The DYOJO Podcast

Episode 121 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the challenges of project management in construction, emphasizing the need for profitability and customer satisfaction.

Key metrics for success include completing projects on scope, on budget, and on time. Various scenarios of lackluster outcomes were examined, such as projects that are on budget and on schedule but off scope (potentially leading to fraud), or projects that are on schedule and on scope but off budget due to unmanaged scope creep.

This conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, proper planning, and timely capture of change orders to avoid financial and reputational issues.

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 28-30, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

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Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

KEYWORDS

Episode 120 of The DYOJO Podcast focuses on the importance of contractors, homeowners, and insurance representatives letting the structure speak during the insurance claims process.

The discussion emphasizes the restoration triangle involving policyholders, contractors, and insurance companies. Stressing the need for thorough data capture (TDC) to create defensible estimates, advocating for restoring properties to pre-loss conditions with like-kind materials (LKQ).

This episode critiques the us-versus-them mentality between contractors and insurers, urging clear communication and adherence to the standard of restoring properties. Listeners will hear about resources for improving estimating and project management skills in the restoration industry.

IN EPISODE 120 of The DYOJO Podcast:

1:59 Who is the customer during an insurance claim with David Princeton

3:56 Let the Structure Speak during an insurance claim

6:24 The Restoration Triangle with Pete Consigli

10:37 The Standard all should follow for insurance claims

17:34 Rant Alert * What does it mean to RESTORE property?

25:38 Creating an accurate scope of work for insurance claims

30:45 Resources for insurance estimating and project management

LAST EPISODE 119 Falsifying Insurance Claims

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

MUSIC

Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

This podcast clip from Episode 119 revolves around the risks and challenges faced by construction companies, particularly in the aftermath of storms.

We discuss the importance of making informed decisions to avoid large financial losses and the pitfalls of not doing things correctly, both technically and politically.

We remind the audience of our prior series of episodes (starting with TDP 92) reviewing a case in Texas where a contractor sued a school district for non-payment after providing emergency services, highlighting the complexities and potential for bankruptcy. Our discussion also touches on the importance of authority and clear agreements in contracts.

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Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - Helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve

We discuss how independent adjusters, who document damages and write estimates, find their work significantly reduced by insurance representatives. An example is given where an adjuster's $488,000 estimate was changed to $13,000.

The conversation highlights the discrepancies between the initial detailed assessments and the final payouts, which often favor the insurance company. The discussion also touches on the role of public adjusters and the need for better communication between contractors and consumers to achieve fairer insurance claim outcomes.

The conversation revolves around the issue of insurance claims fraud, where independent adjusters allege that insurance companies manipulate damage estimates to save costs. The discussion highlights a case where an adjuster's initial damage estimate was altered, with the adjuster's name still attached, leading to significant financial discrepancies affecting the storm-damaged homeowner. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such practices, including the need for transparency and proper documentation in the claims process. The speakers emphasize the importance of understanding insurance policies and advocating for policyholders' rights.

In Episode 119 of The DYOJO Podcast

0:00 Falsifying Insurance Claims

7:26 Stephen Bush deposing insurance adjusters

11:12 60 Minutes investigates claims being altered

20:04 Professional weigh in on 60 Minutes coverage

28:52 Improving the insurance claims process

References and guest appearances for this episode include: Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, David Princeton (Advocate Claim Service), Bill Wilson (book When Words Collide), Stephen Bush, Bebo Crain, Jim Thompson (book My Life is One Disaster After Another), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast.

LAST EPISODE118 Water Damage Industry Evolution

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

How does a consumer know whether a contractor is competent enough to complete remodeling and repair work?

Author Ron Alford provides insights into the four types of contractors in his book, designed for property owners, titled How to Win the Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon). In this video we review those four types of contractors, Ron's tests of competence, and how the consumer can better protect themselves when hiring a construction professional. This discussion is also helpful to business owners and managers looking to elevate their team's abilities to seek, sell, and produce quality projects.

LAST EPISODETDP 118 Water Damage Industry Evolution

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

MUSIC

Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEXTill I Let Go (Instrumental) by NEFEX

In Episode 118 of The DYOJO Podcast

0:00 The 5th Water Damage Air Mover Made

12:49 Robust Conversations with Xactimate

18:16 History and Headway with the AGA

28:00 Becoming a Class A Contractor with Ron Alford

References and guest appearances for this episode include:

Sgt Ed from Restoration Crosscheck, video from Ron Alford, Cliff Zlotnik, Jim Thompson, Mark Springer, Katie Smith, excerpts from Ron Alford's book How To Win The Insurance Claim Game (available on Amazon), prior episodes of The DYOJO Podcast.

LAST EPISODETDP 117 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

MUSICTheme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

0:00 Sgt Ed Cross

2:23 Recap of Episode 116

3:20 Waste Diversion Tracking

4:31 Insurance Denied by Drone

6:09 New Position Statements from RIA

9:46 Xactimate Apologizes to Restorers

16:32 Weaponizing Xactimate

24:28 RIA 2024 Highlights

Clips were used in this Episode from

* InsurTech Trends, Integrations, Pricing, & More - C&R Magazine / Restoration Today Michelle Belvins interviews Aaron Brunko - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E0JaaJsyk4&t=1098s

* Restoration Invoice: PAID - Restoration CrossCheck (Sgt Ed video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVSUelq66uM&t=72s

LAST EPISODETDP 116 What Do Customers Know?

NEXT EPISODE Join us as we discuss the history of the Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) and the progress discussed at the 2024 Convention.

Thursdays are for The DYOJO Podcast - helping contractors shorten their DANG learning curve. Join host Jon Isaacson as we explore contractor stories, experiences, and best practices to help listeners thrive in the skilled trades.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

Actionable Insights has built the Actionable Xactimate Profile which provides live estimating guidance while you work in Xactimate to help your estimating team avoid costly mistakes. Create accurate, more complete estimates with the Actionable Profile. It's a no-brainer for anyone looking to upgrade their Xactimate estimating workflow - no more estimating mistakes, no more missed line items.

EPIC Estimates - Any estimate, anywhere, anytime. Let the award-winning EPIC Estimates help your team write the next Xactimate or Symbility estimate. Freeing your team up to do what they're good at, while helping your business maximize productivity and profitability.

Restoration Industry Association (RIA) - Connect and collaborate with your industry peers through the largest non-profit professional trade association dedicated to the unique plight of restoration contractors. Join us April 8-10, 2024 in Dallas for the Restoration Industry Association Convention and Industry Expo. Discounts are available for early registration.

P2T: Preparing 2 Thrive in the Modern Workplace⁠ is the latest book from Jon Isaacson. P2T was written to help young professionals develop the mindsets and habits to thrive in the modern workplace. Employers are handing P2T out to new hires by the DOZENS.

MUSIC

Theme - It's Only Worth It If You Work For It by NEFFEX

Cool Revenge - Jeremy Blake