Estimate review
A written comparison of the two estimates before anyone invokes appraisal
Sometimes the carrier's estimate is close to correct and the contractor's is high. Sometimes the difference is thousands of dollars of items that were left out. An estimate review identifies which, in writing, so the decision to invoke appraisal is made on the facts.
What the review includes
- A written comparison of the carrier's estimate and the contractor's, line by line, grouped by trade.
- Each difference classified: missing item, quantity, pricing, method, or code item.
- An assessment of which differences are supportable under current Colorado pricing and code.
- A recommendation: supplement first, invoke appraisal, or accept the carrier's figure.
- If appraisal is recommended, the wording for the demand and what to send next.
Who requests it
Homeowners
Who want an independent read before committing to a process they have not been through.
Contractors
Who want to know whether another supplement is worthwhile or the file should go to appraisal now.
Attorneys and public adjusters
Who want an appraiser's assessment of the amount gap before advising a client.
HOA boards
Who need something in writing for the meeting packet before authorizing an appraisal.
What it is not
An estimate review is not an appraisal, not an appraisal demand, and not a negotiation with the carrier. It is a desk review of documents. If both estimates omit the same item, the review will say so, but it cannot replace an inspection. Turnaround is usually two to three business days from receipt of the estimates.
Request an estimate review
Send both estimates to Appraisals@HeidmannAndAssociates.com.