What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Estimator position at Bar JA Bookkeeping?
Insurance Reconstruction Estimator
Bar JA Bookkeeping & Consulting
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado (Travel Required)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Reconstruction Operations
Position Overview
Bar JA Bookkeeping & Consulting is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Insurance Reconstruction Estimator to join our growing Reconstruction Client. This position plays a critical role in accurately estimating residential and commercial insurance restoration projects while serving as the liaison between homeowners, insurance carriers, adjusters, project managers, and subcontractors.
The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of insurance restoration, building construction, estimating software, and customer service. This individual will be responsible for maximizing insurance recovery while ensuring accurate scopes of work, code compliance, and profitable project execution.
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Primary Responsibilities
Estimating & Scope Development
* Perform detailed inspections of residential and commercial properties.
* Develop accurate reconstruction estimates using Xactimate.
* Create comprehensive scopes of work for mitigation and reconstruction.
* Identify all code upgrades and applicable building requirements.
* Document damages through photos, measurements, and written reports.
* Prepare material quantity takeoffs.
* Coordinate engineering reports when necessary.
* Review architectural drawings and specifications.
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Insurance & Supplement Management
* Review insurance estimates for accuracy and completeness.
* Identify omitted or underpaid line items.
* Prepare and negotiate supplements with insurance carriers.
* Interpret insurance policies and applicable coverages.
* Maintain documentation supporting supplement requests.
* Communicate directly with field adjusters, desk adjusters, and independent adjusters.
* Attend onsite inspections with adjusters when required.
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Project Coordination
* Conduct joint job walks with homeowners and subcontractors.
* Coordinate scopes with Project Managers.
* Assist Operations with project budgeting.
* Ensure estimates align with production schedules.
* Participate in project kickoff meetings.
* Provide ongoing estimate revisions as field conditions change.
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Customer Relations
* Build strong relationships with homeowners.
* Clearly explain repair scopes and reconstruction processes.
* Manage customer expectations throughout estimating.
* Deliver professional communication in person, by phone, and by email.
* Assist in resolving customer concerns.
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Required Qualifications
* Minimum 3 years of insurance restoration estimating experience
* Advanced knowledge of Xactimate
* Understanding of residential construction methods
* Strong knowledge of IICRC restoration standards
* Experience with reconstruction after:
* Water damage
* Fire damage
* Storm damage
* Mold remediation
* Catastrophic losses
* Ability to read blueprints and construction drawings
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Strong negotiation skills
* Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
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Preferred Qualifications
* Xactimate Level 2 or Level 3 Certification
* IICRC Certifications
* HAAG Certification
* Experience working for restoration contractors
* Experience as an insurance adjuster
* Knowledge of local building codes
* Construction management experience
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Software Experience
Preferred experience with:
* Xactimate
* XactAnalysis
* DASH
* Encircle
* Matterport
* Microsoft Office Suite
* Symbility
* Buildertrend (preferred)
* CompanyCam
* EagleView
* Hover
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Knowledge & Skills
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
* Exceptional attention to detail
* Strong analytical thinking
* Excellent time management
* Professional communication
* Negotiation skills
* Problem-solving abilities
* Ability to prioritize multiple projects
* Financial awareness and job cost understanding
* Leadership and teamwork
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Physical Requirements
* Walk active construction sites
* Climb ladders
* Access attics and crawl spaces
* Lift up to 50 pounds
* Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
* Drive throughout assigned territories
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Performance Expectations (KPIs)
The successful estimator will be measured by:
* Estimate accuracy
* Gross profit performance
* Supplement approval percentage
* Cycle time from inspection to estimate completion
* Customer satisfaction scores
* Estimate turnaround time
* Insurance approval rates
* Documentation quality
* Project profitability
* Change order accuracy
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What We Offer
* Competitive Salary
* Performance Bonus Opportunities
* Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance (if applicable)
* Paid Time Off
* Paid Holidays
* Continuing Education
* Professional Development
* Career Advancement Opportunities
* Company Technology
* Supportive Team Environment
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Why Join Bar JA?
At Bar JA Bookkeeping & Consulting, we believe estimating is more than writing numbers—it’s advocating for homeowners, protecting our clients’ investments, and building profitable projects with integrity. We are committed to excellence, professionalism, and creating long-term relationships with our clients and insurance partners.
If you are driven, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping property owners recover after disasters while delivering industry-leading estimating expertise, we’d love to hear from you.
Bar JA Bookkeeping & Consulting is an Equal Opportunity Employer.