5 Common Estimating Mistakes That Cost Restoration Companies Money
You completed a complex restoration job, submitted the claim, and payment arrives 30% less than estimated. This scenario happens daily because of five fixable estimating mistakes: using generic line items without detailed justification, underestimating or omitting “invisible” costs like project management and permits, failing to document and charge for specialized equipment, using inaccurate measurements and quantities, and not accounting for code-triggered upgrades. Each mistake costs restoration contractors $500-$5,000 per project—adding up to $75,000-$250,000 annually in lost profit for companies doing $1-3M in revenue. Learn how to break down every service into verifiable components, include every legitimate business expense, itemize specialized equipment separately, measure and document precisely, and distinguish between upgrades and code-required compliance. Stop leaving money on every claim.