hired, I can’t legally or ethically represent you.
That means I can’t:

Talk to your adjuster
Share documentation
Push back on missing items
Or defend your scope

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring a contractor.
You’re hiring an advocate, a strategist, and a claims partner.

A Real Example from This Week:

I met with a homeowner who loved what I explained—until I asked her to sign a contract before writing the estimate.

She didn’t understand why.

I told her:

“I use the same program your adjuster uses. I take their scope, copy it line by line, and show where they missed things. That’s how we get faster approvals. I’m not reinventing the wheel—I’m making sure it rolls straight.”

She had an adjuster estimate with prices blacked out.
I showed her how to find the price list in the file.
She realized there’s no need for secrets—just transparency.

That changed everything.