MODULE 3: ESTIMATES & SUBMISSION
Building Complete Estimates
Lesson 3.1 - The Billing Blueprint
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The Billing Blueprint
Putting It All Together
In Modules 1 and 2, you learned documentation and Xactimate.
Now we're building estimates that capture
every billable item
while maintaining high approval rates.
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The Billing Blueprint
Complete vs. Large
Complete
= You've captured everything you actually did.
Large
= Could mean padded with things you didn't do.
Insurance companies can tell the difference.
Complete estimates get approved.
Padded estimates get scrutinized and reduced.
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The Billing Blueprint
The Systematic Approach
Without a system, you'll miss items. You'll forget line items. You'll
leave money on the table
.
A systematic process ensures you capture
every billable element
of every job.
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The Billing Blueprint
Step 1: Organize by Work Phases
Emergency Response
Water Extraction
Demolition
Cleaning & Treatment
Drying
Final Cleaning
When organized this way, it's easy to see if you've missed anything.
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The Billing Blueprint
Step 2: Use a Checklist for Each Phase
Extraction:
Line items, water removal from surfaces, hard-to-reach areas
Demolition:
Drywall, insulation, flooring, baseboards - each separate
Equipment:
Every air mover, dehumidifier, setup, takedown, monitoring
A checklist ensures
consistency
across all your estimates.
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The Billing Blueprint
Step 3: Match Estimate to Documentation
7 days of equipment? Dry logs should show 7 days
200 SF demolition? Photos should show that scope
This matching process reveals missing items
Documentation drives the estimate.
If you did it and documented it, bill for it.
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The Billing Blueprint
Step 4: Include Notes & Explanations
Use the notes field to explain your scope:
Why did you use this equipment count?
What was the water source?
Why did demolition extend to this area?
Notes answer questions before they're asked =
faster approvals
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The Billing Blueprint
Common Estimate Elements
Emergency response
- initial call, travel, after-hours
Extraction
- floors, carpets, wall cavities, crawl spaces
Demolition
- drywall, flooring, insulation, cabinets
Cleaning & treatment
- antimicrobial, structural cleaning
Equipment
- air movers, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers (per day)
Labor
- monitoring visits, adjustments, final walkthrough
Disposal
- bagging, hauling, dump fees
Contents
- moving, cleaning, storing belongings
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The Billing Blueprint
Maximizing Without Red Flags
Use Specific Line Items
Instead of generic demolition, use specific codes for drywall, insulation, baseboards - easier to defend.
Document in Real-Time
Don't wait until job is over. Take photos as you work, update logs daily.
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The Billing Blueprint
More Tips for Complete Estimates
Review Before Submitting
Set estimate aside, then review with fresh eyes. Check for gaps and accuracy.
Keep Templates for Common Jobs
Kitchen water damage template ensures you don't forget common items.
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The Billing Blueprint
Key Takeaways
Complete is better than large - capture what you actually did
Use a systematic 4-step approach
Checklists ensure consistency
Documentation drives the estimate
Notes answer questions proactively
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The Billing Blueprint
Coming Up Next
Lesson 3.2: Documentation Package
What belongs in a complete package
Organization that impresses adjusters
Common mistakes to avoid
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The Billing Blueprint
MODULE 3: ESTIMATES & SUBMISSION
End of Lesson 3.1
Building Complete Estimates
See you in the next lesson!
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The Billing Blueprint