Restoration Estimator

We specialize in mitigating and rebuilding residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, storms, and other disasters. We partner with leading insurance carriers and handle everything from emergency cleanup to complete rebuilds, with a focus on safety, integrity, and advocacy. As entrepreneurs, we take full ownership of the work we do and the families we serve.

At Merit, our purpose is simple and non-negotiable: we work together as a team so we can change lives. Teamwork is the foundation of everything we do—because teamwork creates impact, and impact changes lives. We exist to help people, and the only way we do that at the highest level is by moving as one team, aligned in mission, values, and execution.

Why we exist. We exist for two families. The families we serve and the families inside this company. When we work together and serve our clients at the highest level, both families win.

RESTORATION ESTIMATOR

The Restoration Estimator is a production-focused, desk-based role within Merit's estimating team. Working alongside fellow estimators and reporting directly to the Branch Manager, this position operates as the engine that powers the production team's ability to move fast and execute at a high level.

This is not a solo role. You are part of a coordinated estimating team with shared throughput goals and clear turnaround SLAs. Your output directly determines how quickly the production team can deploy — which means your speed, accuracy, and responsiveness are the job.

You will write estimates exclusively in Xactimate and Symbility for insurance restoration projects — spanning reconstruction (Core Claims) and emergency services/mitigation (water, fire, mold) — on projects valued up to $50,000. Beyond estimate writing, you will own all daily activity inside Xactanalysis, support the production team with supplements and change orders throughout active project lifecycles, and respond to carrier reviewer notes and questions with speed and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Estimating — Reconstruction (Core Claims)

·        Visit new assignments, scope the full extent of structural and finish damages, and document thoroughly with photos, notes, and measurements.

·        Write accurate Xactimate estimates for reconstruction scopes including demo, framing, drywall, flooring, roofing, painting, and specialty trades — with a target turnaround of 24–48 hours from assignment.

·        Submit estimates to insurance carriers or property management companies and manage the approval process through to signed contract.

·        Negotiate line items, supplements, and scope disputes directly with adjusters — advocating with clarity and confidence for the full, accurate scope of work.

·        Prepare and execute construction contracts in accordance with company standards.

·        Schedule and lead pre-construction meetings with the client and assigned Project Manager.

·        Identify and communicate change orders and insurance supplements throughout the project lifecycle.

Estimating — Emergency Services & Mitigation

·        Scope emergency services losses on-site — including water mitigation, fire/smoke cleaning, and mold remediation — with precision and urgency.

·        Write mitigation estimates using Xactimate or Symbility, aligned with IICRC standards and carrier program requirements.

·        Ensure scopes accurately reflect documented drying logs, equipment records, moisture mapping, and all labor performed.

·        Coordinate directly with Mitigation Project Managers to ensure field conditions align with the written scope.

·        Handle supplement requests and negotiate additional line items for any scope changes arising during mitigation.

Xactanalysis & Carrier Portal Management

·        Own all day-to-day activity inside Xactanalysis — including file assignments, task completion, status updates, and SLA adherence.

·        Monitor and respond to carrier reviewer notes and questions promptly, ensuring no file sits idle or falls outside program SLAs.

·        Communicate with adjusters and carrier representatives via portal and direct correspondence — professionally, accurately, and without delay.

·        Maintain clean, compliant file documentation across all carrier program portals as directed.

Supplement & Change Order Support

·        Partner with Project Managers to identify, write, and submit supplements throughout active project lifecycles — this is a core function of the role, not an occasional task.

·        Write and submit change orders as scope changes arise in the field, coordinating with the production team to ensure accurate, timely documentation.

·        Anticipate supplement needs proactively — reviewing project status, drying logs, and field updates — rather than waiting to be asked.

·        Track supplement status and follow up with carriers to resolution.

Client & Adjuster Relations

·        Serve as the estimating team's point of contact for clients and carriers from assignment through estimate approval.

·        Set clear, realistic expectations with property owners regarding scope, timeline, and the insurance process — communicating proactively so there are no surprises.

·        Build and maintain strong working relationships with insurance adjusters, brokers, and TPA representatives.

·        Communicate difficult or sensitive information with professionalism, empathy, and honesty.

·        Resolve estimate disputes and escalate when necessary — always with the client's best interest and Merit's integrity at the center.

Operational Excellence

·        Manage a pipeline of active estimates and consistently meet carrier program SLAs and production team turnaround expectations — speed and accuracy are non-negotiable.

·        Maintain complete and accurate documentation in DASH, Xactanalysis, and other platforms as directed.

·        Ensure each project is set up to achieve minimum gross profit margins as determined by company standards.

·        Participate in on-call rotation as required, serving as point of contact for new losses during evenings and weekends per the rotating schedule.

·        Support the Accounting team as needed with job cost documentation, mortgage company correspondence, and invoicing details.

·        Participate in company-sponsored marketing and networking events when requested.

·        All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience & Technical

·        Minimum 2–3 years of insurance restoration estimating experience required; mitigation and/or commercial experience is a strong plus.

·        Proficiency in Xactimate required; Symbility experience is a strong plus — familiarity with both platforms is ideal.

·        Direct, hands-on experience working inside Xactanalysis — managing files, responding to reviewer notes, meeting carrier SLAs — is required.

·        Familiarity with carrier program portals and IICRC drying standards.

·        Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

·        Experience reading and interpreting construction plans and specifications.

·        Understanding of subcontractor bid solicitation and construction cost fundamentals.

Character & Competencies

·        Production-speed mentality — this role demands consistent, accurate throughput across multiple active files simultaneously. You thrive when the volume is high, not when it slows down.

·        Self-motivated and self-directed with strong initiative and independent ownership — you don't need to be managed toward your deadlines.

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to navigate complex conversations with adjusters, clients, and production teammates with clarity and confidence.

·        Strong analytical skills; detail-oriented without being paralyzed by perfectionism. You write accurate estimates fast.

·        Calm under pressure. Restoration is not predictable — this role demands someone who sharpens when the volume spikes, not someone who fades.

·        Collaborative team player — you understand that your output feeds teammates downstream, and you treat that handoff with care.

·        Committed to growth — personally and professionally. We build leaders from within and reward those who get better.

·        Lives Merit's core values every day: servant leadership, innovation, gratitude, growth, impact, honor, and grit.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

·        Must be able to work from the assigned Merit branch office in Purcellville, VA.

·        Regular travel to job sites required, including residential and light commercial properties.

·        Participates in on-call rotation requiring availability during evenings and weekends as scheduled.

·        Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; ability to navigate active job sites safely.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Health, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Company Phone / Computer