An estimator can only include what they can see or confirm. Missing photos, unclear measurements or a vague description lead to questions, and questions slow the project down. Use this checklist before you submit a project.
1. The basics
- Project address. Including unit or building number for multi-unit properties.
- Property type. Single-family, multi-family or commercial.
- What happened or what is planned. A short description of the loss or the renovation.
- The services you need. For example, an estimate plus a worksheet order and a CRM upload.
2. Photos
Photos do most of the work in a remote estimate. Include wide shots that show each room or elevation, and close-ups of damage, materials and details. See our guide onphotographing a property for an estimate.
3. Measurements and drawings
- Room dimensions and ceiling heights
- Hand sketches, floor plans or existing drawings
- Roof or siding measurements, if available
4. Existing documents
- Any existing scope or estimate, including an adjuster’s estimate
- Reports, such as roof or moisture reports
- Work orders or customer requests
5. Your preferences
- Your estimating platform: Xactimate, Symbility, STACK or another
- Your company header and any formatting preferences
- Your preferred turnaround, so timing can be confirmed up front
Sending large files
If you have many photos, put them in a ZIP file before uploading. Clear file names, like kitchen-ceiling.jpg, make it easier to match photos to rooms.