When disaster strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe, fire, flood, or storm—the path to recovery starts with one critical step: Property Damage Estimating. For contractors, restoration professionals, and insurance adjusters, creating fast, accurate estimates is key to getting repairs started, claims settled, and homeowners back on their feet.
That’s where Xactimate comes in—a powerful software platform designed to streamline and simplify the property damage estimating process. When used effectively, Xactimate helps you reduce errors, improve turnaround times, and win the trust of both clients and insurance carriers.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how Property Damage Estimating with Xactimate works, provide a step-by-step guide to get started, share practical tips, and help you unlock the full potential of your estimating workflow.
Why Property Damage Estimating Matters
Property damage estimating isn’t just about writing up numbers. It’s about:
- Providing fair and accurate assessments
- Creating trust between contractors, clients, and insurers
- Reducing project delays due to paperwork or scope disagreements
- Maximizing claim approvals and profitability
- Ensuring nothing gets missed during restoration or reconstruction
And because many insurance carriers rely on standardized pricing and formats, learning to use industry-trusted tools like Xactimate gives you a serious edge.
What is Xactimate?
Xactimate is a property damage estimating software developed by Verisk. It allows contractors, estimators, and insurance professionals to:
- Create detailed estimates for repairs and replacements
- Use real-time, localized pricing databases
- Generate reports that meet insurance company standards
- Incorporate photos, notes, sketches, and more
- Track changes and revisions efficiently
It’s widely considered the gold standard in insurance restoration estimating—especially for water, fire, storm, and structural damage claims.
Step-by-Step Guide: Property Damage Estimating with Xactimate
Here’s a clear and easy process to help you get started with Property Damage Estimating using Xactimate:
Step 1: Start a New Project in Xactimate
Once logged into Xactimate, begin by creating a new project. Enter essential project information, including:
- Client/insured name and contact details
- Property address
- Claim number (if applicable)
- Date of loss
- Type of loss (fire, water, storm, etc.)
This info forms the backbone of your estimate and ensures accuracy from the start.
Step 2: Sketch the Property
Use Xactimate’s Sketch tool to draw the layout of the damaged areas. This digital blueprint allows you to:
- Define room sizes and shapes
- Add walls, windows, doors, and other features
- Label rooms and structural elements
- Ensure dimensions match your site measurements
Sketching isn’t just about visuals—it helps Xactimate auto-calculate material quantities and labor more precisely.
Step 3: Add Line Items for Damage Repair
Now comes the heart of the property damage estimating process: adding line items for labor and materials needed to repair the damage.
You can:
- Search Xactimate’s massive line item database
- Choose localized pricing based on ZIP code
- Add custom notes, quantities, and calculations
- Include demolition, cleaning, repairs, replacements, and finishes
Each line item includes cost breakdowns for labor, materials, equipment, and more—saving you time on calculations.
Step 4: Attach Photos and Documentation
Supporting evidence is vital, especially for insurance claims. Upload:
- Jobsite photos of damage
- Moisture readings
- Scope notes or inspection reports
- Pre-existing condition documentation
This visual proof strengthens your estimate, speeds up approval, and protects you from disputes later.
Step 5: Generate and Review the Estimate
Once all items are entered, Xactimate will generate a full estimate, which includes:
- Summary of total costs
- Line-by-line itemization
- Sketch diagrams
- Notes and documentation
Review everything carefully. Look for:
- Missed line items
- Incorrect room dimensions
- Inaccurate pricing or quantities
- Typos or incomplete sections
Double-checking here can save hours of revisions later.
Step 6: Export and Share the Estimate
With everything finalized, export your estimate in a clean, professional format. You can send:
- A detailed estimate to the insurance adjuster
- A homeowner-friendly summary for clients
- A PDF version with photos and notes
- A digital copy for project records
Timely delivery of a complete, professional estimate positions you as a reliable and organized partner.
Practical Tips for Accurate Property Damage Estimating
Want to make your Xactimate estimates faster, cleaner, and more profitable? Here are some tried-and-true tips:
Know Your Pricing Region
Xactimate uses localized pricing data. Make sure your software is updated to the correct ZIP code so labor and material costs reflect your local market.
Build Room Templates
If you frequently estimate similar jobs (like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens), create reusable templates to save time and reduce repetitive work.
Use Macros
Macros are pre-built sets of line items that can be added in one click. They’re perfect for common scenarios like water extraction or drywall repair.
Take Clear, Organized Photos
Label every photo and attach it to the correct room or damage area. Good documentation strengthens your estimate and builds trust with insurers and clients.
Stay Updated
Property damage estimating standards and pricing change often. Attend Xactimate training sessions, webinars, or work with experts like Precision Estimator to stay ahead of the curve.
Why Work with Precision Estimator?
If you’re busy running your restoration business or handling multiple claims, managing detailed estimates in Xactimate can be time-consuming. That’s where we come in.
Precision Estimator offers professional Property Damage Estimating services using Xactimate—so you can:
- Focus on project management and client care
- Submit clean, accurate estimates quickly
- Improve approval rates from insurance carriers
- Reduce back-and-forth with adjusters
- Close jobs faster and get paid sooner
Our experienced estimators know what insurance companies are looking for, and we tailor each estimate to meet both industry standards and your project’s real needs.
Conclusion:
In restoration and insurance work, speed and accuracy can make all the difference. With Xactimate and expert support from Precision Estimator, your property damage estimating process becomes smooth, professional, and reliable.
Whether you’re new to Xactimate or just need help keeping up with growing demand, we’re here to help you win more jobs, streamline your workflow, and grow your business with confidence.
