---
canonical_url: "https://buildwithwave.com/docs/workflows/preliminary-estimate-to-adjuster"
title: "Send a preliminary estimate to the adjuster"
description: "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."
group: "workflows"
lane: "how-to"
status: "published"
publishedAt: 2026-10-09
updatedAt: 2026-10-09
sidebarOrder: 50
tags: ["workflow"]
relatedSlugs:
  - "collaboration/share-links"
  - "collaboration/comments"
  - "collaboration/history"
  - "workflows/adjuster-workflow"
  - "estimates/export-pdf"
sidebarLabel: "Preliminary estimate"
---

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

1. **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](/docs/estimates/start-an-estimate).
2. **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](/docs/estimates/edit-line-item-via-chat).
3. **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](/docs/estimates/estimate-notes).
4. **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](/docs/collaboration/share-links) and [Comment on line items](/docs/collaboration/comments).
5. **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](/docs/collaboration/internal-notes), [Record drying readings](/docs/drying/record-readings) and [Per-room drying days](/docs/drying/per-room-drying-days).
6. **Let the history tell the story.** [Estimate history](/docs/collaboration/history) lists who changed what, with the total before and after. Adjusters on a collaborator link can open it too.
7. **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](/docs/estimates/lock-unlock) and [Customize reports](/docs/estimates/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.

## Related

- [Share an estimate](/docs/collaboration/share-links)
- [Comment on line items](/docs/collaboration/comments)
- [Estimate history](/docs/collaboration/history)
- [Review and produce estimates as an adjuster](/docs/workflows/adjuster-workflow)
- [Export reports](/docs/estimates/export-pdf)