How to Choose an Insurance Claim Estimator in Houston
Choose a Houston claim estimator who inspects the property in person, writes in Xactimate, itemizes every line, backs the scope with photos or a 3D scan, and is clear that they write estimates rather than negotiate your claim. Chairman Estimating is built around that checklist: Benny Mancillas does every walkthrough himself, writes in Xactimate, includes a Matterport scan with each file and speaks Spanish.
The checklist
On-site walkthrough. Measurements taken in the home catch what photos alone miss: wet insulation, cabinet bases, the wall cavity below a leak.
Xactimate. Most carriers use Xactimate, so an estimate in the same format is easier to compare line by line.
Line-item detail. Each room, material, quantity and labor item should be listed, including demolition, debris removal, matching materials and code items where they apply.
Photos and Matterport. Labeled photos and a 3D scan let anyone reviewing the estimate see the conditions behind each line.
A clear role. Ask whether they are an estimator or a public adjuster. An estimator writes the number; a public adjuster is licensed to negotiate. Both are legitimate; know which you are hiring.
Language. If Spanish is easier for your family, ask for an estimator who can walk you through the scope in Spanish.
Written terms up front. Get the fee and what it includes in writing before the visit.
Questions to ask
Will you be the person on site? Is the estimate written in Xactimate? What documentation comes with it? Can you meet my adjuster on site to go over the estimate? Do you negotiate the claim? (An independent estimator should not; in Texas that is a licensed public adjuster’s role.) Can my contractor use the estimate to bid the same scope?
How Chairman Estimating fits
Benny Mancillas spent 10 years as a contractor in Houston and has written Xactimate estimates since 2020. He works directly with homeowners and contractors across greater Houston, from the on-site walkthrough to the finished scope. He does not do repairs himself (he works with contractors homeowners can hire directly), negotiate with insurers or promise what a claim will pay. Fees are explained on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What should a good insurance claim estimate include?
Room-by-room measurements, line items for materials and labor, demolition and debris removal, matching and code items where they apply, and supporting photos.
Should my estimator talk to the insurance company for me?
An independent estimator writes the estimate and does not negotiate. An independent estimator can explain the estimate and may meet the adjuster on site to go over its scope and measurements, but does not negotiate. In Texas, negotiating the claim for you is a licensed public adjuster’s role.
Can I get a free opinion before hiring anyone?
Yes. You can upload the adjuster’s estimate for a free review and get a plain-language note on what may be missing.
General information, not legal or coverage advice.