Xactimate / XactRemodel - is it worth it?

[SLS-Construction]

Part 1 – An overview of the company & using the product

XactWare is one of three main software companies that provide insurance companies and adjusters programs to quickly (and hopefully accurately) generate an insurance claim / check for their customer. One of the main programs used is Xactimate, which has over 10,000 different line items from cleaning glass to removing and replacing a four stop commercial elevator.

Ok I know what most of you are thinking, that sounds great for them :rolleyes3:, but there quotes are always low :surrender: & besides how does this help us? As for the "Low Balling Insurance Quote" we will get to that later. First lets look at the products and how some might benefit from it. XactWare makes two products available to Remodelers & Insurance Restoration Contractors - XactRemodel & the Xactimate product listed above.

Both products offer a pretty neat little sketch tool where you can drop in or create rooms which calculates out the square footage, how many square feet of wall surface and ceilings there are, base or crown molding is required, etc... You can import pictures, sketches, and even trace out other companies blue prints into this sketch tool for quick and accurate numbers. You can also view the sketches in 3D & use a walk through tool. Is the 3D rendering as robust as say Chief Architect, 20-20, etc... not even close, but those products are designed for designs while this one is designed for estimating costs and claims

Both products use the same pricing list based on the location you are at. Unlike other companies that simply use a base price & mark off or add a percentage across the board - they actually check on local prices & develop each list separately. As an FYI - the insurance companies have no say on what price is listed, but can provide feedback just like the contractors can. Now the only difference between the two products is that XactRemodel uses a simpler list that does not include items for water extraction, fire remediation, etc...

Ok, how am I supposed to find the one item I need out of 10,000 items quickly & how do I know what it includes? Unbelievably there are about five different ways to find it & just about the same amount of ways to add it. They have a simple search feature (i.e. drywall 1/2 tape & textured); you can look it up by Category (i.e. Dry - short for drywall); you can search by Division (i.e. Finishes - Gypsum Board Systems); you can click on an item & click on an item & choose a Similar Item Search (i.e. from drywall you now it needs to be painted, or maybe you need to change it to 5/8 - both will show); and then finally for those new estimators / adjusters you can do a Reference Search which uses Pictures.

Ok you have found the item you want to add – but what does it include? You can either right click on the item & choose properties or simply double click on the picture of the item. It spells out everything that is included at this price and tells you other options for what may be available.

Includes: Drywall, metal corner bead, joint/texture compound (mud), drywall nails, perfotape, grabber screws, and installation labor. Labor cost to remove 1/2" drywall, including screws and/or nails, and to discard in a job-site waste receptacle.

Quality: 1/2" drywall, hung taped and floated to produce a finish that is ready for paint. For complete skim-coat smooth-surface texture, see item DRY 1/2++.

Note: This item includes the following steps: tape coat, 1st coat, 2nd coat, a third step to prep for a paint finish. The third step may be a final sanding and touch-up, or a sprayed on orange peel type texture. Drywall material components are surveyed as a typical house-stocked price (as opposed to in-store shelf price). Consideration may be needed for delivery outside of a normal service area, small quantities, store pick up, or special circumstances resulting in higher delivery/transportation costs. The estimator should verify that the material allowance is sufficient for the actual material and associated delivery costs.

Average life expectancy 150 years

Average depreciation 0.67% per year

Now the rest of this will be based off Xactimate – as the last time I demo’d XactRemodel was about a year ago. One cool feature for those that do insurance restoration work is the XactNet server – you can receive & upload estimates directly to an insurance adjuster. This is one way that the pricing lists are validated as the pricing is checked for what an adjuster did pay as compared to what they think they should pay.

There are three main tabs when you open the program up. The Control Center Dashboard is the first tab that lists the last 10 projects you worked on, and the XactNet message center. You also can also edit the system settings, user preferences, setup different headers to use on reports, etc… The second tab is the Project Tab, which lists all the projects you have. The final tab is the Price List tab where you can view the different price lists, print reports from, download-updated ones, etc…

When you first enter a new project, it starts you off in the Claim Info tab or in our case the lead tab. You can even select where the lead source came from and change your OH & P markups for PITA customers, etc… The next tab is the sketch tab, which allows you to setup the rooms. (This was briefly described above) You can add line items directly here for those that are more graphically inclined, or in the other two tabs Estimate Items or Summary. There are pros & cons to both methods and it comes down to your choice. If you choose not to do a sketch, you can still manually add items in the estimate area to be priced out. The summary tab is pretty cool as you can see which items are in which room; labor & materials required, change material prices, etc… As an FYI – the next version will be condensing the Estimate & Summary tabs together. The final tab is the complete tab – here it tells you if you are missing any crucial info, if you forgot to include a doorknob on one that was installed, etc… Once you mark a project complete, you can then print off the reports – if you need to change something, all you need to do is change it back to In Progress.

Reports – there are quite allot of different reports that can be generated, including work orders. The work orders can be used either for getting a bid from an electrician or as a go ahead to proceed with the work. You can use “Variable” fields to automatically generate custom coversheets, disclaimers, etc… containing information pulled directly from the program.

[orson]

Thanks for the information Shawn.

I may have to look into this software further, I like they way they detail the item description.

The lack of description in other software like HomeTech is one of my biggest gripes.

Do they have up front pricing online or do they hide behind a point of contact for pricing?

[SLS-Construction]

Truthfully, this depends on you, your company and how you do your estimates now. If you have a well established system in place, than it is might not be for you. If you do a lot of insurance work, than it would definitely be helpful. For a new contractor, or one that estimates by the seat of their pants, I would suggest that you should check it out. I personally went with Xactimate after reviewing about 15 other programs out there. None of the other ones I looked at seemed to match my business needs, and seeing that I am starting to get more into the Insurance Restorations it was a perfect fit.

To further illustrate this point - I just went to one of their classes last week which included a private adjuster, a company adjuster, a custom home builder, another remodeling company, a roofing contractor, 2 guys from a Restoration Construction firm and a few others. While some had not used the program yet, quite a few had been using the software for over a year in their firms. The gentleman that was a custom homebuilder uses Timberline along with a few other major programs, but still loved the ease and use of this product for the remodeling and renovation work that they were doing.

Now if you decide you would like to demo the programs for 30 days, simply go to www.XactWare.com (http://www.xactware.com/) and choose which one you would like to try. For someone just starting out & not planning to do much if any remediation work, I would suggest going with XactRemodel. XactRemodel as I recall is around $600 to $700 a year, which includes the program, software & pricing updates. Xactimate (if the yearly option is purchased) is $1600 for the first year and $1400 for the yearly renewal.

Training – If you decide to get the program, I highly recommend it. I had demo’d the 2 different programs a few times over the last few years and while I did relatively ok, with the training and tips provided I would say it cut my time down to a third of what it was before. They do offer training over the web, train at home, group training at the office or training held in different cities in a classroom setting. All the classes use the same material, but I have found I can study better & retain more sitting in a classroom environment than I can sitting at my computer in the office with the phone ringing. The 3-day basic training was $750 and I would say I got my money’s worth on just the first day. The other reason I prefer training in a classroom environment is all the additional information, tips & tricks you learn during the breaks.

[SLS-Construction]

1. No Base Service Charges
Most insurance companies do not want to pay what is referred to as the Base Service Charge (BSC). The BSC used to be listed as a minimum charge, but it was changed when they realized that it created some major confusion. The problem with using the term “minimum charge” was that it did not adequately describe what it was really for. (i.e. “The base service charge for the Framing Carpenter is inclusive of one trip charge, mobilization and planning costs.”) A Base Service Charge is supposed to be used along with the regular price listed for the work per the company - period.

2. Not using the minimum charge listed
In some cases, the work to be completed is so small it that it would be nearly impossible to get a legitimate or even an unlicensed contractor to do it for the price listed.

Let’s look at one quick example --- replace 16 SF of drywall (using the description in the first post) would only pay out $26.24. Ouch, not good – but wait let’s add in the Base Service Charge of $201.64 which equates to “The base service charge for the Drywall Installer/Finisher is inclusive of three trip charges, mobilization and planning costs.” So now we are up to $227.88 – can you honestly find someone reputable to do that repair for that price? I know around here most people wouldn't touch a job like that for less than $500. Ah here we go – Minimum Charge $325 “Includes: One 4'x 8' sheet of gypsum board, 10lbs of joint compound, 50' of perfotape, and 6 hours labor. Note: Minimum charge for drywall repair. 6 hour labor cost is based on a 3 hour initial trip, and two 1.5 hour return trips.” Now we are sitting at $526.64, which is truthfully more like it

Quick note – please notice how the BSC & Minimum Charge tie in together, the BSC takes care of the tech driving there, while the Minimum Charge deals with the actual labor when they are on site.

3. Carpet, Vinyl & Roofing
Every pricing line item in the program accounts for waste with the exception of carpeting, vinyl & roofing. Why don’t those three? It is actually quite simple – there is no simple formula that applies. But wait, roofing is easy – it is 15% right? As any roofer can easily point out – it depends on how cut up a roof is. The amount of waste (i.e. starter strips, ridge shingles, weaving in a valley) will vary dramatically between a ranch house and a Victorian

Carpet comes in 12’, 13’6 & 15’ wide widths and in some cases, you might need a 5% waste factor while at other times it could easily be around the 35% mark. They do include an automatic layout tool but it is not the greatest when it comes down to where seams should be located & is only setup for 12’ wide rolls.

Vinyl comes in a 12’ wide roll generally and in a small bath the waste factor can easily be over a 100%

4. Not selecting all applicable items
Seeing I am still looking at the drywall line item, let’s look at it a little closer. I don’t see anything listed for high ceilings or walls, bull nose, resilient channel, masking area’s off or even painting it. While doing an estimate up, you should click on the Related link – it will pull up items related to that item – including

5. Homeowner vs. Contractor pricing
Yep, they actually have pricing for Home Owners that want to do the work themselves. Needless to say the HO’s rate is less than the Contractor’s rate that includes the associated Labor Burdens associated with them (SS, Medicare, UI, etc…). Using the drywall listed above again, for a contractor, they are paid $1.44 a SF, while a Home Owner would only receive 0.73 a SF.

6. Not reviewing the Summary Report, or changing prices elsewhere
Here comes a few catches, this is the only place you should change a material price or the tax will not apply to it properly. Next is you will occasionally catch things like .08 gallons of stain or paint, or my favorite one that I laughed at - 1.34 sanding belts. Unfortunately, you cannot change how much of an item you are going to use, but if you know that, you are going to buy a quart of stain & leave the remainder with the customer – here is the place to change the total dollar value for that item. If you are buying a vanity that runs $400, but only $250 is allocated, same deal you can change it here.

Misc. Items:
· You can easily add in custom furniture or built ins by adding in a Misc. Item which allows you to collect the proper tax and your overhead
· For those insurance companies that will not, whatsoever allow BSC’s – you can easily select the “Factor Into Unit Pricing” & it is now added in and doesn’t show up as separate line charge
· If an insurance company says the BSC have been factored in – ask them to print out the Rough Draft where it will show up

[SLS-Construction]

Rory and I are testing ELMS at this time.

Intuitive
Complete
Reasonable pricing
The jury is out, but we will do an honest trial.

I did a test on their desktop version, but I can't find my notes I sent them. Not a bad product, it just wasn't right for me.

I would like to know for everyone that tests out an estimating program how close it comes to their normal prices. Xactimate was within a $200 on all 5 projects I ran against it. I will still update my spreadsheets for a bit, but I am pretty much transitioning fully over.

[Eieio]

I did a test on their desktop version, but I can't find my notes I sent them. Not a bad product, it just wasn't right for me.

I would like to know for everyone that tests out an estimating program how close it comes to their normal prices. Xactimate was within a $200 on all 5 projects I ran against it. I will still update my spreadsheets for a bit, but I am pretty much transitioning fully over.


That is pretty good. Their ability to get local pricing and update it is key..I tried the demo.. But felt it was not for me, but thought it was a really good program..

[Eieio]

Shawn Can you post what the estimate looks like for us??





product link:http://www.xactware.com/

[SLS-Construction]

Sean Can you post what the estimate looks like for us??

Final Draft of one from Training - http://tinyurl.com/ykmoqcv (http://tinyurl.com/ykmoqcv)(1 of 20 standard reports)

The Sketch View
http://www.sls-construction.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rc/Sketch1.jpg

Summary - BSC View
http://www.sls-construction.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rc/Summary-BSC.jpg

Summary - Componet View
http://www.sls-construction.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/rc/Summary-Componet.jpg

Summary - Labor View http://tinyurl.com/yj88cny
Estimate Tab http://tinyurl.com/yhjp97q
Summary - Item View http://tinyurl.com/yhbdfxf

[fez-head]

I just Googled "is xactimate worth the cost" and this RC link popped up in the 5th spot...... not bad fellas.

[Eieio]

In case anyone is curious here is a link to the software


Link to software:http://www.xactware.com/

[buildpinnacle]

I have been an Xactimate user for over 10 years. I have also used their evil twin sisters Integriclaim, Powerclaim, and Simsol. Xactimate/Xactremodel is a very good program that is completely customizable for your business. I am currently using Xactremodel b/c I save $1,000 / year as I don't need the claims interface and don't actually do the remidiation portion of our fire/water losses so I don't need those expanded line items. I have tried to re-invent the wheel and have tested many other est software programs and nothing has come even close. The pricing structure, as Shawn pointed out, is very detailed and accurate. I, too, have done hand estimates vs. my Xactimate estimates and have come out within a very small percentage both ways depending on the est. I can estimate a $40,000 fire burnout in less than an hour. The macroand wizard features are also very good tools. I've touted them at every opportunity on CT when it has come up and have always been surprised more contractors aren't using this software.

[orson]

I downloaded the demo of XactRemodel and started playing with it. Couple red flags went off for me on the first thing I started playing with: carpet installation.

The program has 3 different weights of basic rebond carpet padding installation.

Their material costs are listed as follows:
4# padding $.27/SF
6# padding $.57/SF
8# padding $.837/SF

I happened to have padding prices laying on my desk from a job late this summer:
4# $.26/SF
6# $.30/SF
8# $.35/SF

This is the kind of thing that just turns me off to estimating software. If I have to go through and double check the material pricing on something as basic as carpet padding then what is the point?

Once you find significant discrepancies in the program pricing vs. reality then how do you trust the program's numbers, especially when as you were using it would you know which items you've corrected and which items weren't verified?

[Eieio]

The systems use averages for their cost.. They can not check every supplier,sub etc and get numbers from them.


I'll take those numbers any day of the week. Even your supplier numbers change daily, weekly monthly etc.

I have gotten quotes on a Monday and gone back on Friday and some of the item prices has changed..


Your looking for a perfect system with perfect cost and pricing it does not and will never exist..


Estimating is simply making an educated guess at facts and figures that hopefully turn out in your favor as the estimator.


Have you ever done an estimate and completed a job and have the numbers come out to be exactly what you estimated????

[SLS-Construction]

Ruby - you also are using the demo pricing module not your local area's.

That being said, I still will double check the Componet view as shown above in one of the pictures to verify prices & quantities for major items - if you need 20 sheets of oak plywood, you want to verify the pricing & get it locked in (prices change daily), if you are buying a pound of nails - well that's up to you.

[orson]

The systems use averages for their cost.. They can not check every supplier,sub etc and get numbers from them.


I'll take those numbers any day of the week. Even your supplier numbers change daily, weekly monthly etc.

I have gotten quotes on a Monday and gone back on Friday and some of the item prices has changed..


Your looking for a perfect system with perfect cost and pricing it does not and will never exist..


Estimating is simply making an educated guess at facts and figures that hopefully turn out in your favor as the estimator.


Have you ever done an estimate and completed a job and have the numbers come out to be exactly what you estimated????

Point well taken Rory, but we're talking about a price discrepancy of over 100% for 8# padding.

Are you ok with putting out an estimate with your material costs before markup being off by 100%?

When has basic 1/2 inch 8# padding ever anywhere in the US cost $.84/SF?

[Eieio]

Point well taken Rory, but we're talking about a price discrepancy of over 100% for 8# padding.

Are you ok with putting out an estimate with your material costs before markup being off by 100%?

When has basic 1/2 inch 8# padding ever anywhere in the US cost $.84/SF?


Sure I do it all the time.. Especially in remodeling when there is always a 10-30% waste factor.. I don't mind as long as the numbers are over, I am not that concerned..


Example you buy a 2x4x8, but only need 4Ft of it to do the job, do you charge for 4FT or do you charge for the whole 2x4x8?

If they were under I would be worried. Its the law of averages.. At the end of the job as long as the margins are met I have no problem with it..

I do go in and adjust numbers as needed..

Also note most of the estimating systems have a built in waste factor in the pricing.

[fez-head]

Downloading my free demo right now.

This is very exciting.

[framer55]

Downloading my free demo right now.

This is very exciting.

Getting a tingle yet???

[orson]

I've continued to investigate the training demo and I find it pretty useless based on pricing/scope of items etc.

I talked to Gary Pyne on the phone and he assured me that the demo is very old pricing and assured me that the item list is very comprehensive.

I'm going to do a training webinar, probably next Wednesday.

[fez-head]

Getting a tingle yet???

No :mad:

The damn thing wont open and I'm getting frustrated. Matt Gines sent an email saying he is here to help so I will take him up on it. I am really looking forward to speeding up our process.

[WarriorWithWood]

I'm going to try it out too.

[Eieio]

Can you generate or write a contract with the Xactremodel Software??

Does it do Scheduling??

I really can't remember and don't want to look it up..

[SLS-Construction]

Yes, you can add in your own language and create one - I just export the data into my own
Not really - you do get total hours per trade though

[fez-head]

Matt Gines walked us through our XactRemodel webinar this morning and it was something else. I am REALLY impressed with everything it can do and we just barely scratched the surface.

Jay Ellis was also there and he said that he heard about it on Contractor Talk. I told him to get over here to Remodel crazy and check out our threads as well.

[buildpinnacle]

There goes my angle on giving people line item detailed estimates by room (I call it the 'shopping list) in under an hour of work, sketch and all. Thanks Sean. Do me a favor and call all of my competitors here locally to get them on board too. :)

[SLS-Construction]

There goes my angle on giving people line item detailed estimates by room (I call it the 'shopping list) in under an hour of work, sketch and all. Thanks Sean. Do me a favor and call all of my competitors here locally to get them on board too. :)

Your welcome... :grin:

You know if you just send me a copy of all your forms & contracts that you use I could just accidently delete this whole thread ;):laugh3:

Seriously though - most of them see the cost & go no thanks - besides with your knowledge, ability to sell, etc... you know your still going to smoke them

[buildpinnacle]

On a serious note, it's a good software package. I wish it had a better CRM. I hate having multiple programs. I was landing about 3-4 res roofs per week on last years small scattered hail, but after we got slammed with a pretty big area storm three days ago I'm selling 3-4 per day. I'm going to lose track real quick and start missing stuff. I'm trying out Zoho per Rory's endorsement, but I wish there was an insurance restoration contractor's CRM or something close that can be adjusted. It would be even more awesome if Xactimate could be transfered into it.

[Eieio]

Did any of you guys try out the demo of the software or buy it??

[fez-head]

I demoed and subscribed last month. Seems like this would be ideal for your 203K projects since it breaks down by line item and has industry recognized historical pricing.

[Eieio]

I demoed and subscribed last month. Seems like this would be ideal for your 203K projects since it breaks down by line item and has industry recognized historical pricing.

So you plan on using it? I need a lot more than it offers, I want more than just estimating, I want the complete package.. I demoed it a few times and it is a good product just not for the way I do business

[fez-head]

Well to be honest all I have to compare it to is National Cost Estimator and RS Means so I really don't know what I'm missing. I will use it until I find something just as (or preferably more) detailed in the scopes of work but easier to use I guess.

This thing is a PITA but then again I am just a beginner with no prior experience so everything will be a PITA until I get used to it.

[naptownCr]

I had a long conversation with State Farm today'
A co -worker of my wife's had and Ice dam in the recent snowstorms and damaged her drywall and insulation in her bedroom.
So here is the scope of work
This is a finished and occupied room on the second floor of a town house.
Remove 19 sq ft of drywall
Trim up square the insulation.
Furnish and install 38 sf ft of R15 insulation.
Remove plates and outlets of 2 receptacles
Wire through so power is on during repairs.
Furnish and install 38 sf of R 15 insulation
Furnish and install 38 SF of drywall.
Finish drywall ready for paint.
One prime coat and two finish coats on 344 SF of wall
Remove and reinstall 24 feet of 3 1/4 Ogee base
Furnish and install 20' of 3 1/4 Ogee base
remove and install 2 3' sections of window apron.
Reinstall 24' of base molding
Prep trim for paint
Paint trim
Occupied room so site protection stari protection clean up daily.


My price $1800
Insurance Price 1200
Anybody got any ideas?

[Eieio]

industry mark up in insurance is 25% , most of them low ball the homeowner unless its a job with a Contractor that knows how the game is played..

[fez-head]

I had a long conversation with State Farm today'
A co -worker of my wife's had and Ice dam in the recent snowstorms and damaged her drywall and insulation in her bedroom.
So here is the scope of work
This is a finished and occupied room on the second floor of a town house.
Remove 19 sq ft of drywall
Trim up square the insulation.
Furnish and install 38 sf ft of R15 insulation.
Remove plates and outlets of 2 receptacles
Wire through so power is on during repairs.
Furnish and install 38 sf of R 15 insulation
Furnish and install 38 SF of drywall.
Finish drywall ready for paint.
One prime coat and two finish coats on 344 SF of wall
Remove and reinstall 24 feet of 3 1/4 Ogee base
Furnish and install 20' of 3 1/4 Ogee base
remove and install 2 3' sections of window apron.
Reinstall 24' of base molding
Prep trim for paint
Paint trim
Occupied room so site protection stari protection clean up daily.


My price $1800
Insurance Price 1200
Anybody got any ideas?

I agree with Rory - never had much trouble getting my price. Wouldn't that be price fixing to tell you how much to charge?

Also is there any exact texture matching to be done?

[naptownCr]

Anyone care to run that through Exactimate and see what it comes out to be?

[naptownCr]

I agree with Rory - never had much trouble getting my price. Wouldn't that be price fixing to tell you how much to charge?

Also is there any exact texture matching to be done?

No walls are smooth.
Are they screwing with me to avoid sending an adjuster?

[SLS-Construction]

Rich I will try to get to it tommorow afternoon (sorry), if I can get to it tonight I will but I doubt it

[Mike(VA)]

Ok, I don't use either one of the programs, but just received a printout of a report done by a private adjuster. Client wants a ballpark estimate. Fire damaged house, started in kitchen. This report is 628 total items in the descriptions of work to be done. Of course, they blacked out all the $$ amounts so they can see if they can pocket some money.

Anyone try to do an estimate from these when the dollar amounts are blanked out? Seems like it would take forever and not be worth it. I have seen the house but only once and even if I looked at it again, for longer, I wouldn't be able to get enough info to estimate it. What do you guys do?

[Eieio]

Anyone care to run that through Exactimate and see what it comes out to be?


I rushed it but this is what I came up with.. about 1900 bucks

2193

[naptownCr]

I came up with 1850
State farm came up with 1100
I will post pics and their estimate for you all's entertainment tomorrow I am too tired to mess with tonight

[Eieio]

I came up with 1850
State farm came up with 1100
I will post pics and their estimate for you all's entertainment tomorrow I am too tired to mess with tonight


I posted a pdf you can click and open in the previous post it says nappy

[naptownCr]

I posted a pdf you can click and open in the previous post it says nappy


I read that Rory thanks
Pretty much What I came up with.
I need to look at this thing more closely in the morning.
The claims guy was really anxious to send a check. I told client to send it back with a nasty note. ( she's a lawyer)

[SLS-Construction]

Using Baltimore' numbers 1274.16 10 & 10 (DC $42 higher)

Using DC's numbers & bumping up the drywall (Min charge only includes 1 sheet - need to add 2nd sheet as you go past 32 SF) which actually popped in the BSC (it should have popped up originally but didn't) 1676.05

This does not include stair protection, or flooring protection which is best served with a line item price - if you want a copy of the printout - shoot me an email

Mike (VA) - 628 items, sorry I would have to charge you on that one

[Eieio]

Using Baltimore' numbers 1274.16 10 & 10 (DC $42 higher)

Using DC's numbers & bumping up the drywall (Min charge only includes 1 sheet - need to add 2nd sheet as you go past 32 SF) which actually popped in the BSC (it should have popped up originally but didn't) 1676.05

This does not include stair protection, or flooring protection which is best served with a line item price - if you want a copy of the printout - shoot me an email

Mike (VA) - 628 items, sorry I would have to charge you on that one

Can you email it to me. I want to see what the numbers are..

[SLS-Construction]

It's on it's way Rory - Rich I sent yours to the RC address I have for you

If you want to get back to the old numbers subtract the BSC & additional 32 SF

Now who wants to finish up my Business Plan for me :mad2:

[naptownCr]

It's on it's way Rory - Rich I sent yours to the RC address I have for you

If you want to get back to the old numbers subtract the BSC & additional 32 SF

Now who wants to finish up my Business Plan for me :mad2:

I have forgotten how to get to my RC e mail account.
I use it sooooo much.
Sean could you e mail that to me at the addy in my sig line?
question on the 10&10 is that OH and Profit added to it.

[SLS-Construction]

As a quick update - XactWare has added in line items for the RRP which are pretty close to what I was looking at. $10 for each lead swab test, etc... (the only catch I see is that the BSC is to low as it does not account for paperwork, time spent talking to HO, etc...)

The announcment:
http://www.xactware.com/news/release20100330


Xactware Addresses EPA's Lead Paint Rule

Addition of Hazardous Material Remediation Category Helps Contractors Comply with New Rule
OREM, Utah—Mar. 30, 2010— To help contractors comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, Xactware has revamped its price lists to make it easier for contractors and other professionals to quickly and correctly estimate work that falls under the EPA’s new restrictions.

Beginning in April, Xactware price lists will include a separate category titled Hazardous Material Remediation (HMR) for items such as lead paint, asbestos, mold, and much more. The new category will provide a single location within the Xactware price lists where users can estimate items needed for hazardous material remediation.

“Helping our customers do their jobs with greater ease and efficiency is our focus at Xactware, so updating our price lists to reflect the EPA’s new lead rules was a natural fit,” said Mike Fulton, Xactware’s assistant vice president of Pricing Data Services. “We take industry changes like this seriously and look forward to helping our customers transition seamlessly.”

According to the EPA, common renovation activities such as sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing harmful lead-based paint. To protect against that risk, the EPA issued a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, to take effect in April 2010, that will require the use of lead-safe practices and other actions to prevent lead poisoning in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978.

Although Xactware’s price lists have long contained many items covering hazardous material remediation, March’s price list included the addition of new items for lead testing. The new HMR category also includes items that were previously found under other categories, such as containment barriers, personal protective gear, negative air, HEPA vacuuming, and hazardous material testing fees.

More information on the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule is available at www.epa.gov/lead/ (http://www.epa.gov/lead/).

[fez-head]

I quit using XactRemodel now that we have the Elms. It was just to much of a PITA. Elms has a customizable pricing structure built in and does a lot more for us for less money.

[larryb]

Part 1 – An overview of the company & using the product

Ok I know what most of you are thinking, that sounds great for them :rolleyes3:, but there quotes are always low :surrender: & besides how does this help us? As for the "Low Balling Insurance Quote" we will get to that later.

As an FYI - the insurance companies have no say on what price is listed, but can provide feedback just like the contractors can.

Ok, so I'm a little late...quite a bit, actually! But, come on, ins cos have no say on what price is listed?????? Really? Ever heard of ISO, Inc. (owners of Xactimate). P&C insurance companies use/pay ISO, Inc (Insurance Services Office, Inc) for data on which their premium prices are based (usually based on future/higher costs (premiums too high for current repairs) and also use their "regional" pricing data to determine repair costs (always low ball) based on "surveys" that I'll guarantee you come from lowest costs for any given area.

So, Xmate has that cute little program called "Sketch" (sounds like a name a 3 year old would give to their favorite stuffed animal) that allows a contractor to sketch a diagram and include it as part of their estimate to ins co's. What contractor doing ins work doesn't sketch their work prior to pricing it? And, what contractor doing ins work doesn't digitally photo the damage? No need to include a sketch and photos on ests to ins co's (primarily exterior) when adjusters already have the same info.

It's time for contractors to quit sheepishly following the insurance industry mantra that Xactimate (as #1, Integra Claim & Simsol as followers) is the industry standard - and time to stop paying the outrageous and unnecessary fees.

[Eieio]

So your saying it's time to stand up and fight for our Cheddar?

Cheddar aka Money

[SLS-Construction]

LarryB - that is correct, they have no say except for what I listed - now what they do with their version (which is editable), or if they have Xactimate create a special one for them - then they can have all the say they want... which means absolutely nothing when it comes time to pay out a legitimate quote

Next... (& where is that black sheep smiley at?)

[nEighter]

I haven't had/don't own Xactimate but was wondering (sean) if there is anything in the software that is for dangerous work, or extra high work. Could you please let me know? This is rather important.

[ParamountPaint]

I haven't had/don't own Xactimate but was wondering (sean) if there is anything in the software that is for dangerous work, or extra high work. Could you please let me know? This is rather important.

There is. For example, a steep roof has an extra line charge as well as if it is high (over 1 or 1.5 stories, if I recall). There is also an additional charge along the same lines for painting high walls or what not. I do know about these two, for sure.

[ParamountPaint]

I don't know about the dangerous part, as that would be somewhat dependent on a person's point of view.

[SLS-Construction]

Paramount has the generic default, they also have a section for Haz materials (like lead, asbestos, etc...)

Now slightly off topic - the best statement I have heard by an adjuster yet --- we don't pay for testing or additional expenses required to meet the RRP as all hazardous materials are specifically excluded - whether that is just a confused adjuster or that companies policies I don't know

[nEighter]

they are jack-knobs.. no other way to put it. What I wanted to know is what their multiplier is for painting high. I have a claim I am working (just got today) that gave $85.00 for 60' of fascia repaint and it is all high stuff. I need to know what I am not already seeing. Also, funny how every company is supposed to use the same software, but even for same company they will have different amounts.. tisk tisk

[ParamountPaint]

they are jack-knobs.. no other way to put it. What I wanted to know is what their multiplier is for painting high. I have a claim I am working (just got today) that gave $85.00 for 60' of fascia repaint and it is all high stuff. I need to know what I am not already seeing. Also, funny how every company is supposed to use the same software, but even for same company they will have different amounts.. tisk tisk

I'd not get too excited about that job at all. That is flat out unrealistic.

*although, IF I was working next door and IF I happened to have a gallon of the right color and IF I could just reach it from the ground, I might do it. That's about it.

[bconley]

Nate, get the software and learn how to use it.
You can make the numbers work, there is a minimum mobilization charge, charge for putting down drops and masking, priming profit and overhead etc.
this program would be really good for the type of work you do, just draw the rooms out and it spits out all the materials you will need down to the screw with pricing and that all is customizable to fit your needs.
For insurance purposes the way I understand it if you can justify the job with all the line items you put in, the adjuster will give you your price.
The $85 for 60 ft. is just for the actual act of applying the paint.
I'd give you examples but I use exactremodel occasionally and my subscription is lapsed.
By the way you can pay monthly, every three months, six months or yearly.
A couple hundred bucks for three months to learn the program and that is all you'll need to know how the game is played, it also teach a lot about what needs to be accounted for while estimating a project no matter what program or system you use.

[BrandConst]

I've been using xactimate for over 7 years now. It's a great program and you'll make great profit margins if you know how to use it, it's very simple but just remember to get rid of the base service charges. Someone earlier stated that it doesnt calculate waste, that's wrong, it does. As soon as you hit the print button it automatically calculates 15% for carpet, cant remember about roofing, it's been a while since i did a roof. Dont dare try to use it for new construction because you'll look like a crook.

[fez-head]

I've been using xactimate for over 7 years now. It's a great program and you'll make great profit margins if you know how to use it, it's very simple but just remember to get rid of the base service charges. Someone earlier stated that it doesnt calculate waste, that's wrong, it does. As soon as you hit the print button it automatically calculates 15% for carpet, cant remember about roofing, it's been a while since i did a roof. Dont dare try to use it for new construction because you'll look like a crook.

How about sharing some of those little known line items that we are probably leaving out?

[nEighter]

Hey thanks guys. Is it really worth it? I am checking out Elms. Scott called today and I missed his call.

This has been the most incomplete so far. I will have to prove to them the scope of work from the get-go. The literally had 2 or 3 lines that totaled up to $86.00. I wondering more about how the software worked, if it took that into account or if that is just the adjuster's call.

[SLS-Construction]

If you do a lot of insurance work - go for it, if not go with elms, etc... Give them a break out of steps & total price to do it

As an FYI- BSC, 10/10, & painting fascia only came out to $115.83 which does not include any scraping work, protecting areas with plastic, scaffolding or working at high height

Sorry but I didn't look at the cost of paint as that can also be a factor as most painters, etc... go with the cheapest but workable paint they can find

[ParamountPaint]

If you do a lot of insurance work - go for it, if not go with elms, etc... Give them a break out of steps & total price to do it

As an FYI- BSC, 10/10, & painting fascia only came out to $115.83 which does not include any scraping work, protecting areas with plastic, scaffolding or working at high height

Sorry but I didn't look at the cost of paint as that can also be a factor as most painters, etc... go with the cheapest but workable paint they can find

That sounds about right and shows an example of where Xactimate numbers will not work. With a very small job like that, you need to recoup a mobilization charge or often charge for a full day's work. I personally do not do anything for less than a full day. There are some cases where it could be made to work, like with painting condo doors or something where the work was all lined up.

Nate- If you had more work on the same house, the numbers would start to look better. After all, painting 60' of soffit isn't much to talk about if you were painting the whole rest of the house or something.

[Blue]

Actually what happens is that they will contact the largest roofing installer in town or the one they are most heavily in colusion with and get his current labor pricing and then freeze the local shingle prices at the time of the storm. St op procedure in my every every time.

Its a very slimy and shady event from the crews to the insurance companies, suppliers, and homeowners. Not for the timid.

[fez-head]

St op procedure in my every every time.

English please.

[Blue]

English please.

"Standard Operating Procedure in my area every time."

[fez-head]

That's why BrandConst should be helping his new RC Buddies out with this. He seems to have the inside scoop.

[nEighter]

I agree. Secrets don't make friends ;)

[Eieio]

I have a minimum charge or 4 hour employee fee for everything.. Any estimating program worth while should be adjusted to include that..

4-8 hours should be a minimum for almost any job that does not last atleast a day,.

[BrandConst]

See the below example take off of a small room, xactimate and xactremodel or sort of like the relationship with your wife, it's give and take you'll break even on some and you'll win big on others. I won't use anything else, one thing I do unlike many other GC's is I write the scope up in xactimate and then I put it on my own proposal format. I don't like them looking at the equations or line item pricing that the report gives you with customer report.

[Eieio]

See the below example take off of a small room, xactimate and xactremodel or sort of like the relationship with your wife, it's give and take you'll break even on some and you'll win big on others. I won't use anything else, one thing I do unlike many other GC's is I write the scope up in xactimate and then I put it on my own proposal format. I don't like them looking at the equations or line item pricing that the report gives you with customer report.

Why would I use someone else's pricing, especially if I am not making money or breaking even with them?

That makes no sense to me..

[bconley]

Why does everyone have such a hard time with this? The numbers are totally customizable, put in whatever you can sell

[BrandConst]

It's hard to say. The company I was with before starting my own company was a national restoration/reconstruction contractor. I was primarily in Houston were we had a good sub base, when traveling I could make as low as a 20% margin, but locally it was never less than 35%. I'm a firm believer in xactimate although I use xactremodel now. It's the same but just doesnt have all the Adjuster crap. Try out the demo version on a job you've already completed, then if it's too low, read the line item description for each line item to see what you left out. For a basic line item such as paint you can read that it doesnt include masking doors and window or floors. This is what helped me when I began. The example I attached earlier was based off of 10% overhead and 10% profit, you can manually increase that as you can also manipulate the pricing in exactimate very easily, I do it all the time. Remember, your customer doesnt have to know all of these line item numbers if you make your own proposal.

[Eieio]

Why does everyone have such a hard time with this? The numbers are totally customizable, put in whatever you can sell

Well I was a bit thrown off by his comment. If you can edit the pricing in the software, then I have no issue with it..

[Bodger]

I was confused by that as well. How does the software make you break even on some and win big on others if you can plug your own numbers in there?

[BrandConst]

I was referring to the pricing that xactimate gives you. Look at your grand total price and then at your cost. Make sure your at your desired mark up to make sure your not too high. Xactimate is very high in some areas and lower in the others, especially in commercial.

[ChrWright]

Thought I'd give this a bump.

Anyone currently using this software?

[fez-head]

I've got a buddy that just became an independent State Farm Rep. and is supposed to give me the lowdown after all of his training. I'll post up when I know more.

[Blue]

I've got a buddy that just became an independent State Farm Rep. and is supposed to give me the lowdown after all of his training. I'll post up when I know more.

Get the water loss referrals from him.......if you like swimming in money.

[bconley]

I tried it for about 3 months, works really well for take offs and will count everything down to the screw. Great for getting the numbers and quantities, but poor in presenting them.

Sean is using it I believe.

[KennMacMoragh]

I tried it at the Remodel Show. The interface for adding items to your list is really nice, beats the heck out of ELMS in that regard. But it's a no go for me since it is strictly hard drive based and not cloud based. There are at least a couple estimating programs that are both hard drive and cloud based. I think that is the only way to go, probably what I'll be reverting to if I decide to switch out of ELMS.

[SLS-Construction]

Thought I'd give this a bump.

Anyone currently using this software?

I am still using it, mainly because it is PC / Laptop based - got to agreeon the presentation part - need to find a way of converting the reporting