Why the totals can mislead
One estimate may list every fan, the days they run and demolition by square foot, while another lumps work into a single line. A lower total can mean less equipment or a thinner scope, and a higher one may include repairs the other leaves out. Comparing items rather than totals shows the real differences.
Ask each company to write assumptions down, including the water category it expects, which rooms are included and what happens if readings call for more drying days.
Side-by-side layout
- Line item
- Water extraction
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- Which rooms, and what equipment is used?
- Line item
- Demolition and disposal
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- What will be removed and based on what readings?
- Line item
- Air movers and dehumidifiers
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- How many units and for how many days?
- Line item
- Monitoring visits
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- How often and who records readings?
- Line item
- Documentation provided
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- Will logs and photos be shared with my insurer?
- Line item
- Repairs included or excluded
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- Where does mitigation end?
- Line item
- Contents handling
- Estimate A
- Estimate B
- Estimate C
- Question to ask
- Is moving or packing items part of this?
Copy this and fill in each column from the estimates you receive.
Reading assumptions
Behind every estimate are assumptions: how many rooms are affected, whether water is clean or contaminated, how many days of drying will be needed and what condition materials are in. If an estimate does not state its assumptions, ask for them. Two companies may assume different things about the same loss, and a difference in assumptions explains differences in scope more often than a difference in skill.
Ask also what happens when an assumption proves wrong. If readings show more wet material than expected, who approves the added work, and how is that documented? A clear change process protects both sides.
Red flags worth a second look
- No mention of moisture readings or a drying goal.
- A pressure to sign immediately, before any assessment.
- A scope that expands far beyond what you can see wet.
- Charges described only as a lump sum with no detail.
- No explanation of who will be present and when.
Interpreting differences
- IfOne estimate has far fewer equipment daysThenAsk why; the drying plan may be incomplete or based on a different assumption.
- IfOne includes repairs the others do notThenCompare against a separate repair bid before judging the total.
- IfOne omits documentationThenAsk what records will be given to you and the insurer.
Common questions
Should I always choose the lowest estimate?
Not necessarily. Compare scope and records first, and keep your insurer informed.
Can I ask a company to revise its estimate?
Yes. Ask for line items and assumptions, and request a revised version if something is unclear.
General information for Northglenn, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.