Estimator

Paul Davis Restoration of Downriver Detroit MI • Romulus, MI

54d • $72,000 - $82,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Paul Davis Restoration of Downriver Detroit is seeking an experienced Restoration Estimator to take ownership of our estimating process from initial scope through final approval. This is not a traditional desk-estimator position. Our Estimator is responsible for estimates across mitigation, reconstruction, contents, fire, water, mold, storm, roofing, and other property restoration losses. You will work from our Downriver office, collaborate closely with our field and operations teams, and perform onsite scopes and inspections when needed. The goal is simple: once a job enters Estimating, you own it until it is approved and ready to move forward into production or invoice. That includes writing the estimate, identifying and obtaining missing information, completing QA, meeting carrier and TPA requirements, communicating directly with adjusters and reviewers, handling revisions and supplements, defending legitimate scope and charges, obtaining approval, and providing a clean handoff back to Operations or Billing. We are a growing company building the systems and team that will support significantly greater volume in the years ahead. We need someone who wants to help build an exceptional estimating operation, not simply inherit one.

Requirements

• Demonstrated restoration estimating experience, with 3+ years preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of both mitigation and reconstruction practices.
• Demonstrated experience estimating multiple types of restoration losses, including water, fire/smoke, mold, contents, reconstruction, storm, and roofing.
• High proficiency in Xactimate and Symbility.
• Experience communicating and negotiating directly with insurance adjusters, carrier representatives, TPAs, and estimate reviewers.
• Experience handling supplements, revisions, change orders, and estimate approvals.
• Ability to independently scope reconstruction and complex restoration losses onsite.
• Strong understanding of restoration documentation and the ability to identify missing or inadequate documentation.
• Strong computer and technology skills.
• Valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Ability to work full-time from our Downriver Detroit office and travel locally to job sites as needed.
• Highly organized, proactive, accountable, and comfortable taking ownership without needing someone else to manage their workload.
• Ability to manage multiple estimates, deadlines, supplements, and approvals simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and follow-through.
• Persistent and professional with carriers and reviewers, confident defending a legitimate and well-supported estimate, and equally capable of recognizing when a correction is appropriate.
• Works independently without operating independently of the team.
• Comfortable working in a growing company where processes will continue to evolve and interested in helping build systems that make the entire organization more efficient.
• Communicates clearly, collaborates well with both field personnel and insurance professionals, follows through consistently, and takes responsibility for getting things across the finish line.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Docusketch is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Paul Davis, carrier programs, managed repair programs, RMS/Dash, Mitigate, or similar restoration management platforms is beneficial but can be taught.
• Industry certifications, including applicable IICRC certifications, are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, complete, profitable, and defensible estimates for all types and levels of restoration work, including mitigation, reconstruction, water, fire and smoke, mold/remediation, contents, storm and wind, roofing, demolition, and related property damage.
• Determine if information provided by field teams is sufficient to produce and defend the estimate.
• Go onsite to independently scope reconstruction projects, inspect complex losses, verify conditions, take measurements, identify materials, obtain documentation, and provide experienced eyes when the situation requires it.
• Write estimates using Xactimate and Symbility with an emphasis on accuracy, completeness, speed, and profitability.
• Create preliminary estimates when required and meet applicable carrier and program turnaround requirements.
• Complete internal QA and applicable estimate validation processes.
• Assemble and submit complete estimate packages with required supporting documentation.
• Communicate directly with insurance adjusters, carrier representatives, TPAs, reviewers, and other interested parties.
• Respond proactively to estimate reviews, questions, requested revisions, and documentation requests.
• Negotiate and defend legitimate scope, line items, pricing, and charges when appropriate.
• Recognize when a requested change is justified and when additional documentation or explanation should be provided instead.
• Own supplements and change orders throughout the life of the project.
• Follow estimates and supplements through final agreement and approval.
• Maintain clear documentation of estimating activity and communication.
• Provide Operations and Billing with a clean final handoff when the project is approved and ready to proceed or invoice.
• Help establish and continuously improve documentation standards, checklists, and workflows.
• Get estimating files complete when information is missing, which may involve communicating with technicians, managers, or project teams; requesting specific additional photos, measurements, documentation, or information; reviewing Docusketch data; or personally returning to the property.
• Become fluent in the requirements of the programs we serve and ensure estimates meet applicable standards and deadlines.
• Help develop the systems, documentation standards, workflows, technology, and estimating processes that allow increasing volume to move through Estimating efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, profitability, or service.
• Collaborate closely with mitigation team, reconstruction team, coordinators, management, accounting, carrier partners, and other members of the Paul Davis network.
• Safely navigate residential and commercial loss sites, including properties under active restoration or reconstruction.
• Walk, stand, bend, crouch, and work in challenging positions as necessary.
• Climb ladders and inspect accessible building areas when appropriate.
• Navigate attics, crawlspaces, basements, and other areas necessary to evaluate a loss.
• Carry or use basic inspection, measuring, and documentation equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Performance-based bonus opportunity tied to estimating performance and company objectives, including profitability, cycle time, quality, and compliance with applicable service standards.
• Paid training and professional development
• Company-supported industry education and certifications

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed