For restoration contractors

The carrier sent a PDF. Your estimator needs a working file.

When a water or fire restoration estimate arrives as a PDF, your next task is to understand the scope and get its rooms and line items into your estimating workflow. Start with the original ESX if the sender can provide it. When only the PDF is available, conversion gives you a draft to review.

Upload a PDF estimate →See a worked example

ProjectEstimatePro product documentation · Updated 2026-09-24

01Start with the correct revision

Keep the complete carrier PDF, including room pages and summary adjustments. Record the revision date so your estimator does not combine an earlier scope with a later total. A scan or unreadable table may need additional preparation; check that the source contains readable quantities and amounts.

02Convert and reconcile room by room

Choose the source format, upload the PDF, and inspect the extracted rooms. Compare descriptions, quantities, units and prices against the same source pages. Check repeated items in separate rooms individually. A matching grand total alone does not show that every item is correct.

03Separate the carrier scope from your job scope

The converted estimate represents information in the PDF. It is not a site inspection or a complete list of repairs. Keep photographs, measurements and your own scope notes alongside it. Identify missing work using that evidence rather than assuming conversion adds it.

04Check the imported estimate before handoff

Download the reviewed ESX and import it into your Xactimate workflow. Verify room assignments, codes, quantities and totals again. Review any sketch separately. Only then prepare your revised estimate or hand the checked scope to the person coordinating the trades.

Before you continue

Complete PDF and correct revision
Room assignments checked against the source
Differences recorded before changing scope
Imported file reviewed in Xactimate

Prepare a supplement from a carrier PDF →

Practical next steps

Find the workflow for your estimate

For supplement writers and estimatorsConvert a Carrier PDF for Supplement Writing Before export and after importPDF-to-ESX Review Checklist for Xactimate Illustrative example and product demoSee a worked conversion review

PDF-to-ESX converter Symbility PDF conversion Xactimate import guide Watch the demo Pricing and export options

Ready to review your own estimate?

Start with the complete PDF. Check the displayed price and options before exporting.

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