When a homeowner experiences damage to their home, the restoration process can feel confusing and overwhelming. Insurance terminology, adjusters, estimates, and approvals can make it difficult to understand what happens next. At Advance Forward Construction, our goal is to guide our clients through every step of the process while ensuring their home is returned to its pre-loss condition with integrity, craftsmanship, and transparency.
Step 1: The Initial Inspection and Estimate
The process begins with an on-site inspection of the damaged areas. During this visit we carefully document everything and prepare a detailed estimate using Xactimate — the same estimating software used by insurance companies. Using the same platform helps ensure that the scope of work is written in a format insurance adjusters recognize, which helps move the approval process along more efficiently.
Why We Choose Not to Be a Preferred Vendor for Insurance Companies
Over the years we have been approached by several insurance companies asking us to become one of their preferred vendors. While this may sound appealing, we have intentionally declined those opportunities.
When a contractor becomes a preferred vendor, they are often working primarily for the insurance company rather than for the homeowner. At Advance Forward Construction, we believe our responsibility is first and foremost to our client. Our role is to advocate for the homeowner and ensure their home is repaired correctly — without shortcuts and without compromising quality simply to reduce costs.
Our mission is simple: return your home to the way it was before the loss and protect the homeowner’s best interests throughout the process.
Step 2: Submitting the Estimate to the Adjuster
Once the estimate is complete, we submit it directly to the insurance adjuster for review. Before doing so, the homeowner signs a preliminary authorization allowing us to communicate with the insurance company on their behalf regarding the scope of repairs.
Step 3: Adjuster Review and Questions
After submission, the adjuster typically takes around 2–4 days to review the estimate. During this time they may return with questions about specific line items — essentially asking about the “why” and the “how” behind certain repairs.
Our team communicates directly with the adjuster to clarify the scope of work and explain the proper methods required to restore the home correctly. This collaboration helps ensure the estimate accurately reflects the full scope of the necessary repairs.
Step 4: Contract and Design Selections
Once we receive approval from the adjuster, we move forward with a formal construction contract with the homeowner. At this stage we schedule a meeting to select any materials needed for the project. Because our company offers both construction and interior design support, clients will also receive a design questionnaire that helps us understand their personal style and vision for their home. This allows us to restore the space while also ensuring the finished result reflects the homeowner’s preferences.
Step 5: Scheduling the Project
Once materials are selected and timelines are confirmed, we place the project on our construction schedule. By this point everything is organized, approved, and ready to move forward. Then the fun begins — bringing the home back to life. Our experienced team works diligently to restore the property to its pre-loss condition while maintaining the level of craftsmanship and care that Advance Forward Construction is known for.