FAQ
Often times contracts tend to fall through during the option period. While there are several reasons this can happen, the most common underlying reason is uncertainty on the cost of repairs. With short time limitations it is difficult to get multiple contractors out to give you a bid on the repairs listed in the Inspection Report. This makes it difficult for buyers and sellers to have the confidence to move forward.
Based on the Inspection Report or Amendment Request we are able to build an estimate that will detail the cost of each repair listed. This will give you the confidence to negotiate your contracts accurately as well as give your clients the piece of mind to close quickly.
1) Create a free account to gain access to our Agent Dashboard
2) Navigate to the Estimate Request Screen and fill out the request form
3) Upload documents via that dropbox link provided in the form. The more documentation that you provide the more accurate your estimate will be. Typically we require the inspection report to start the estimate. It is helpful for you to upload a copy of the home's floor plan with room measurements. If there are damages that require significant repairs throughout a room
4) After submitting your estimate request your request will be sent to the next available estimator. They will compose an estimate for you written in the Xactimate software, which is the primary estimating program used by insurance adjusters and contractors.
5) Within 48 hours (unless you select Rushed Order at checkout) you will be provided with a full and complete estimate of the items that you requested.
The estimating software that we use currently researches and reports on structural repair and cleaning cost information for more than 500 geographic regions on three continents. When determining how to price items, the software will gather data (labor and materials cost) from the property address but will also gather data for other cities and/or zip codes in the area. It will use that information to build a pricing list for that city or zip code. The software updates pricing lists at the beginning of each month to ensure the information is as accurate and up to date as possible.
A labor minimum is the lowest charge a contractor would accept to cover drive time, setup time, materials, and labor. For example, if an estimate shows $100 in painting repairs are needed but the painter will not complete a job for less than $200, then an additional $100 labor minimum charge is required to ensure that repairs can be completed. The labor minimum charge is a way to make sure that even the smallest jobs can still be completed by most of your local contractors.
Our estimates are professionally built and organized to make them as informative as possible without making them too complex. When we build our estimates, we separate the items by trade. Being able to see all items associated with electrical or plumbing vs having all the items grouped together makes it much easier to understand. Within those trade groups is where you will see items. Most of the items are self explanatory but you will see “R&R” at the beginning of several items. This means “Remove and Replace.” To “R&R” a lightbulb would simply entail unscrewing the old bulb and installing a new one. This would include the labor and materials associated as well. Below each item you will see a description in italics. It will state the reason that item has been included in the estimate. Some items may be straightforward while others may take several items to address. For example, if a light fixture needs to be replaced our estimate will state to remove and replace a light fixture. However, if there is some water damage to the ceiling that would require a few more items to address those repairs. You would see an item to repair the drywall, texture the drywall, seal the drywall and then paint the ceiling.
In most cases, our estimates are used as a tool during negotiations to provide you with a more accurate understanding of issues on the specified property and therefore do not require revisions. However, we understand that not every situation is the same and revisions may arise from time to time. If you need an estimate revised please send an email to support@scopedestimating.com. In the subject line include “Revision to Order #xxxxx” so that we may respond to your request sooner. Please note, revisions are used to make adjustments to the current items already included on the estimate. If you are looking to add additional items to the estimate, you may be subject to additional charges.