The Adjuster Wants an Xactimate Estimate: Houston Contractors
The adjuster or carrier told you to send an Xactimate estimate, and you don’t write in Xactimate. I’m Benny Mancillas, an independent Xactimate estimator in Houston. You send the job, I walk the property and write the estimate in Xactimate format, and you submit it.
How it works
1. You send the property address, the scope you’re planning, your photos and any estimate the carrier already wrote.
2. I do an on-site walkthrough, measure the affected areas and document the job with labeled photos and a Matterport 3D scan.
3. I write the estimate in Xactimate and deliver an ESX file the adjuster can import, plus a PDF.
4. You submit the estimate to the adjuster or carrier. It’s your estimate to send.
Free look at the carrier’s estimate
If the carrier already sent an estimate, send it with your photos. I’ll look it over for free and tell you what may be missing. A full written Xactimate estimate is the paid service. See how pricing works.
What the adjuster receives
An Xactimate estimate organized room by room, with line items, quantities and notes tied to what I documented on site. The ESX file opens in Xactimate on the adjuster’s side, and the PDF and photos make the scope easy to follow.
What I don’t do
I’m an independent estimator, not a public adjuster or insurance adjuster. I don’t negotiate with the carrier, and I can’t promise what a claim will pay. If you’d like, I can meet the adjuster on site as a paid add-on to go over the estimate. You or the property owner submit the estimate and handle the claim conversation.
Who calls me for this
Roofers, restoration and mitigation companies, remodelers and general contractors across greater Houston who want an outside estimator for one job or many. See estimating for contractors for ongoing work.
Timing
Timing depends on the size of the job and my schedule. Tell me the carrier’s deadline when you call, and I’ll tell you honestly whether I can fit it.
Where I work
Houston and the surrounding metro. See the full service area. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central. Spanish is available.
Questions from contractors
Can you just send an ESX file without visiting?
No. Every estimate starts with an on-site walkthrough so the scope is tied to what’s actually at the property.
Will the adjuster be able to import your estimate?
I deliver an ESX file, the format Xactimate imports, along with a PDF of the estimate.
Do you talk to the adjuster for me?
I don’t negotiate the claim or represent you; in Texas that’s a licensed public adjuster’s role. You submit the estimate and handle the claim. If you’d like, I can meet the adjuster at the property as a paid add-on to go over the estimate’s scope and measurements.
Will you look at the carrier’s estimate first?
Yes. Send it with your photos and I’ll look it over for free and tell you what may be missing.
The carrier sent its own preferred contractor. Does the homeowner have to use them?
Some insurers refer preferred or program contractors who work under pricing agreements with the carrier. In Texas, the homeowner generally chooses who repairs their home; this isn’t legal advice, so check the policy. Program pricing can run below typical market rates, so an independent Xactimate estimate shows the full documented scope for comparison.
How much does it cost?
Fees are explained on one page. See how pricing works.
Send the job
Call or text Benny Mancillas with the address, the scope and your photos. You can also send an inquiry.
Free review of your carrier or adjuster estimate
Upload the estimate you received and I’ll look it over for free and tell you what might be missing. A full written Xactimate estimate is a separate, paid service.