How to Bill for Reusable Containment Equipment Using Xactimate

In the remediation and restoration business, you know that containment is one of the most important parts of any job. If, like many Los Gatos, contractors, you use Xactimate estimating software, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not always clear how to address containment charges. These tips can help you ensure that you’re billing for the cost of containment correctly.

1. Understand the Importance of Proper Containment
The key to defending any charge on your estimate or invoice is understanding exactly what the charge covers and why it’s necessary. That way, you can clearly and confidently explain the charge to a property owner or insurance adjuster. In a typical water remediation job, for example, there are two critical types of containment:

Source Containment: Before any type of cleanup can begin, you must find the source of the problem and stop any more water from coming in. Source containment might include such things as finding and stopping a leak or tarping a roof.
Area Containment: A major concern after water damage is mold. Invisible mold spores can spread rapidly throughout a home or building, causing more damage. Area containment usually involves completely blocking off the affected areas, including sealing any vents or air ducts.

2. Add Appropriate Containment Charges
In Xactimate, most contractors tend to follow a room-by-room estimate format. In each room where containment measures will be necessary, insert a line item in the software for containment. Add details to each line item so the reader can understand why containment is necessary.

3. Remeber To Charge for Reusable Containment
Reusable containment measures, such as the Airwall line of containment solutions, tend to save you and your customers money versus disposable products. Even with reusable options, however, there are still costs and considerations that should be billed — for example, labor and expenses to transport and store the equipment, set it up in each room, test it, and remove and clean it after the job.

Sufficient containment is crucial to minimizing property loss after a disaster. Your containment efforts should always be included in your Xactimate quotes.