Residential Estimating

This two-week class teaches students how to scope and prepare thorough and accurate estimates on residential dwelling damage using their choice of leading automated estimating systems.  All phases of residential construction are introduced including framing, windows and doors, interior and exterior finishes, roofing and mechanical systems.  Class discussion includes material identification, nomenclature, measurement, damages, repair versus replacement and unit cost analyses.  Hands-on scoping and estimating exercises are incorporated into the instruction. 

The emphasis is on learning to prepare complete, detailed and accurate estimates on damaged dwellings. Topics covered are detailed in the syllabus below. 

Beginning with orientation to computerized estimating systems and then framing on the first day, students learn in the classroom and quickly apply scoping, identification and measurement knowledge to produce their own automated estimates of damages using the Vale House located at each campus.  During the following days, we concentrate on interior items including windows and doors, restoration and painting, plaster, drywall, flooring, trim, cabinets, etc. Estimate exercises follow each unit of instruction.  Following interior damage analysis and scoping and estimating exercises, exterior damages are emphasized. Topics covered include roofing, siding, masonry, fences, etc., followed by electrical systems and plumbing.

Hands-on scoping and estimating exercises are thoroughly reviewed and discussed so students can improve their skills daily. The exercises emphasize writing estimates for damages resulting from fire, water, wind, hail, and collision.  Graded scoping and estimating exercises, quizzes and tests monitor the progress of each student.

After successfully completing this course, the student will have the skills and knowledge to prepare a complete and accurate electronic estimate for minor to moderate interior and exterior residential dwelling damage.

Vale Training Solutions offers Continuing Education for this course at a charge of $2.00 per credit hour.  Please see the state listing below for available CE credits.

Continuing Education Units:

Texas 30 hours
Indiana  30 hours
Oklahoma 35 hours
Mississippi 30 hours
Georgia 30 hours
North Carolina 6 hours

Canada | Alberta 30 hours
Canada | Saskatchewan 12 hours
Canada | Manitoba 12 hours
Canada | British Columbia 8 hours

Audience:

Handling residential dwelling losses in the 21st Century will require different tools and skills to be effective. Electronic information systems will be the tools of technology used to produce damage estimates. Claims handlers will need to be proficient in analyzing the scope of damages and then using electronic tools to produce estimates.

This two-week course is designed for the field adjuster, desk examiner and restoration contractor handling all levels of dwelling damage estimating

Prerequisites:

Attendees must be capable of operating Windows-based programs. Sponsors will need to indicate estimating program selection at the time of Registration.

Syllabus:

Introduction
Definitions, Estimating, Scoping
Diagramming, Trades, Tools

Rough Carpentry
Floors, Walls, Roofs

Interior
Plaster, Drywall, Ceilings, Paneling

Millwork
Trim, Cabinets, Countertops, Stairs

Doors, Windows, Glass
Types and Materials

Flooring
Wood, Tile, Vinyl, Carpet

Decorating
Paint, Wallpaper
Restoration, Deodorizing

Exterior
Siding, Trim, Soffits
Gutters, Fences

Roofing
Roof Styles, Materials
Measurements

Masonry
Concrete, Block, Brick
Chimneys, Stucco

HVAC
Types, Insulation, Ductwork

Plumbing
Rough and Finish
Water Heaters
Supply, Containment, Drain

Electrical
Service, Fixtures

Damages
Estimating exercises that cover damages resulting from fire, water, wind, hail, hurricanes, collision and ensuing losses.

This course uses the latest versions of:

PowerClaim
Simsol
Symbility
Xactimate