Restoration Lead Estimator

Company Description

A family-owned and operated property restoration company specializing in fire, water, and storm damage repair. With over 50 years of combined construction experience, including 25 years in insurance restoration, the company takes a hands-on, client-focused approach to every project.

The company is IICRC-certified in Fire and Smoke Restoration and Odor Control and works closely with experienced subcontractors, architects, and engineers to deliver high-quality results. Committed to advocating for clients’ best interests, the company maintains strong professional relationships with insurance companies and adjusters while ensuring quality workmanship and personalized service.

Role Description

The Lead Estimator is responsible for managing the estimating process for fire, water, and storm damage restoration projects. This includes preparing detailed scopes of work, developing accurate cost estimates, reviewing project plans, and conducting on-site inspections to evaluate property damage and determine necessary repairs.

Working closely with company owners, project managers, subcontractors, and insurance adjusters, the Lead Estimator ensures estimates meet industry standards, project requirements, and company expectations. The role also involves analyzing bids, maintaining estimate documentation, tracking revisions, and supporting project scheduling to ensure efficient workflows.

Additionally, the Lead Estimator will mentor team members, promote estimating best practices, and help improve the company's estimating tools and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed scopes of work, quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates for property restoration projects.
• Conduct on-site inspections to assess fire, water, and storm damage and identify required repairs.
• Review construction plans, drawings, specifications, and related documentation.
• Develop and manage estimates using Xactimate, Symbility, and other relevant estimating tools.
• Coordinate with owners, project managers, subcontractors, clients, and insurance adjusters to clarify project requirements.
• Review bids, update estimates, track scope changes, and maintain accurate project documentation.
• Support project scheduling and coordination to ensure timely and efficient project execution.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with insurance adjusters, property managers, and other industry contacts.
• Mentor team members on estimating techniques, industry standards, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating procedures, tools, and overall workflow.
• Maintain high ethical standards while advocating for clients and ensuring accurate, fair estimates.

Qualifications and Requirements

Estimating and Cost Management

• Proven ability to develop detailed scopes of work, quantity takeoffs, and cost breakdowns for construction and insurance restoration projects.
• Experience analyzing project costs, reviewing bids, and preparing accurate estimates.

Construction and Restoration Knowledge

• Strong understanding of construction methods, building materials, and repair processes.
• Experience with fire, water, and storm damage restoration and insurance-related projects.
• Familiarity with insurance restoration procedures and claim-related estimating requirements.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Xactimate and Symbility estimating software.
• Experience with EagleView, Hover, spreadsheets, and other estimating tools.
• Ability to interpret construction plans, drawings, and specifications.
• Xactimate Level 3 certification is preferred.

Communication and Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with company owners, clients, subcontractors, project managers, and insurance representatives.
• Established relationships with insurance adjusters and property managers are a plus.

Organization and Leadership

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, prioritize deadlines, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Previous experience mentoring team members or coordinating estimating activities is strongly preferred.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in property restoration estimating, particularly insurance-related projects, is required.
• A minimum of three years of relevant experience is preferred.
• IICRC or other relevant restoration certifications are a plus.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to conduct on-site property inspections.
• Strong commitment to ethical business practices, accurate estimating, and client advocacy.

Pay: $88,000.00 - $107,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• proficient with Xactimate
• quantity takeoffs, and cost estimates for insurance restoration
• Years of experience as an estimator in property restoration
• experience on-site property inspections to assess damage and determine repair costs
• Do you hold an Xactimate certification? If yes, what level?

IICRC or other restoration-related certifications

Work Location: In person

Salary : $88,000 - $107,000