This is the second in a series on estimating fire restoration jobs. Part one dealt with cataloging what emergency response measures were taken.
Once the emergency services phase of a structure fire is complete, the next step for the estimator is to begin assessing the damage and compiling a preliminary scope of repairs. Here the estimator begins by scanning, photographing, sketching and measuring the building. Then the estimator may jot down some of the basic elements such as obvious framing, windows, doors, drywall, paint, roofing, etc. The reason why this step should be considered a preliminary scope of repairs is due to several issues that may prevent the estimate from being complete or finalized. Some of these issues may include the following: