Restoration Estimator job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Restoration Estimator?
A Restoration Estimator is a professional responsible for assessing property damage caused by events such as fire, water, mold, or natural disasters and creating detailed cost estimates for restoration and repair. From an employer's perspective, hiring a Restoration Estimator ensures accurate project assessments, which are critical for preparing competitive bids, managing budgets, and maintaining profitability.
They play a key role in coordinating with clients, insurance companies, and restoration teams to ensure clear communication and efficient project execution. A skilled estimator not only helps secure contracts but also builds trust with clients by providing transparent and reliable cost projections. Their expertise directly impacts the company's reputation, efficiency, and bottom line. When interviewing candidates for this position, make sure and keep an eye out for someone attentive and passionate about this work.
The top Restoration Estimator skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
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We are currently looking for a qualified and passionate Restoration Estimator to join our growing business. Your central goal will be to research products, prepare reports, and monitor forecasts. You will also be in charge of communicating with your clients and conducting risk assessments.
To be a successful restoration estimator, you should have in-depth knowledge of research and data analysis methods, be good at counting and mathematics, and have outstanding organizational skills. Our ideal candidate is someone who demonstrates excellent communication skills and a great understanding of time management.
Duties and responsibilities
- Conduct on-site inspections to assess property damage caused by fire, water, mold, or natural disasters.
- Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for restoration and repair projects, including labor, materials, and equipment.
- Collaborate with insurance adjusters, clients, and contractors to ensure alignment on project scope and costs.
- Create and submit competitive bids for restoration projects, adhering to company standards and client requirements.
- Document damage assessments thoroughly and maintain accurate records for insurance claims and project tracking.
- Stay updated on industry standards, building codes, and insurance regulations to ensure compliance.
- Communicate project timelines, budgets, and expectations clearly to clients and internal teams.
- Assist in project planning and coordinate with restoration crews to ensure smooth execution.
- Negotiate with vendors and suppliers to secure cost-effective pricing for materials and services.
- Provide regular progress updates to clients and stakeholders during project execution.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in restoration estimating or a related field.
- Certification in Xactimate or equivalent estimating software is highly desirable.
- Proficient in restoration estimating software (e.g., Xactimate, Symbility).
- Knowledge of construction and restoration processes, including water, fire, and mold damage restoration.
- Familiarity with insurance claims and industry standards, including IICRC guidelines.
- Ability to assess property damage accurately and develop detailed restoration scopes.
- Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, adjusters, and team members.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Experience in negotiating with insurance adjusters.
- Certifications such as IICRC, OSHA 10/30, or related restoration industry credentials.
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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
The educational requirements for a Restoration Estimator generally include the completion of secondary school, with additional qualifications varying by employer. A college degree or a diploma in a field such as construction or civil engineering technology is often preferred. Alternatively, several years of experience in a skilled construction trade, such as plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work, may suffice.
Proficiency in specialized software like Xactimate is frequently required, along with strong computer skills in Word, Excel, and Outlook. Certifications, such as those offered by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) or equivalent industry credentials, are often considered a strong advantage. Some employers also value prior experience in insurance-related restoration projects.
Certified Water Restoration Technician
Demonstrates knowledge and skills in water damage restoration.
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration CertificationCertified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician
Indicates expertise in fire and smoke damage restoration.
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration CertificationOSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety and Health
Shows understanding of safety practices in the construction industry.
Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationSample interview questions for a Restoration Estimator.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- What motivates you to work in the restoration industry?
- Can you share an experience where you overcame a significant challenge?
- How do you handle stress or high-pressure situations?
- Why are you interested in joining our company?
- How do you prioritize teamwork and collaboration in a work environment?
- Have you ever encountered a workplace conflict? How did you handle it?
- How do you manage competing deadlines when working on multiple estimates?
- Describe your approach to ensuring accurate and timely project deliverables.
- How do you communicate and coordinate with other departments or external partners?
- How do you approach preparing an estimate for fire or water damage restoration?
- What experience do you have with Xactimate or similar estimating software?
- Can you explain how you stay up-to-date with industry standards and regulations?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $17 at the 10th percentile to $58 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Cost Analyst
Cost Analysts are financial workers responsible for evaluating and analyzing the company’s financial information.
$72,422 medianEstimator
Frequently asked questions.
What qualifications are typically required for a Restoration Estimator?
Most employers expect a minimum of a high school diploma, although a bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or a related field is often preferred.
Relevant construction or restoration experience, proficiency in estimation software, and strong analytical skills are also highly valued.
What are the primary responsibilities of a Restoration Estimator?
A Restoration Estimator is responsible for assessing damage, creating detailed cost estimates for restoration projects, interacting with insurance companies, and coordinating with construction teams to ensure accurate and efficient project completion.
They play a critical role in the initial stages of planning and budgeting for restoration projects.
How does a Restoration Estimator contribute to customer satisfaction?
A Restoration Estimator directly impacts customer satisfaction by providing accurate and timely estimates, explaining the restoration process clearly to clients, and ensuring projects stay within budget and timeline.
Their ability to manage expectations and communicate effectively with clients and teams is crucial.
What skills are most important for a Restoration Estimator to succeed?
Critical skills include strong mathematical and analytical capabilities for accurate estimations, proficiency in estimation software, excellent communication skills for dealing with clients and insurance agents, and project management skills to oversee the timeline and budget of restoration projects.
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