Job Details

Estimator January 29, 2026

Located in East Lansing, MI

Pay: $60,000 -$70,000

Job Full Description

Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Restoration Estimator to support residential, commercial, and industrial restoration projects. This role is responsible for developing accurate, insurance-compliant estimates, managing scope and budgets, and supporting projects through completion. The Estimator serves as a primary point of contact for clients, insurance representatives, and internal teams, ensuring projects are properly documented, cost-controlled, and delivered on schedule.

This position requires hands-on field experience, strong estimating and communication skills, and proficiency with industry-standard restoration estimating software.

Responsibilities

  • Develop accurate and competitive cost estimates for restoration projects including fire, water, mold, storm, and vandalism losses
  • Create detailed floor plans, measurements, and scopes of work using Xactimate
  • Conduct site inspections to assess damage, identify hazards, and verify project conditions
  • Serve as the primary contact for property owners, insurance adjusters, consultants, and internal project teams
  • Prepare, submit, and revise estimates, supplements, and change orders in accordance with industry and carrier standards
  • Review job budgets regularly and address cost variances or overruns as they arise
  • Track labor, invoices, and subcontractor costs to ensure accurate job costing
  • Coordinate with project management, trades, and vendors to maintain schedules and ensure timely completion
  • Apply knowledge of mitigation, demolition, containment, decontamination, and deodorization techniques
  • Identify potential site hazards such as asbestos, lead-based paint, or mold, and ensure proper documentation and escalation
  • Maintain accurate documentation, photos, and reports to support scope justification and approvals
  • Participate in ongoing training and certification requirements as needed
  • Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and reporting requirements

Requirements

  • Proven experience in restoration or insurance-based construction estimating
  • Proficiency with Xactimate estimating software, including sketching, revisions, and supplements
  • Direct experience working with insurance adjusters and managing scope negotiations
  • Strong understanding of restoration workflows, including mitigation and rebuild phases
  • Ability to manage projects independently from estimate development through closeout
  • Knowledge of local building codes and applicable construction standards
  • Comfortable working in field environments and coordinating after-hours emergency services when required
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Professional demeanor with excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work under time constraints and meet critical deadlines

Qualifications

  • Extensive customer service and client-facing experience
  • Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience reviewing contracts, change orders, and scope modifications
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, plans, and specifications
  • Demonstrated attention to detail and respect for safeguarding client property and information
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, vendors, and subcontractors

Physical Requirements

  • Frequent lifting of 50 lbs or more without assistance
  • Ability to stand, bend, crouch, climb, and walk job sites as required
  • Manual dexterity for keyboarding, measuring, and inspection tasks
  • Ability to work in active construction and restoration environments

Position Summary

This role is ideal for a hands-on restoration estimator who enjoys field work, insurance collaboration, and owning projects from start to finish. Success in this position requires technical estimating expertise, strong communication skills, and a disciplined, process-driven approach to restoration work.

Lansing, MI
1578
1429 West Saginaw Street
Suite 120
East Lansing, MI 48823

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