How To Suck Less At Estimating

Habits for Better Project Outcomes
Construction Estimating Book 

​Project outcomes in the skilled trades are tied to the estimating process. Good estimating is marked by the thoroughness of data capture (site observation) and the accuracy of data input (bidding).Author Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, shares his two decades of professional experience to help anyone involved with, or interested in, the art of estimating to shorten their DANG learning curve for improvement.

How To Suck Less At Estimating, was written for:

• The aspiring professional who wants to advance in their career.
• Estimators and project managers who want to level up their abilities in estimating.
• The new manager who has been thrown into a position without much training or direction.
• The business owner who either needs some direction or another voice sharing these core principles.

Early Reviews for This Book:

• With his latest book, Jon Isaacson again demonstrates why he is a “go to” resource for so many people in the property restoration industry. - Luke Draeger
• As usual, Jon provides great material with actionable details. - David Smith
• It’s so refreshing to finally see all of this often-guarded information transcribed from an industry expert to words on a page. - Josh Zolin

Online Construction Estimating Course

Interactive eLearning Course based on the best-selling book How To Suck Less At Estimating: Habits For Better Project Outcomes by Jon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer. 

6 Hours of self-paced instruction, eligible for 6 continuing education credits (CECs)

Unlike any course you have ever taken before. If you like to be overstimulated while you learn and desire to improve your estimating process, THIS IS THE COURSE FOR YOU. Jon Isaacson delivers practical knowledge and demonstrations in his signature "INFOtainment" style.

Habits For Better Project Outcomes:
     Module 1:  Dumb By Design vs. Dumb Design
     Module 2:  A Good Sketch Is A Good Start
     Module 3:  Project Outcomes Reflect Estimate Inputs
     Module 4:  Preparing To Be Profitable
     Module 5:  Leveling Up As An Estimator
     Module 6:  Estimating Is One Piece Of The Puzzle

Included in your purchase: 

• Digital copy of "How to Suck Less At Estimating" by Jon Isaacson broken down by the author himself
• Knowledge checks
• Certificate of completion
• Estimatics - An Introduction to Estimating in Property Restoration and Reconstruction
• eLearning Bonus. Practical Training for Everyone: Job site Behaviors  including Tape, Tape, Tape; What is PPE; Don & Doff PPE, and materials provided by educational sponsors.

“Jon Isaacson hit the nail right on the head again with this one.  So many tips for both "seasoned" and new estimating professionals.  I thoroughly enjoy the fact that in all his books I find myself totally relating to his scenarios.  Keep it up Jon!  I cannot wait to see what books are to come.”   ​

Insurance Claims Estimating Book

Grow Your Career Through Estimating

The aspiring professional who wants to advance in their career. This book will be helpful to you. But, if you are not committed to mastering your current role (DYOJO), you will struggle to climb any further than where you are now. You will see how the things you are doing now will prepare you for future responsibilities. 

Develop Your Estimating Skills

Estimators and project managers who want to level up their abilities in estimating, claims negotiations, and project outcomes. This book covers a lot of what I have discussed in articles and two of my prior three books (Book 1 and 3). There is a good deal of new content as well, including deeper dives into some technical aspects of estimating. 

Training New Estimators The Right Way

The new manager who has been thrown into a position without much training or direction. This book will be helpful to you in understanding some of the principles that go into creating clarity, consistency, and accountability for your team. All three of my prior books will be of use to you as you develop your leadership skills.

Improving Your Estimating Process

The business owner who either needs some direction or another voice sharing these core principles. This book will be helpful to you and every member of your team as you build an interdependent organization. I am sure you will want to buy multiple copies so that you can hand them out like candy to every employee.   

Estimating for Water Damage Restoration

​“Jon provides incredible insight, systems, processes, and accountability for running the estimating and administrative side of our business that is severely lacking in knowledge and expertise. A must read for current or aspiring estimators.” - Chad Brandt, WLS, Owner of PuroClean of Chandler (AZ)

Estimating for the Skilled Trades

“Another unbelievable addition to the Be Intentional series from Mr Isaacson. It’s so refreshing to finally see all of this often-guarded information transcribed from an industry expert to words on a page. This book will surely help anyone who reads it!” - Josh Zolin, CEO Windy City Equipment, Author of Blue is the New White

"The content is detailed enough to be highly useful and informative, yet still simple enough that they’re easily understood and followed by a novice. This is yet another great resource of many more to come."- Randy Carley, National Response Supervisor (WA)

Best-Selling Estimating Book

Feedback & Testimonials for this Estimating Book

Estimating for Water Damage Restoration

​“Jon provides incredible insight, systems, processes, and accountability for running the estimating and administrative side of our business that is severely lacking in knowledge and expertise. A must read for current or aspiring estimators.” - Chad Brandt, WLS, Owner of PuroClean of Chandler (AZ)

Estimating for the Skilled Trades

“Another unbelievable addition to the Be Intentional series from Mr Isaacson. It’s so refreshing to finally see all of this often-guarded information transcribed from an industry expert to words on a page. This book will surely help anyone who reads it!” - Josh Zolin, CEO Windy City Equipment, Author of Blue is the New White

"The content is detailed enough to be highly useful and informative, yet still simple enough that they’re easily understood and followed by a novice. This is yet another great resource of many more to come."- Randy Carley, National Response Supervisor (WA)

His content has been tremendously helpful to me and so many others in this industry. If you want to learn and gain more insight on what to do and how to do it, read his books and listen to his podcast. His material has taught me so much and helped me grow and become more confident in what we do every day. I can’t thank Jon enough for the difference he has made in my life and my career. Keep plugging along Jon, we still need you and this industry is better because of you. - John Slater, Business Owner 

Estimating in our industry - mitigation/restoration- is not black & white. There are many ways to get to an end result but a way to write the estimate, to make it most profitable is not the easiest route. This book can help you see those multiple ways and help you think big picture about these estimates. Buy it, read it, and share with like minded individuals. - Joyce Gabriel, General Manager 

Jon truly has amazing insight into all facets of property restoration. His delivery is straight forward and provides very valuable information. Do yourself a favor and get all of his books. You will not egret it! - Keith Nelson, Commercial Loss Manager 

Jon uses not only his experiences but also speaks with experts from all over the country to give detailed help on improving your bottom line. If you are a contractor doing emergency work or reconstruction then you need this… you need to suck less. - Lisa Atkins

Jon Isaacson hit the nail right on the head again with this one. So many tips for both "seasoned" and new estimating professionals. I thoroughly enjoy the fact that in all his books I find myself totally relating to his scenarios. Keep it up Jon! I cannot wait to see what books are to come. - Amanda

Jon does a great job making this book engaging and informative. I especially like the value of the information provided. It's not something you usually see in the marketplace and is a true resource to those who write estimates or are stepping into a project management/estimator role. Well done. - Josh Zolin, CEO 

Improving Your Insurance Claims Estimating Process

Table of Contents

FOREWORD
By Lisa Lavender

MODULE 1
Dumb By Design vs. Dumb Design

MODULE 2
A Good Sketch Is A Good Start 

MODULE 3
A Simple Estimating Formula

MODULE 4
Project Outcomes Reflect Estimate Inputs

MODULE 5
Leveling Up As An Estimator

MODULE 6
Estimating Is One Piece Of The Puzzle

AFTERWORD
By Ed Cross & Lily Atkins 

The DYOJO Way: developing Intentional Restorers at every level:

• Career development for property restoration technicians
• Leadership skills development for property restoration managers
• Estimating and project management best practices for estimators
• Process improvement for property restoration owners
• List of RESTORATION RESOURCES (in alphabetical order)