Module 4, Lesson 3
Adding Scope Discovered During the Job
You often don't know the full extent of damage until you start work.
Supplements capture this additional scope.
Supplements are normal and expected. Insurance companies deal with them every day.
Documentation at the Moment of Discovery
Stop and document when you find additional damage. Photos, moisture readings, notes describing what you found, where, and when. Have homeowner witness if possible.
Contact the adjuster promptly. Brief email: "We've discovered additional damage at [location]. Submitting a supplement with documentation."
Create separate estimate for newly discovered scope only. Label clearly as supplement. Reference original estimate.
Include: supplemental estimate, discovery photos/notes, explanation of what was found and when, reference to notification email.
Treat like an original estimate. Follow up Day 3, Day 7. Don't let supplements get lost.
You remove wet drywall and discover saturated insulation, mold growth, or damage extending further than visible.
Document: Photos of what you found when wall was opened. Moisture readings of hidden materials. Reference original assessment.
Structure takes longer to dry due to construction type, weather, or saturation extent.
Document: Dry logs showing moisture progression. Reference IICRC standards. Explain factors that extended timeline.
Water migrated further than initially assessed.
Document moisture readings of newly identified areas. Show relationship to original loss.
Cat 1 loss becomes Cat 2 or 3 after contamination discovered.
Document contamination evidence. Reference IICRC standards. Explain what changed assessment.
Avoid these mistakes:
Lesson 4.4: Legal Considerations
Supplements
See you in the next lesson!