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Frequently asked questions.
Straight answers about how we work, what we charge, and what a line-item estimate actually is.
What exactly is a “line-item, unit-cost” estimate?
It's the format U.S. property insurance carriers use internally. Every repair task becomes a separate line — for example, “Remove 5/8" drywall — 220 SF” — with a unit cost pulled from a regional pricing database, a quantity, and a total. It's the opposite of a lump-sum contractor quote and the only format carriers can adjust against.
Are you a public adjuster?
No. We're an independent estimating company. Public adjusters negotiate the claim itself on the policyholder's behalf; we prepare the estimate that supports the claim. Many public adjusters actually hire us to produce the estimating documentation for cases they're negotiating.
How much does a line-item estimate cost?
Fees depend on scope and travel. A single-family residential estimate typically runs from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars; commercial or total-loss projects are quoted individually. We provide a written fee estimate before you commit.
How fast can you deliver a report?
Standard turnaround is 72 business hours from the on-site inspection. Rush turnaround is available for an added fee. Complex commercial or fire losses take longer and are quoted case by case.
Do you work with my insurance company directly?
We can, if you want us to. Most clients prefer that we speak with their adjuster only about scope and pricing questions on the estimate, while they handle the claim decisions themselves. We adapt to what you're comfortable with.
Will your estimate always be higher than my carrier's?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Our job isn't to inflate the number — it's to document what's actually damaged and price it against real-world California costs. If your carrier's number is already fair, we tell you plainly.
Do you serve areas outside California?
Our on-site work is California-only. For clients outside California we can produce desk-review estimates from photos and adjuster reports on a case-by-case basis.
Is this legal advice?
No. Nothing on this website or in our reports is legal advice. If your claim involves litigation or a coverage dispute, we recommend also consulting a licensed California attorney or public adjuster.