Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Porch? 
Porch is a team of people passionate about helping make the homeownership journey simpler. Porch provides everything from handyman services at fixed hourly rates and free personal home assistance, to home improvement advice and buying & selling preparation services.  

How does Porch calculate the estimates in the Repair Estimate Report?
Porch uses a team of pricing experts along with historical data to determine local labor and materials rates in your area. The information included in your inspection report is then used as the basis for calculating repair estimates. If there’s something on the report that cannot be diagnosed, we’ll recommend a specialist (like an engineer for structural damage). 

Here’s the step-by-step process.

1. Deconstruct the report.
   Porch takes the inspection report .pdf and deconstructs it.
2. Structure the data.
   Porch maps each string of text that the inspector writes to a taxonomy of repair items. Ex. “The GFCI outlet won’t trip when you push the test button and the outlet stays hot or dead. I recommend replacing it” and this gets mapped to “GFCI Replacement”.
3. Check for accuracy.
   Porch uses technology and people to reach a high degree of confidence that the mapping is correct before moving on to pricing.
4. Create the estimates.
   Porch runs each item through localized labor and material pricing at the zip code level. This way the price will be different in Seattle, WA than in Aimes, IA.
5. Deliver the Repair Estimate Report.
   Porch will compile each of the repair items into categories and deliver the report back within 48 hours of it being ordered. Faster delivery is available if needed.

Are the estimates national or local? 
All estimates included in the Repair Estimate Report are localized, based on the zip code of the home.

Can I see an example of the Repair Estimate Report?
Absolutely. Click here to view a sample of the Repair Estimate Report. 

How long does it take for me to get my Repair Estimate Report after I order it?
Before Porch can begin to create your Repair Estimate Report, we’ll need to collect consent from your client to utilize their inspection report. The Repair Estimate Report will be delivered within 48 hours of Porch receiving your client’s permission. Need it faster? Upgrade to rush for a nominal fee, and receive the report within 24 hours. 

How do I access my Repair Estimate Report after I order it?
All reports are accessible via a one-time-use link that’s sent to your email address when the report is ready. When you click on the link, you’ll be directed to an online version of the report. The report can be downloaded as a pdf. The next time you click on the link in your email, we will verify your identity and then provide you with a new link. This process helps us keep your information private and protected. We only send the report to you. You decide when and if you’d like to further distribute it.

In what format will I receive my Repair Estimate Report?
When your Repair Estimate Report is ready, we’ll send you an email with a link to your report. All reports are available digitally and can be downloaded and/or shared.

Can I revise my Repair Estimate Report? 
Once your report is ready and you view the online version of it, you’ll have the ability to create a customized request list. Next to each item on the report, you can choose whether to add the item as a repair request, a credit request, or a replacement request. Once you’ve made your selections, you can view & share the revised version of your report. Both the full report & the revised version of the report with your added requests can be shared via email or a shareable link. 

What if something doesn’t look right in my report?
If you receive your report and an item is missing or it doesn’t look categorized correctly, please reach out to us! Given that our product is only as good as the inspection report that feeds it we are more than willing to quickly make updates or revise your report.

I’ve received my report, and have some questions. What should I do?
Porch is here to help! You will have live support via phone and email with any questions, comments or concerns.