Xactimate Estimating Services: Accurate Insurance Claim Estimates for Contractors
Xactimate estimating services give contractors, restoration companies and public adjusters line-item, claim-ready estimates built in the software insurers use. Underpaid claims, slow turnaround and in-house staff who are not trained on the software cost you money every week. Build Plans And Estimates fixes all three.
- Claim-ready line items
- 24 to 48 hour turnaround
- Regional US price lists
What Are Xactimate Estimating Services?
Xactimate estimating services are done-for-you insurance repair estimates written by trained Xactimate estimators instead of your own staff. You send photos, measurements and notes. We return a detailed, line-by-line estimate that an adjuster can review and approve.
Most carriers and third-party adjusters build and review claims in Xactimate, so it is the common language of property claims. An estimate written in it is easier to compare, defend and get paid.
Because every item is priced from the same database the adjuster uses, disagreements shrink to facts: how many squares, which layers, which repairs. That is why contractors who submit Xactimate estimates tend to settle faster and with fewer reductions than those who send lump-sum bids or hand-built spreadsheets.
Line-item pricing
Every task, material and unit is priced separately, so nothing hides inside a lump sum.
Regional price lists
Pricing follows the local Xactimate price list for the loss location and month.
Sketch and measurements
Xactware Sketch turns dimensions into rooms, roofs and areas that drive accurate quantities.
Working on new construction rather than a claim? See our construction estimating services.
Who Needs Xactimate Estimating Services?
Anyone who writes, supports or reviews insurance repair scopes benefits from outsourcing Xactimate estimating.
Restoration contractors
Close more jobs with estimates ready on the day of inspection.
Roofers
Get roofing estimates with correct squares, waste and accessories.
Water and fire mitigation companies
Document drying, demolition and rebuild scopes insurers expect.
General contractors
Handle insurance work without hiring a full-time estimator.
Public adjusters
Back up policyholder claims with itemized, defensible numbers.
Property managers
Understand repair costs across several buildings and claims.
Our Xactimate Estimating Services
We prepare the paperwork, you run the job. Every deliverable is built for insurer review.
Property damage estimates
Complete property damage estimating services for water, fire, wind and hail losses.
Roofing estimates
Xactimate roofing estimates with measurements, pitch, layers, flashing and code items.
Supplement requests
Xactimate supplement services that recover missed or hidden-damage items with proof.
Scope-of-work writing
Clear scopes that match the estimate line by line and leave less room for debate.
Sketch and measurement reports
Room-by-room sketches and takeoffs. Need plans drawn? See our 2D and 3D design services.
Reinspection and dispute support
Documentation and line-item rebuttals when the carrier disputes your numbers.
Benefits of Outsourcing Xactimate Estimating
Hiring and training an in-house estimator is slow and costly. Outsourcing turns that fixed cost into a per-estimate cost. It works on the same principle as freelance construction estimating, only built for claims.
Faster turnaround
Standard estimates are usually back in 24 to 48 hours, so you reply to carriers while the claim is fresh.
Higher approval rates
Clean, itemized estimates with photo support get fewer rejections and fewer rounds of back and forth.
Lower overhead
No salary, software seat or training bill. Pay for the estimates you need.
Fewer missed line items
Estimators who write claims daily know the items that are easy to forget.
You also gain capacity. After a hailstorm or flood, claim volume spikes for weeks. With a reliable estimating partner, you can say yes to every inspection without hiring seasonal staff, then scale back when demand drops.
Common Xactimate Mistakes That Lower Claim Payouts
Small errors add up to large shortfalls. These are the ones we fix most often when reviewing an Xactimate estimate for insurance claims.
Missing line items
Drip edge, starter strip, ice and water shield, detach and reset, and cleaning are often left out.
Wrong price list
Using the wrong region or an old month underprices labor and materials.
Incorrect O&P
Overhead and profit is skipped or misapplied on jobs where three or more trades are involved.
Wrong measurements
Roof pitch, waste factor and wall height errors change every dependent quantity.
Weak documentation
Estimates without dated photos, moisture logs or notes are easy to cut.
Unsupported supplements
Supplements need the reason, the code or manufacturer reference, and proof.
Anonymised example
A roofing contractor sent a hail claim the carrier had approved at the initial scope. Our review found missing starter, ridge cap, drip edge and steep-pitch charges. We submitted a documented supplement with photos, and the carrier revised the estimate.
Our Diverse Xactimate Estimating Services
Build Plans And Estimates writes fast, accurate Xactimate estimates for every part of a damaged building. Pick the scope you need, or send the whole claim.
Xactimate roof estimates
Shingle, tile and flat roofs measured and priced line by line. See our roofing estimating services.
Xactimate metal roof estimates
Panels, trim, fasteners, underlayment and steep-pitch labor included.
Xactimate siding estimates
Vinyl, fiber cement, wood and metal siding with trim and wrap. Related: interior and exterior finishes estimating.
Xactimate water mitigation
Extraction, drying equipment, demolition and monitoring documented for the carrier.
Xactimate exterior estimates
Gutters, fascia, windows, decks, fences and other exterior repairs.
Xactimate interior estimates
Drywall, paint, flooring, cabinets and trim room by room. See painting and drywall estimating.
Insurance claims
Complete estimates, supplements and scopes ready for adjuster review.
Our estimators understand how adjusters think, because claim estimates are written to be reviewed. Need other trades priced? Browse all our estimating services.
Our Xactimate Estimating Process, Step by Step
- Send documents. Share photos, measurement reports, adjuster notes and any carrier estimate.
- Scope review. We confirm the loss type, trades, location and price list, and flag missing information.
- Estimate preparation. Our estimators build the sketch and line items in Xactimate.
- QA check. A second review checks quantities, O&P, codes and documentation.
- Delivery. You receive the estimate and supporting reports by email or through our website.
Turnaround: typically 24 to 48 hours for standard residential claims. Large or complex losses are quoted individually. Like all our work, we ask for 50% before starting and 50% when the estimate is complete.
Our Xactimate Writing Service for Every Type of Loss
Our freelance and remote Xactimate estimators support contractors and adjusters on properties damaged by severe weather and other events. If a building was damaged, we can scope the repair.
From a single-room leak to a storm-hit neighborhood, each claim gets the same itemized, documented estimate. For the full picture of costs, see our building cost estimating services.
Xactimate vs Manual and Other Estimating Methods
Spreadsheets and general estimating tools work well for bids. Insurance claims are different, because the carrier expects Xactimate formatting and pricing.
| Factor | Xactimate | Manual or spreadsheet | General takeoff software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer acceptance | Industry standard | Often questioned | Varies by carrier |
| Pricing source | Regional price lists, updated monthly | Your own numbers | Your own or cost databases |
| Line-item detail | High, with codes | Depends on the author | High for bids |
| Dispute strength | Strong, easy to compare | Weak | Moderate |
| Best for | Insurance claims and supplements | Quick rough figures | New construction bids |
For ground-up projects, use our construction takeoff services or BIM estimating instead.
Xactimate Estimating Services Pricing Guide
We price per estimate, based on the size and complexity of the claim. Rough ranges are below. Send your files for an exact quote.
| Claim size | Typical example | Rough price |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Single-room water loss, small roof repair | $80 to $150 |
| Medium | Full roof replacement, multi-room fire or water | $150 to $450 |
| Large | Multi-trade or multi-building losses, supplements | $450 and up |
What affects the cost: number of rooms and structures, trades involved, quality of your photos and measurements, rush delivery, and whether the job is a new estimate or a supplement. Payment terms are simple: 50% to start, 50% on completion. See our full pricing page.
Who We Write Xactimate Estimates For
Build Plans And Estimates works with a wide range of clients who handle, repair or settle property damage claims.
Contractors can also lean on our residential and commercial estimating services for non-insurance work.
Still Thinking? Get 30% Off Your First Estimate
Upload your plans and photos. Our team reviews them and sends your quote quickly.
How to Choose an Xactimate Estimating Company
Use this checklist before you outsource.
- Certified, experienced estimators. Ask who writes your estimates and how long they have done it.
- Insurance claim experience. Claim writing differs from bid estimating.
- Clear turnaround time. It should be stated in writing.
- Revision policy. Know what happens if the carrier asks for changes.
- Sample reports. Review an anonymised estimate before you commit.
- Transparent pricing. Avoid companies that will not discuss cost.
Want to see how we work first? Read about our team or browse all services.
Software, Tools and Service Coverage
We write estimates in Xactimate and Xactware Sketch. We also work from aerial measurement reports, such as EagleView or Hover, when you supply them. Our estimators also use Bluebeam and PlanSwift on related takeoff work.
US-wide coverage
We use the local regional price list for the loss, from hail states like Texas and Colorado to hurricane states like Florida and Louisiana, plus California, Georgia and beyond.
Proof on request
Ask for an anonymised sample estimate and a short case study before you place your first order.
Related services
Need budgets or plans too? See budget estimating and building cost estimating.
Xactimate Estimating Services FAQs
What is Xactimate estimating?
Xactimate estimating is the process of writing repair estimates in Xactimate software using line-item pricing and regional price lists. Insurers rely on it to scope and settle property damage claims.
How much do Xactimate estimating services cost?
Most estimates cost about $50 to $250 depending on size and complexity. Large multi-trade claims and supplements are quoted individually. We take 50% to start and 50% on delivery.
Can you handle supplements?
Yes. We prepare supplement requests with added line items, photos and supporting references for missed or hidden damage.
How long does an estimate take?
Standard estimates are typically delivered within 24 to 48 hours. Larger or more complex claims take longer, and we confirm the timeline when we quote.
Do you work with insurance carriers?
We work for contractors, public adjusters and property managers. Our estimates are built to be reviewed by carriers and independent adjusters.
Is Xactimate accepted by all insurers?
Most major carriers and adjusting firms use Xactimate, but a few use other tools. Check your carrier's requirements, and we will format the estimate to suit.
Can I outsource Xactimate estimates for roofing?
Yes. Our Xactimate roofing estimates include measurements, pitch, waste, layers, flashing and accessories. See our roofing estimating services for more.
Do you offer revisions?
Yes. If the carrier requests changes or you send new information, we update the estimate. Confirm the scope of revisions when you request a quote.
Do you only serve the US?
Xactimate pricing is US-based, so we focus on US claims. We serve contractors in every state using regional price lists.
Ready for Claim-Ready Estimates?
Accurate Xactimate estimating services protect your margins, speed up approvals and keep your crew focused on the work. Whether you need a roof estimate, a supplement or full property damage estimating services, our estimators are ready.
- Accurate
- Fast turnaround
- Claim-ready
Get a Free Xactimate Estimate Quote
Questions? Email info@buildplansandestimates.com
