Certified Construction Estimates

A certified construction estimate is a detailed, professional assessment of construction or repair costs prepared by a qualified expert. Unlike informal quotes, certified estimates are prepared using industry-standard methodologies, documented thoroughly, and backed by the estimator's professional credentials. These estimates can be used for insurance claims, legal proceedings, project financing, and budget planning with confidence in their accuracy and defensibility.

Frank Bragano brings 43+ years of combined experience in construction and insurance claims. His credentials include serving as a Commercial Property adjuster for Allstate (1982-1989), Executive General Adjuster for CJW-Vericlaim/Sedgwick, and principal of Florida Construction Specialists with $50M+ in completed projects. This dual expertise in both construction methodology and insurance claims processes ensures estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and defensible in any forum.

While contractor quotes typically provide a price for work the contractor will perform, certified estimates are objective assessments of what work should cost based on current market rates, material costs, and labor standards. Certified estimates include detailed line-item breakdowns, methodology documentation, supporting calculations, and professional certification. They're designed to withstand scrutiny in insurance negotiations, legal proceedings, and formal appraisals.

Certified estimates are valuable when you disagree with your insurance company's damage assessment, need to support a supplemental claim, are entering appraisal or arbitration proceedings, suspect your claim was underpaid, need professional documentation for disputed items, or are dealing with a denied claim that requires detailed cost justification. Our insurance industry background ensures estimates address carrier concerns while advocating for proper claim valuation.

Absolutely. Our certified estimates are prepared to meet legal evidentiary standards and can be used in construction defect lawsuits, insurance bad faith litigation, breach of contract cases, personal injury property damage claims, and any legal proceeding requiring professional cost opinions. Frank Bragano is available to provide expert testimony supporting his estimates when required.

We use industry-standard estimating tools including Xactimate (the insurance industry standard), RS Means cost data, and proprietary spreadsheets developed over 43 years in the field. Our methodology incorporates current local labor rates, verified material costs, appropriate overhead and profit margins, and code-required upgrades. All assumptions and calculations are documented for transparency.

Our certified estimates include comprehensive line-item breakdowns covering demolition, materials, labor, equipment, overhead, profit, and applicable taxes. Each estimate includes scope documentation, methodology explanation, supporting photographs when applicable, code requirements analysis, and professional certification. The level of detail ensures the estimate can withstand rigorous examination in any forum.

We provide certified estimates for all types of construction damage including hurricane and storm damage, fire and smoke damage, water damage and flooding, hail damage, construction defects, structural failures, and general property damage. Our experience spans commercial buildings, multi-family residential, single-family homes, and industrial facilities throughout Florida.

Timeline depends on project scope and complexity. Simple residential estimates may be completed within 3-5 business days of site inspection. Complex commercial projects or those requiring extensive documentation review may take 1-2 weeks. We provide timeline estimates during initial consultation and prioritize urgent needs for litigation or appraisal deadlines when possible.

Certified estimate fees are based on project complexity, scope, and intended use. Fees are established during initial consultation and documented in a written engagement agreement. A retainer is typically required to initiate work. For litigation support or expert witness assignments, fees are billed hourly. We provide clear cost expectations upfront so there are no surprises.