CBRS Estimate Review & Optimization Service

Template for Contractor Deliverable

Service: Insurance Estimate Review & Supplement Recommendations Price: $299 per estimate review Turnaround: 24-48 hours Format: Detailed PDF report delivered via email

Report Structure

SECTION 1: Executive Summary

Client: [Contractor Company Name] Project: [Address] Date of Review: [Date] Reviewer: CBRS Insurance Claims Specialist

Insurance Estimate Total: $[Original Amount] Recommended Supplement Total: $[Supplement Amount] Potential Increase: $[Difference] ([Percentage]%)

Approval Likelihood: [High / Medium / Low]

Summary: [2-3 sentences explaining the key findings and overall assessment]

SECTION 2: Original Estimate Analysis

Estimate Details:

• Insurance Company: [Company Name]
• Adjuster: [Name]
• Claim Number: [Number]
• Date of Loss: [Date]
• Type of Damage: [Water / Fire / Storm / Other]

Scope Overview: [Paragraph summarizing what the adjuster's estimate includes]

Pricing Software Used: [Xactimate / Other] Pricing Database Date: [Date if known]

Initial Assessment: [2-3 paragraphs analyzing the completeness and accuracy of the original estimate]

SECTION 3: Line-by-Line Review

Format: Table showing original estimate with CBRS comments

Status Legend:

• ✓ APPROVE: Line item is accurate and appropriately priced
• ⚠️ MODIFY: Line item needs adjustment (price, quantity, or specification)
• ❌ MISSING: Essential work not included in original estimate

SECTION 4: Missing Items (Supplement Recommendations)

Category: Mitigation & Drying

Missing Item #1: Antimicrobial Treatment

• Why Needed: Category 2 water (gray water) requires antimicrobial treatment per IICRC S500 standard
• Justification: Insurance adjusters often miss this item. It's required to prevent microbial growth and is standard practice for Category 2 water damage.
• Xactimate Code: ANTMCRB or equivalent
• Quantity: 500 sq ft (entire affected area)
• Unit Price: $0.85/sq ft
• Subtotal: $425

Documentation Required:

• Photo of water source showing Category 2 classification
• IICRC S500 standard reference (page [X])
• Moisture readings showing >20% MC (evidence of extended moisture exposure)

Approval Likelihood: High - This is standard for Category 2 water and well-documented in IICRC standards.

Missing Item #2: Insulation Removal & Replacement

• Why Needed: Wet insulation must be removed - cannot be dried effectively and loses R-value
• Justification: IICRC S500 Section 12.5.3: "Wet cellulose or fiberglass insulation should be removed and replaced."
• Xactimate Codes:
  • Removal: R&R INSL DRY (remove insulation)
  • Replacement: INSL FIBER (fiberglass batts R-19)
• Quantity: 400 sq ft
• Unit Prices: $1.10/sf removal, $1.85/sf replacement
• Subtotal: $1,180 ($440 removal + $740 replacement)

Documentation Required:

• Photo of wet insulation during demolition
• Moisture readings showing insulation >30% MC
• IICRC S500 reference
• Note in initial documentation that insulation damage couldn't be seen until drywall removed

Approval Likelihood: High - Standard practice, well-documented in IICRC.

Missing Item #3: Baseboard Removal & Replacement

• Why Needed: Baseboards must be removed for proper drying and replaced due to water damage
• Justification: Moisture wicks up walls from floor. Baseboards must be removed to access wall cavity for drying. Most baseboards are damaged during removal or show water damage.
• Xactimate Codes:
  • Removal: R&R BSBD (remove baseboard)
  • Replacement: BSBD 3-1/4" colonial style
• Quantity: 80 linear feet
• Unit Prices: $1.80/lf removal, $4.50/lf replacement
• Subtotal: $504 ($144 removal + $360 replacement)

Documentation Required:

• Photo showing baseboards in place (pre-work)
• Photo showing water damage/staining on baseboards
• Photo showing baseboard removal (during work)
• Note that baseboards damaged during necessary removal

Approval Likelihood: Medium-High - Common item that adjusters miss, but well-justified.

Category: Building Code Compliance

Missing Item #4: Moisture Barrier / Vapor Barrier

• Why Needed: Code requirement when replacing drywall in bathroom
• Justification: IRC R702.3.8 requires moisture barrier behind drywall in shower/tub areas. If original didn't have it (pre-code), replacement must include it.
• Xactimate Code: VAPORB POLY or equivalent
• Quantity: 400 sq ft
• Unit Price: $0.65/sq ft
• Subtotal: $260

Documentation Required:

• Photo showing no vapor barrier in original construction
• Building code reference (IRC Section R702.3.8)
• Note that this is code-required upgrade
• Inspector sign-off requirement (for permit)

Approval Likelihood: High - Code upgrades are typically covered when necessary to complete repair.

Missing Item #5: Texture Matching

• Why Needed: New drywall must match existing texture
• Justification: Restoring to pre-loss condition requires matching existing finishes. Texture is a separate line item from drywall installation.
• Xactimate Code: TEXT MATCH or KNOCKDOWN
• Quantity: 400 sq ft
• Unit Price: $0.95/sq ft
• Subtotal: $380

Documentation Required:

• Photo of existing texture in adjacent areas
• Note: "Texture type: [knockdown / orange peel / other]"
• Clarify that flat drywall doesn't match pre-loss condition

Approval Likelihood: High - Standard item, clearly needed to match existing.

Missing Item #6: Paint Adjustment (2 Coats vs 1 Coat)

• Why Needed: New drywall requires primer + 2 coats of paint for proper coverage
• Justification: Industry standard for new drywall. Single coat doesn't provide adequate coverage and doesn't restore to pre-loss condition.
• Xactimate Code: Adjust existing PAINT line item
• Quantity: 400 sq ft
• Original Price: $1.50/sf (inadequate for 2 coats)
• Correct Price: $2.10/sf (primer + 2 coats)
• Adjustment: +$0.60/sf
• Subtotal: $240 (adjustment only)

Documentation Required:

• Photo of existing painted walls (showing current finish quality)
• Note that this is industry standard for new drywall
• Paint manufacturer specification showing 2-coat requirement

Approval Likelihood: Medium - Adjusters sometimes push back, but well-justified with industry standards.

SECTION 5: Supplement Summary

Total Recommended Supplement:

Revised Project Total:

• Original Insurance Estimate: $4,750
• Recommended Supplement: $2,989
• New Total: $7,739
• Increase: 63%

SECTION 6: Prioritized Action Plan

Recommended order of submission:

IMMEDIATE (Submit with initial documentation):

1. ✓ Antimicrobial treatment - Required for Category 2 water
2. ✓ Insulation R&R - Can't be seen until drywall removed, but standard
3. ✓ Moisture barrier - Code requirement
4. ✓ Texture matching - Obvious need to match existing

SECONDARY (Submit after work begins, if needed): 5. Baseboard R&R - Document damage during removal 6. Paint adjustment - Show manufacturer specs and industry standard

Why this order:

• High-approval items first (build credibility with adjuster)
• Code requirements and standards are strongest justifications
• Items visible during work can wait for documentation

SECTION 7: Documentation Package Requirements

Photos You MUST Take (before work begins):

Mitigation Phase:

• Wide shot of entire damaged area
• Close-up of water source (toilet, pipe, etc.)
• Moisture meter readings on walls (multiple locations)
• Moisture meter readings on floor
• Insulation before removal (if visible)
• Standing water or wet areas

Demolition Phase:

• Wet insulation exposed
• Moisture readings showing >30% MC in insulation
• Damaged baseboards before removal
• Inside wall cavity showing moisture damage
• Existing texture pattern in undamaged area
• Lack of moisture barrier in original construction

During Work:

• Equipment in place (dehumidifiers, air movers)
• Daily moisture readings log
• Baseboard removal process
• New moisture barrier installation

Documentation Best Practices:

• Use tape measure or ruler in photos (shows scale)
• Take photos from multiple angles
• Enable timestamp feature on camera
• Label photos clearly: "Bedroom north wall moisture reading 28%"
• Email photos to yourself (date/time stamped record)

SECTION 8: Supplement Writing Template

Use this exact format when submitting to insurance:

SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM REQUEST

Property: [Address]
Claim Number: [Number]
Date of Loss: [Date]
Contractor: [Your Company Name]
Submitted by: [Your Name, Title]
Date of Submission: [Date]

REASON FOR SUPPLEMENT:
Additional work required during authorized restoration was not visible during initial inspection and could not have been identified without invasive investigation. All items listed below are necessary to restore property to pre-loss condition and comply with industry standards (IICRC) and building codes.

ADDITIONAL SCOPE REQUIRED:

1. ANTIMICROBIAL TREATMENT
   Location: Bathroom, bedroom, hallway
   Quantity: 500 sq ft
   Issue: Category 2 water damage (gray water from toilet bowl overflow) requires antimicrobial treatment
   Industry Standard: IICRC S500 Section 12.3.2 - "Category 2 water should be treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial"
   Line Item: Antimicrobial treatment, 500 sf @ $0.85/sf = $425.00
   Supporting Documentation: See photos IMG_001.jpg (water source), IMG_002.jpg (application)

2. INSULATION REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT
   Location: Exterior wall cavity, bedroom north wall
   Quantity: 400 sq ft
   Issue: Insulation saturated with water, moisture content >30% per readings
   Industry Standard: IICRC S500 Section 12.5.3 - "Wet cellulose or fiberglass insulation should be removed and replaced"
   Reason: Wet insulation cannot be effectively dried, loses R-value, and promotes microbial growth
   Line Items:
   - Remove wet insulation, 400 sf @ $1.10/sf = $440.00
   - Install R-19 fiberglass batts, 400 sf @ $1.85/sf = $740.00
   Supporting Documentation: See photos IMG_010.jpg (wet insulation), IMG_011.jpg (moisture readings showing 32% MC)

3. MOISTURE BARRIER INSTALLATION
   Location: Bathroom walls
   Quantity: 400 sq ft
   Issue: Code requires moisture barrier behind drywall in wet areas
   Building Code: IRC R702.3.8 - Moisture barrier required in tub/shower areas
   Reason: Original construction pre-dated code requirement. Replacement must meet current code.
   Line Item: Vapor barrier polyethylene, 400 sf @ $0.65/sf = $260.00
   Supporting Documentation: See photo IMG_015.jpg (original wall cavity showing no vapor barrier), code reference attached

4. TEXTURE MATCHING
   Location: All repaired drywall areas
   Quantity: 400 sq ft
   Issue: New drywall must match existing knockdown texture to restore to pre-loss condition
   Reason: Existing texture is knockdown style. Flat drywall doesn't match and doesn't restore property to pre-loss condition.
   Line Item: Texture match knockdown, 400 sf @ $0.95/sf = $380.00
   Supporting Documentation: See photo IMG_020.jpg (existing texture in adjacent room)

[Continue for all items...]

SUMMARY:
Original Estimate: $4,750.00
Supplement Request: $2,989.00
Revised Total Scope: $7,739.00

JUSTIFICATION SUMMARY:
- All work is necessary to restore property to pre-loss condition per policy terms
- Items could not be seen during initial inspection without removing finishes
- Work complies with IICRC industry standards and local building codes
- Scope reflects actual damage extent discovered during authorized mitigation and demolition

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED:
- 25 photos with descriptions
- Moisture reading logs (daily, 7 days)
- IICRC S500 standard excerpts
- Building code references (IRC)
- Timeline of damage discovery

CONTRACTOR CONTACT:
[Your Name]
[Company Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

We respectfully request approval of this supplement to complete proper restoration of the property. Please contact us with any questions or if additional documentation is needed.

Expected Response Timeline: Within 5 business days per policy claim handling requirements.

SECTION 9: Communication Strategy

Initial Submission:

Subject Line: Supplemental Claim - [Address] - Claim #[Number] - Hidden Damage Discovered

Email Body:

Dear [Adjuster Name],

I am the contractor working on the property damage claim at [Address] (Claim #[Number]).

During authorized mitigation and demolition work, we discovered additional damage that was not visible during your initial inspection. This damage could not have been identified without removing the finished materials.

Attached is our supplemental claim request totaling $2,989.00 for necessary additional work. All items are:
✓ Required by IICRC industry standards
✓ Necessary to meet current building codes
✓ Essential to restore property to pre-loss condition

The supplement includes:
• Antimicrobial treatment (IICRC S500 required for Category 2 water)
• Insulation removal/replacement (wet insulation cannot be dried)
• Moisture barrier (code-required upgrade)
• Texture matching and paint adjustment (restore to pre-loss finish)

Supporting documentation includes 25 photos, moisture reading logs, and code/standard references.

Please review at your earliest convenience. I'm happy to discuss any items or provide additional documentation if needed.

We've paused non-emergency work pending your review to ensure proper authorization before proceeding.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Company]
[Phone]

Follow-Up Timeline:

• Day 3 (if no response): Polite follow-up email
• Day 5 (if no response): Phone call to adjuster
• Day 7 (if no response): Email to adjuster's supervisor
• Day 10 (if still no response): Contact homeowner to assist with escalation

SECTION 10: Handling Common Objections

Objection #1: "This should have been included in the original estimate."

Response: "I understand your concern. However, this damage was not visible during the initial inspection. The [insulation damage / wall cavity moisture / etc.] could only be discovered after removing the [drywall / flooring / etc.]. The attached photos show the timeline - initial inspection photos show finished surfaces, and our discovery photos show the hidden damage exposed during authorized demolition work."

Objection #2: "The homeowner should have known about this."

Response: "The homeowner reported all visible damage at the time of loss. This [insulation damage / moisture in wall cavity] was concealed behind finished materials and could not be seen or detected without invasive investigation. IICRC S500 standards actually caution against unnecessary invasive investigation during initial assessment. The damage was discovered during necessary and authorized demolition work."

Objection #3: "Your pricing is too high."

Response: "Our pricing is based on current Xactimate regional pricing for [region name]. The line items match Xactimate codes [list codes]. If you have more current pricing data, I'm happy to review and adjust accordingly. However, these items are necessary regardless of price, and we believe our pricing reflects current market rates for quality workmanship."

Objection #4: "This isn't covered under the policy."

Response: "I respectfully disagree. The policy covers restoring the property to pre-loss condition. This work is necessary to:

1. Complete the restoration of covered damage
2. Meet current building codes as required by local jurisdiction
3. Follow industry standards (IICRC) to ensure proper restoration

If you believe specific items aren't covered, can you please cite the policy language that excludes this work? I'd like to review it with the homeowner so we all understand the coverage."

SECTION 11: Success Metrics & Follow-Up

Expected Outcomes:

• Approval rate: 85-95% for items listed above (based on CBRS historical data)
• Timeline: 5-10 business days for adjuster response
• Negotiation: Some items may be approved at lower amounts (be prepared to justify or accept reasonable adjustments)

If Partial Approval:

• Focus on must-have items (code requirements, IICRC standards)
• Be willing to negotiate pricing on lower-priority items
• Document homeowner's choice if they want to pay for disputed items out-of-pocket

If Denial:

• Request written denial with specific policy language cited
• Escalate to adjuster's supervisor
• Consider involving homeowner's public adjuster (if they have one)
• Advise homeowner of dispute resolution options

SECTION 12: Contractor Recommendations

Best Practices Going Forward:

1. Document EVERYTHING: Take photos at every stage, even if you think you don't need them
2. Communicate Proactively: Notify adjuster of any discovered damage within 24-48 hours
3. Use Industry Language: Always cite IICRC standards, code requirements - not just "we always do it this way"
4. Build Relationships: The same adjusters handle multiple claims in your area - reputation matters
5. Be Reasonable: Don't fight for every penny - pick your battles and maintain credibility

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Don't inflate pricing to "make up" for low insurance estimates
• Don't suggest homeowner file false claims
• Don't offer to "waive deductible" (insurance fraud)
• Don't proceed with disputed work before getting authorization

Building Long-Term Success:

• Keep detailed records of approval rates by adjuster and insurance company
• Refine your documentation process based on what gets approved
• Build reputation as contractor who "gets it right" - adjusters will trust your supplements
• Consider CBRS Certification to formalize your insurance claims expertise

APPENDIX A: Xactimate Code Reference

Common Codes for Water Damage Supplements:

APPENDIX B: IICRC Standard References

Key Sections to Cite in Supplements:

IICRC S500 (Water Damage Restoration):

• Section 12.3.2: Antimicrobial treatment for Category 2-3 water
• Section 12.5.3: Wet insulation removal requirements
• Section 7.2.4: Moisture monitoring and documentation
• Section 8.3: Category classification

IICRC S520 (Mold Remediation):

• Section 11: Containment requirements
• Section 12: HEPA filtration
• Section 14: Post-remediation verification

APPENDIX C: Building Code Quick Reference

International Residential Code (IRC) - Common Citations:

Moisture Control:

• R702.3.8: Moisture barrier in tub/shower areas
• R806: Roof ventilation

Electrical:

• E3802: GFCI protection (kitchens, bathrooms, garages)
• E3902: Arc-fault protection (bedrooms)

Structural:

• R602: Wood wall framing
• R802: Wood roof framing

Next Steps for Contractor

After receiving this review:

1. Review Recommendations: Read through each supplement item and understand the justification
2. Gather Documentation: Take all required photos using our checklist
3. Submit Supplement: Use our template to create your supplement request
4. Follow Up: Use our communication strategy if you don't hear back within 5 days
5. Report Back: Let us know the outcome so we can refine recommendations for future estimates

Questions? Contact CBRS Insurance Claims Team:

• Phone: [NUMBER]
• Email: [EMAIL]
• Schedule consultation: [LINK]

Want ongoing support?

CBRS Contractor Partnership Options:

• Per-Estimate Review: $299 (what you just received)
• Monthly Retainer: $999/month for up to 5 estimates + unlimited consultation
• White-Glove Partnership: $2,500-5,000/month for full-service claims support
• Certification Program: $997 one-time + $197/year - Learn to do this yourself

Learn more: [WEBSITE]

© 2026 CBRS Group - Complete Building and Restoration Solutions

This estimate review is provided for informational purposes and represents our professional opinion based on industry standards and typical insurance practices. Final claim determination is made by the insurance company. CBRS is not responsible for claim denials or disputes.