Independent Construction and Repair Estimator in Houston
I’m Benny Mancillas, an independent estimator in Houston. I write repair and damage estimates for existing homes and buildings, for homeowners, restoration and mitigation contractors, roofers and general contractors. Houston estimates start with a walkthrough I do at the property and comes with an Xactimate estimate, labeled photos and a Matterport scan.
What kind of construction estimating I do
Construction estimating covers a lot of ground. My part of it is narrow on purpose: I estimate the repair of existing properties after damage or a loss. Water, fire and smoke, wind and hail, mold, flood, freeze and interior rebuilds. I walk the building, document the conditions and write an itemized Xactimate estimate for the work needed to put it back: removal, replacement, detach and reset, protection, and the trade sequence behind the finishes.
I don’t do plan takeoffs, bid new construction from blueprints or price ground-up builds and additions from drawings. If you need a takeoff for a new home or a commercial bid package, look for a takeoff service or cost estimator who works from plans. If the building is already standing and something happened to it, that’s the work I do.
Insurance repair estimates in Houston
Insurance repair is the core of my work: a house or building was damaged, there’s a claim, and someone needs a detailed, itemized estimate of the repair. I write it in Xactimate, the same software insurance companies use to price repairs, so it’s easy to compare line by line with the adjuster’s estimate. Homeowners can start with my home insurance claim estimate page; contractors can see estimating for restoration contractors, roofers and remodelers. For water losses, see water damage repair estimates.
What “independent” means
I’m not the contractor doing the repair, and I don’t work for an insurance company. I don’t do repairs or mitigation myself, so my estimate isn’t written to win a construction job. It describes and prices the repair work I documented at the property. What you do with it is your call: hire a contractor, compare proposals or plan the rebuild.
I’m also not a public adjuster. I don’t negotiate claims, interpret coverage or promise any claim outcome or payout. I document the damage and write the scope.
Houston estimates start on site
In Houston, I don’t do photo-only estimates (jobs outside my area can use remote estimating). I come to the property, walk the affected areas and record what I find: room dimensions, materials, and how the damaged areas connect to cabinets, doorways, continuous flooring and ceilings. I also note what has to be moved or protected to do the work. Those details are easy to miss in a photo and they change the scope.
Existing photos, contractor proposals or an insurance estimate are useful background, and you can share them when we set up the visit. They don’t replace the walkthrough. Send the property address first so I can confirm it’s in my service area and talk through access before we schedule.
What you receive
Xactimate estimate. An editable ESX file and a readable PDF, itemized room by room with quantities, units and notes.
Labeled photos. Field photos named to the room and condition, so a line item can be traced back to what I saw.
Matterport scan. A 3D capture of the property that you and your project team can walk through again while reviewing the scope.
Property sketch. The room layout and measurements behind the quantities.
The public sample below shows the format of one real project. Its conditions and prices aren’t a quote for your property.
Who hires me
Homeowners. You don’t need a contractor to hire me. Homeowners call me directly when they want their own itemized estimate of the repair, often before choosing a contractor or comparing proposals.
Restoration and mitigation contractors. Companies use me as an outside estimator, so the walkthrough, photos and Matterport record match the written repair scope.
Roofers. Wind and hail estimates, with slope, waste, flashing, decking and code items written in, plus any interior damage that came with the roof loss.
General contractors. A documented scope for planning sequence and coordinating trades. I spent ten years as a Houston contractor before I started estimating, and that experience shapes how I write access, sequence and finish details. The contractor is still responsible for its own proposal and work.
Looking for a construction or repair estimator near me in the Houston area?
If you searched for a construction estimator or repair estimator near me, the first question is whether I can get to your property. I’m based in the Webster and Clear Lake area and serve Houston and the surrounding metro, including League City, Friendswood, Pearland, Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Deer Park, Seabrook, Kemah, Nassau Bay, Shoreacres, Morgan’s Point, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Katy, Cypress, Spring, The Woodlands and Humble. See the full service area. Send the address and I’ll tell you straight whether it’s in range. Any travel fee is explained on the pricing page.
Visits take place at your property. I don’t have a walk-in office. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central, and I speak Spanish. Información en español.
How pricing works
Fees, travel and payment details are all on one page, so you know what to expect before I come out. See pricing.
Questions about hiring an independent estimator
Do you do plan takeoffs or new-construction bids?
No. I estimate repairs to existing homes and buildings after damage or a loss, based on an on-site walkthrough. I don’t price new construction or additions.
Do I need a contractor to hire you?
No. Homeowners can hire me directly. Contractors, roofers and restoration companies hire me too.
Can you write an estimate from photos?
In Houston, every estimate starts with an on-site walkthrough. For jobs outside my area, I can write the estimate remotely from plans, photos, video or a Matterport scan. See remote Xactimate estimating.
Are you a public adjuster? Will you negotiate my insurance claim?
No. I’m an independent estimator. I don’t negotiate claims, interpret coverage or promise any claim outcome or payment. I document the damage and write the repair scope.
Do you do the repairs or the mitigation?
No. I don’t do repairs, drying or demolition myself; I work with crews who do. I document the property and write the estimate.
What areas do you cover?
Houston and the surrounding metro, including Webster, Clear Lake, League City, Friendswood, Pearland, Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Deer Park, Seabrook, Kemah, Nassau Bay, Shoreacres, Morgan’s Point, Sugar Land, Katy, Cypress, Spring, The Woodlands and Humble. Send the address to confirm availability. Any travel fee is explained on the pricing page.
What does an estimate cost?
The fee, any deposit and any travel fee are explained on the How pricing works page.
Schedule your on-site walkthrough
Call or text Benny Mancillas at 346-680-8880, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Central, with the property address, what happened and where the project stands. You can also send an inquiry. I will confirm the address is in my service area and walk you through the next steps before anything is scheduled.