Reconstruction
What Is an Xactimate Estimate, and Why Do Adjusters Use It?
September 18, 2026 · 5 min read
Somewhere between the damage and the repair, someone has to put a number on the work. In property claims, that number usually comes from Xactimate, the estimating software used across the insurance and restoration industry. Knowing what it is helps you read your own estimate and understand why your contractor asks for the adjuster's version.
What Xactimate is
Xactimate is estimating software widely used by insurance adjusters and restoration contractors. It breaks a project into line items, each with a unit price for labor and materials, based on pricing data for the local market.
What a line item looks like
Instead of a lump sum such as “repair bedroom, $6,000”, an Xactimate estimate lists the work: square feet of drywall, tape and texture, coats of paint, baseboard by linear foot, flooring, and so on. That level of detail is what makes two estimates comparable.
Why it matters for your claim
- Your contractor and your adjuster are comparing the same line items, not two different formats.
- Differences become specific and easy to discuss: a missing item, a quantity, a price.
- Supplements for damage found later attach to the same estimate.
- The final scope is documented in a way both sides can follow.
What it does not do
An estimate is not a coverage decision. Whether a line item is covered depends on your policy, the cause of the loss and your carrier's determination. A detailed estimate makes the conversation clear, but the coverage decision stays between you and your insurance company.
What to ask your contractor
- Can you prepare a detailed estimate for this scope?
- Will you provide photos and documentation with it?
- Will you communicate directly with my adjuster about the scope?
- How are supplements handled if more damage is found?
How we work
Turning On prepares detailed estimates for restoration and reconstruction, documents the damage with photos and records, and communicates with your adjuster about the scope of work. Call (425) 772-9467.
Related services: Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration, serving Bellevue and nearby communities.
Need help now?
Our reconstruction team responds 24/7 across Washington and works directly with your insurance. Call (425) 772-9467.
Written by
Adones Batista · Founder & CEO
Adones Batista is the founder of Turning On Restoration & Remodeling, with over 15 years of hands-on experience in construction, disaster response and insurance restoration across Washington.
More about AdonesFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Xactimate estimate for my claim?+
Not always, but when the adjuster is working in that format, an estimate in the same format makes it far easier to compare scope and resolve differences.
Does an Xactimate estimate mean the work is covered?+
No. An estimate prices the work. Coverage depends on your policy, the cause of the loss and your carrier's determination.
Can you prepare estimates for my insurance claim?+
Yes. We prepare detailed estimates, document the damage and provide the information directly to your adjuster regarding the scope. Call (425) 772-9467.
