The DYOJO Podcast

Ep. 71 Improving as an Xactimate estimator with Ben Justesen XM8 File 005


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The Xactimate Sessions​ 

from The DYOJO Podcast 

File 005 - Improving as an Xactimate estimator 

The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 71 

Guest: Ben Justesen, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS) and Just Right Cleaning and Construction (JRCC)  


Ben Justesen runs a multi-office property restoration company, Just Right Cleaning and Construction (JRCC) based out of Moses Lake, Washington. Like many water and fire damage estimators, he was frustrated with getting his estimates rejected and struggling to make a profit on projects. Ben spent years developing the process that he now teaches through his organization, Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS).   


Ben shares the practices he has learned and tested in his company with restoration professionals who want to elevate their estimating process. He knows the system works because he and his team continue to test and improve it in the real world. I had the opportunity to take the course with Ben at his office.   


Mr. Justesen joins us for The DYOJO Podcast to discuss elevating your estimating game. He builds on our last episode of The Xactimate Sessions with Chris Tilkov with whom we discussed the importance of internal estimate reviews. Ben builds on estimate reviews, Xactimate feedback, and creating your own pricelist for restoration.   Ben discussed Xactimate tips including 

  • Being humble as an estimator so that you can learn from other people and continue to hone your craft.  
  • Educate yourself on how structures are built so that you can properly estimate restoration and repairs. 
  • Dig into the data behind Xactimate, the line item descriptions, and how to properly use the software program to accurately and effectively compose estimates.   

  • SPONSOR: Solutions For You (SFY) third party Xactimate estimating and supplements - sfyoffice.com  

    ANNOUNCEMENT: Book #3 from Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? Is NOW available for Kindle Pre-Order, it will be published 11/11/2021 - thedyojo.com/book3  

    • Are YOU a professional in the skilled trades who wants to advance your career through project management?  
    • Are YOU a new project manager who could use some additional direction on how to develop as a leader in this role?  
    • Are YOU a manager or business owner who oversees training and development for your team? ​  
    • THIS is a book for YOU!   


      We supplement our discussion with Ben with clips and comments from many sources including 

      • Segments from my first book, Be Intentional: Estimating 
      • Clips from my trip to Enlightened Restoration Solutions in Moses Lake 
      • Discussion of mining for coin and estimating solutions with Greg Marthaler Jr. of SFY 
      • Announcement of the WINNER of The DYOJO Podcast SOCKTember 2021 
      • Shout out to Elan Pasmanick of Born to Repair, winner of the Out of the Box Award for SOCKTember 2021 
      • Clips of our costume dance party for SOCKTember 2021 and FOCKED 
      • Born to Repair disassembles and reviews the new EcoPro LGR compact dehumidifier    

      • The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $100 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1".   


        The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Restoration Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli (aka The OG Intentional Restorer), exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development.

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        The DYOJO PodcastBy Jon Isaacson / The DYOJO

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