Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why should I write Xactimate Estimates or Invoices?
If you are in the restoration industry, you need to write your estimates or invoices in Xactimate for the following reasons:
Insurance companies and their adjusters use Xactimate for both residential and commercial claims. They trust Xactimate estimates for pricing accuracy.
You can earn more for jobs if you use Xactimate since the pricing is generally trusted by insurance professionals.
Many contractors lose money because they do not provide Xactimate estimates or invoices to adjusters. You don’t want to be one of them.
A skilled Xactimate estimator knows the nuances of Xactimate that will help you generate maximum earnings for your jobs.
Q: How do I order Xactimate Estimates or Invoices from Empire Estimators?
Step 1: Scope the job using our form or your own forms or paper.
Step 2: Scan your scope notes and save them as a PDF. (If you prefer to fax the documents, you may fax the documents after placing an estimate or invoice order to 877-550-2536.)
Step 3: Upload your scope notes to our online order form. You may also upload photos and/or any other documentation including estimates from contractors or adjusters.
Step 4: Place your estimate or invoice order with a deposit (down payment) based on the expected amount of the estimate or invoice. Choose between standard (2-business day) or expedited service (24-hours).
Step 5: We write the Xactimate estimate or invoice and send it to you for review. You will receive an email notification that your Xactimate estimate or invoice is ready. You will also receive login information to our secure database, where you will find all your Xactimate estimate orders and invoices.
Step 6: You review the estimate draft. If any changes are needed, you can send our Xactimate estimator a message through the database to request changes until the estimate is written to your specifications. Once this happens, you will “approve” the estimate in our database.
Step 7: Once the estimate is approved, we will send you the final invoice. Once you pay the difference between your deposit and the final estimate or invoice amount, you will receive the final estimate or invoice without a watermark.
Q: Will I receive the Xactimate Estimate ESX?
Yes. Once the final invoice is paid, you will be provided with the Xactimate Estimate ESX.
Q: Will Empire Estimators review my scope for potential omissions?
Our estimator will dedicate up to 1-hour to review your scope for omissions and/or consult with you to develop your scope. After 1-hour of free consulting, you will be billed our consulting rate for the additional time. You will be notified before said billing commences.
Q: How do I pay an invoice for an estimate?
Please visit empireestimators.com/payment-portal to enter your invoice number and pay your invoice.
Q: Can Empire Estimators write my Xactimate estimates with my company letterhead/logo?
Yes. When you place the estimate order, attach your company logo to the order form. Your company’s logo will be placed on your Xactimate estimate.
Q: What are scope notes?
A scope is a detailed breakdown of the work needed and activities required to complete a job.
A scope will include a drawing with measurements, individual identification of the work to be performed, and quantities of materials or labor.
Scope notes can be written on scope sheets, your own paper, or submitted digitally.
Q: How do I send Empire Estimators my scope notes?
The easiest way is to scan your scope notes and save them as a PDF. You can then upload the Scope Notes PDF into our estimate order form.
If it is easier for you to fax the scope notes, you may fax them to us at 877-550-2526 after you place your estimate order. You should place your order confirmation number on the fax so we can identify it with the proper project when it arrives. You may also email us your scope notes after you place an order at estimates@empireestimators.com
If you choose to write insurance estimates in an estimating program other than Xactimate, the consequences can be costly: You will likely leave money on the table.
