Should I get my own contractor estimate before meeting LA Consulting?
LA CONSULTING
Original Content
Many property owners believe they need to secure a contractor estimate before speaking with a public adjuster. While having an estimate is not harmful, it is not necessary—and in some cases, it can even limit your claim. At LA Consulting, we prepare professional, detailed repair estimates that align directly with your insurance policy. These estimates are specifically designed to meet insurer requirements and maximize your payout. Contractors, on the other hand, often prepare estimates with the goal of winning repair work, which may not reflect the full scope of covered damages.
The difference between contractor and adjuster estimates
A contractor’s estimate usually focuses only on the visible damage and on the work they want to perform. This may leave out hidden issues, code upgrades, or policy-specific coverages that significantly increase your settlement. Public adjuster estimates are far more comprehensive. At LA Consulting, we use specialized software and industry-standard pricing databases to calculate repair costs that insurers recognize. This ensures your claim package cannot be dismissed as incomplete or inaccurate.
Why relying only on contractor estimates is risky
If you rely solely on a contractor estimate, your insurer may reject or challenge it for not meeting claim standards. Worse, if the estimate is too low, the insurer may seize the opportunity to minimize your payout. Many policyholders accept settlements based on contractor numbers, only to discover later that repairs cost far more. By allowing LA Consulting to prepare your official estimate, you avoid this trap and ensure your claim reflects the true cost of restoration.
Your contractor can still provide valuable insight, but it should supplement—not replace—our detailed documentation.
How LA Consulting handles estimates
Our team conducts a full property inspection and prepares an estimate using Xactimate, the same software most insurers use. This creates a level playing field and prevents disputes over pricing. We also account for factors contractors often miss, such as damage behind walls, required building code upgrades, and temporary relocation expenses. If you already have a contractor estimate, we review it for consistency and incorporate it into the claim package if it supports your case. The combination of our expertise and contractor input strengthens your position with the insurer.
This approach ensures your settlement is based on the full scope of loss, not just a partial view.
Peace of mind and stronger claims
Clients often tell us they feel relieved knowing LA Consulting prepares their estimates, because it eliminates uncertainty about whether the insurer will accept the numbers. Our documentation not only supports your claim but also protects you from unexpected repair costs later. By letting us take the lead, you gain confidence that every covered item will be included and properly valued. If contractors are needed for specific technical input, we coordinate with them to ensure their insights are presented in a way insurers cannot ignore.
The result is a stronger claim, a higher payout, and fewer surprises during the repair process.
The bottom line
You do not need to get your own contractor estimate before meeting LA Consulting. While contractor input can be useful, our professional estimates are designed specifically for insurance claims and maximize your payout. Bringing us in first ensures that your claim is built on accurate, comprehensive documentation that insurers will accept. If you already have an estimate, we can review and incorporate it, but the most important step is to let LA Consulting prepare the official estimate that forms the backbone of your claim.
