Free tool
Dilution CalculatorGet the right dilution ratio for any surface chemistry.
Xactimate Fundamentals
Pricing Database Structure
Xactimate maintains a geo-specific pricing database updated monthly. Prices are set by Verisk (Xactimate's owner) based on contractor cost surveys and are expressed as unit costs per line item. Key concepts:
- Price List: Each claim uses the price list for the date of loss and geographic location. Prices are different in New York vs. rural Mississippi.
- Line Items: Each task has a unique code (e.g., DRY3DEHUM for dehumidifier placement). The code includes a description, unit of measure, and unit price.
- O&P: Overhead and Profit (O&P) — typically 10% overhead + 10% profit — is added to the base line item costs. General contractors receive O&P; direct labor subcontractors sometimes do not. Understand when O&P applies.
- Depreciation: Actual Cash Value (ACV) claims depreciate materials; Replacement Cost Value (RCV) does not. For cleaning and drying services (labor-only), depreciation typically does not apply.
Critical Line Codes for Water Damage
| Line Code | Description | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| DRY3DEHUM | Dehumidifier, large commercial (per day) | Each/day |
| DRY3AIRM | Air mover, axial (per day) | Each/day |
| DRY3EXTFN | Extract and dry - per sq ft of affected floor | SF |
| WTR REMOVAL | Water extraction from floor | SF or HR |
| FIREPLASTER | Remove and replace drywall (fire/water) | SF |
| CONTENT MANIPULATE | Move/protect contents during restoration | EA/HR |
| Line Code | Description | Unit | 2025 National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRY3DEHUM | Dehumidifier, lg commercial — per day | EA/day | $95–$140 |
| DRY3AIRM | Air mover, axial — per day | EA/day | $28–$42 |
| WTRMLDTREAT | Antimicrobial treatment (mold prevention) | SF | $0.28–$0.45 |
| CNT MANIPULATE | Content manipulation per hour | HR | $48–$75 |
| DRY TEMP HEAT | Temporary heat during drying | Day | $85–$175 |
| HEPAAIR | HEPA air scrubber — per day | EA/day | $55–$85 |
Supplemental Documentation Strategy
What Triggers Supplements
Insurance adjusters are not on-site during work. Initial estimates often undercount scope because the extent of damage becomes visible only after demolition begins (wet subfloor discovered under flooring, mold behind drywall). Supplements document additional scope with supporting evidence.
Required supplemental documentation:
- Moisture readings: Daily psychrometric data from drying logs; document that affected materials remained elevated and required extended drying
- Photographs: Before, during, and after at each affected zone; photos must show date/time stamp
- Equipment logs: Placement diagram, serial numbers, daily readings from each dehumidifier and air mover
- Material samples: If lab testing (mold sampling, asbestos) is performed, lab reports become supplemental documentation
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Water | 45K |
| Fire | 120K |
| Mold | 35K |
| Wind | 80K |
| Sewer | 28K |
20–40%
Additional claim revenue recoverable through proper supplemental documentation versus initial Xactimate estimate — the ROI of investing in documentation protocols and adjuster communication skills
| Feature | Xactimate | Symbility |
|---|---|---|
| Market Share | ~60% of carriers | ~15% of carriers |
| Monthly Cost (contractor) | $100–$200/mo (Xactimate Online) | $80–$150/mo |
| Pricing Database Updates | Monthly (geo-specific) | Monthly (geo-specific) |
| Sketch Tool | solid floor plan tool | Basic sketch capability |
| Carrier Acceptance | Near-universal | Growing but not universal |
Related Articles
How we built this guide
Opora editorial sources from BLS OEWS wage tables, ISSA-447 production rates, NCCI workers' compensation classifications, EPA List N, OSHA 29 CFR standards, and primary state regulatory filings. We don't recycle blog posts — we audit primary documents.
Methodology · Editorial standards · Corrections policy · About Opora