Wave in Your Workflow
Send a preliminary estimate to the adjuster
Put a solid estimate in the adjuster's hands on day one, refine it as the job unfolds, and send the export when the work wraps up.
Give the adjuster an early figure on the first day. Build the initial draft at the property, make your edits on the spot, and refine it on later days as the scope becomes clear.
Why day one works
With Wave you can estimate on the spot, at the property. A preliminary estimate takes a short conversation, and the adjuster has a figure to work with from the first day.
How it works with Wave
- Create the initial draft at the first visit. In the job's chat, describe the loss, add photos and answer Wave's questions. See Make your first estimate.
- Make your edits at the site. Review the Estimates tab while you are still there, then change lines in chat or by hand until the draft reflects what you see. See Edit a line item via chat.
- Label it as preliminary. Add a Project note such as "Preliminary estimate from the first inspection. Scope will be updated as work progresses." It prints next to the numbers. See Project notes.
- Send it to the adjuster. Choose Export, then either download a PDF or choose Share link, then Adjuster or collaborator. The adjuster signs in with a free Wave account, reads the full estimate and can ask questions on the exact line. See Share an estimate and Comment on line items.
- Update the estimate on later days. When you return, make the edits the job calls for, such as extra drywall that was removed, additional areas that needed work or a room that was missed the first time. Anyone on your team can also add notes and photos and record readings. See Job notes, Record drying readings and Per-room drying days.
- Let the history tell the story. Estimate history lists who changed what, with the total before and after. Adjusters on a collaborator link can open it too.
- Send the export. When the work is done, review the Estimates tab, lock the estimate and send the final PDF or link. In the Export dialog you can include the drying log and the change history. See Lock and unlock an estimate and Customize reports.
Keep the adjuster in the loop
You decide when the adjuster hears about an update, so a quick note goes a long way. After an update that matters, send the PDF or the link again with a short message such as "Updated the estimate after day two. Added the hallway and the extra drywall." A collaborator link shows the current estimate, and the adjuster can open History to see what moved.
If something major changes
When the scope changes in a big way, such as newly found damage, let the adjuster know when it happens. Add the reason in a comment on the affected line and follow up with a quick call or message. The edit appears in the same thread for everyone, and the final stays easy to follow.
Tip
If you want the adjuster to hold a fixed first figure, send the preliminary estimate as a PDF and use the share link for updates.
