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MAXIMIZE YOUR PROFITS!
We offer professional, accurate, and timely estimating and supplementing services, providing critical support at every stage to eliminate frustrations and help you maximize your profits.
Professional Estimates
Years of Experience
Professional estimates prepared in Xactimate for all types of losses and trade work.
Supplementing Services
Profit Scaling
Increase your profits and ensure all work is accounted for with our supplementing services and support.
Fast Turnaround Time
Quick and Precise
Thorough, accurate and compliant estimates with quick turnaround times to keep production profitable.
Supplementing Solutions
Boost your profits and ensure your project receives every dollar it deserves with our expert estimating, supplementing and invoicing services. Leave no stone unturned!
Detailed and In-depth
Ensure all work, materials and measurements are properly included and billed for.
Code Compliant
We stay up to date with local and state codes, ordinances and regulations to keep your estimates compliant.
Insurance Support
We’ll handle your communication with insurance, log all summaries and differences, update your files and provide experienced support through each step of the claim.
Follow up Support
We’ll follow up regularly to obtain a copy of the revised estimate and/or updated information.
Communications
We’ll handle all the back and forth with insurance, updating you every step of the way.
Busy Season Assistance
With storms bringing uncertainty in their wake, the damage and subsequent workload can be unpredictable. We’re here to help when things become overwhelming. We provide seamless assistance behind the scenes, ensuring your operations stay on track.
Hailstorms and Hurricanes
Let us get you to a comfortable, manageable point during those hailstorms and natural disasters.
Temporary Services
Reliable support in the event an estimator becomes unavailable due to illness, leave, or vacation.
CAT Team Support
When disaster strikes, the last thing you should be focused on is navigating the complexities of estimating and insurance. Let us manage the process, so you can stay focused on preparing and mobilizing your team. Document and go. We’ll handle the rest.
Mobile Support
Estimates in all natural disaster losses with quick turnaround times to keep you and your team on the move!
Stay Competitive
Don’t get bogged down and miss opportunities. We’ll keep things in order so you can stay on the move and stay competitive!
Estimates & Supplements
Water Restoration
Water Extraction – Emergency Services – Demolition – Structural Drying – CAT 1 – CAT 2 – CAT 3 (Sewer & Drain Backup) – Reconstruction
Contact us for more information.
Fire/Smoke Restoration
Pack Out – Inventory – Demolition – Structural Cleaning – Content Cleaning – Deodorization – Air Duct Cleaning – Reconstruction
Contact us for more information.
Mold Mitigation
Mold Removal – Treatment – Priming & Painting – Reconstruction
Contact us for more information.
Roofs
Asphalt Shingle – Flat – Metal – Wood Shake – Clay or Concrete – Slate – Sheathing
Contact us for more information.
Siding
Aluminum – Vinyl – Wood – Fiber Cement – Stucco – Metal – Shingle or Shake
Contact us for more information.
Soffit, Fascia & Gutters
Gutters – Gutter Guards – Omni Gutter Systems – Downspouts – Fascia – Soffit
Contact us for more information.
Structural Items
Windows – Doors – Garage Overhead Doors – Awnings – Fencing
Contact us for more information.
Miscellaneous
Vandalism – Self Pays – Unique Project – Third Party Services
Contact us for more information.
Who’s Handling Your Supplements?
Let us help you maximize your profits through our expert estimating and supplementing services, alleviating the challenges of managing insurance claims alongside running your business.
Enhance profitability with every project – why leave money on the table? Ensure your estimates are optimized to reflect the highest potential for profitability.
What is a Supplement?
Visit our Info page for more information on the supplementing process, insurance process, Xactimate and general policy guidelines including common restrictions and exclusions.
Overview
An insurance supplement for property claims is an additional payment made by an insurance company to cover extra costs that were not included in the initial settlement of a property damage claim. This supplement typically arises after the original claim has been filed and an initial payment has been made based on the estimated costs of repairs or replacements. When further damage is discovered, work is noticeably left off, or additional costs arise during the repair process, the contractor may issue a supplement to cover and add these expenses.
Reasons for Supplementing:
- Incomplete initial insurance estimate
- Partial replacements or coverage
- Work/trades not initially included
- Missing codes or ordinances
- Work exceeds initial insurance scope
- Damaged/affected areas discovered as project progresses
- Initiating coverage
- O&P
Negotiate To Get What You’re Entitled To
There are several factors that can influence the accuracy of an insurance estimate. It is essential to ensure that you are receiving the full amount you are entitled to. Many contractors simply accept the insurance bid as-is, incorporating their profit margins and proceeding with the work. However, by doing so, they may inadvertently lose money on every project.
Some estimates may be incomplete, may lack knowledge of specific trades or local and state regulations, or may even exclude necessary items intentionally. Failing to properly supplement for required work or overlooking excluded items can lead to substantial financial losses over time. These discrepancies can significantly impact the overall profitability of every project. Therefore, it is crucial not to leave any potential funds unclaimed. It is vital to thoroughly assess each estimate to ensure that all necessary work is accounted for and appropriately compensated.
Boost Your Profits
Don’t simply accept the insurance estimate at face value or assume it’s final. To fully maximize your profits, ensure that all work is accurately accounted for and appropriately billed. Often, essential tasks are overlooked due to knowledge gaps or differing perspectives between contractors and insurers. As a result, supplementing your claim is crucial to securing the full compensation needed to optimize your operations.
Code Enforcement
Most insurance estimates often exclude compliance with local codes and city ordinances. Certain municipalities may have restrictions, such as prohibiting partial replacements, requiring uniform appearances, or designating areas as historical districts. A lack of understanding or coverage of these codes and ordinances can result in significant costs to your business. Ensure your estimates fully account for local and state requirements to safeguard both liability and profitability.
The Art of Supplementing
Supplementing requires in-depth knowledge across various loss classifications and trades, along with a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal codes and ordinances. It’s a strategic negotiation process to ensure your project receives every dollar it’s entitled to.
FAQs
Does Lighthouse Estimates do onsite inspections?
No. We do not offer onsite inspections. We may do virtual inspections under certain circumstances.
Where can I find a list of your services?
Our Home and About Us pages list information on the services that we provide. For more detailed information on supplementing and insurance in general, please visit our Info page.
What do I need to provide?
For complete information on what you are responsible for providing please see our Info page and “What is Needed to Supplement”.
Does Lighthouse Estimates have any minimum requirements?
No. We can provide a single estimate or provide longer, continual services.
Do I get my ESX files?
Absolutely. For each estimate, supplement or invoice we write, we will include the ESX file upon request.
Is Lighthouse Estimates a PA?
No. We are not registered public adjusters, nor do we act in any compacity as one.
Where can I find more information on the process overall?
Visit out Info page for more information on the industry including the process, software and what to expect.
What is “fast” turnaround?
Depending on the information provided in our “What is Needed to Supplement” section, turnaround times are within 24-48 hours, excluding national holidays.
Does Lighthouse Estimates provide statistics?
Yes. We will update your files with all communications as well as have an easy-to-read log of all financials for live viewing at any time (through Excel, Google Docs, etc.). You’ll be able to see exactly how much each project was supplemented for and how much each project has increased. Contact Us for more information.
Can I write for Lighthouse Estimates?
Yes. We are always looking for qualified candidates to work with us. Those that want additional work or a few extra contracts are encouraged to reach out. Contact Us for more information or to set up a time for us to call you.
Where does Lighthouse Estimates service?
We service the Chicagoland area as well as neighboring counties in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. Services can be provided remotely from anywhere essentially covering all states.
I’m not sure what I need, can I schedule a call?
Of course! Head over to our Contact Us page and let us know when you’re available for a call.