Good program, Simple yet sophisticated.

Xactimate is great for producing cost estimates contractors. I used it as a project manager under two GC's. As this was my first job doing this sort of work it was the first time using the program, but I found it was fairly easy to pick up. The search tool and descriptions helped me to find line items I otherwise might have forgotten to charge for. The sketching tool is great to help with dimensions and calculations (I did always have trouble w. stair cases for some reason though). Prices updated regularly and the print out is easy to read and understand for customers as well. Very straight forward and not confusing. Overall I'd recommend this product to any mitigation and restoration team and to contractors.

Pros

Ease of use, learning curve.
Sketches are extremely helpful in calculating linear footages and areas (des take a little more to get good at)
Prices update every month
Simple, easy to understand print out summary of line items.
A number of insurance companies use Xactimate so it was easy to discuss/ negotiate items in the estimates.

Cons

Did have some trouble getting sketches "just right", maybe some ease of use tools would be helpful for those of us not familiar w. CAD

It's Necessary

Xactimate is necessary software for property adjusters. We have little choice but to pay the price they charge. It could be better. Finding proper line items is more difficult than need be. A tree menu would be helpful. Also, a little more flexibility in the amount of overhead and profit to be applied to specific line items (if the amount varies depending on the trade) would be nice.

Pros

Widely accepted by contractors and insurance companies for creating accurate repair estimates.

Cons

A little clunky at times. Hard to find needed line items unless you know exactly what you're looking for.

Amazing product just takes some time

Xactware offers training at a cost which I’m sure would help tremendously...I’m just too cheap so I took the longer slower route. The program was truly a Godsend for me.

Pros

The program is very detailed down to the number of screws a particular job will require. It gives the amount of time you will need and gives you the flexibility to change prices inside the program to customize you particular market if those prices differ from the program but I’ve found it to be spot on with my market.

Cons

The program is so detailed and full of options that it can be overwhelming...it’s definitely learnable it just takes time and commitment.

State of the Art Estimating Software

A must for anyone doing insurance restoration or remodeling

Pros

Recognized by most insurance companies, it is kept current and pricing can be modified by zip code. Excellent sketching tools

Cons

Steep learning curve, some glitches in import of pictures into the new version of Xactimate. Does not have some higher quality items and is probably a little low for commercial use.

Very accurate

I will continue using the software and getting the new updates.

Pros

Easy to learn, use and to export information. The program allows you to embed photos and attach information, another good feature is the 3D sketch.

Cons

Tricky to sketch multiple roof slopes, specially when there are different highs too. There is no waste factor when replacing flooring.

Online version is very glitchy.

I would recommend updating price lists per area with actual data.

Pros

This software has basic CAD features. The overall product is simple to learn. The communication with other programs is easy.

Cons

The web version is glitchy and doesn't have full actions that the desktop version has. The pricing guides are not accurate.

Xactimate 2.8 must. A must-have for the insurance restoration contractor

Pros

It is a must-have software if you're in the insurance restoration business. It has all the features to prepare quality estimates for insurance presentations

Cons

It would be nice to be able to create custom column headings and Custom layout for special reports currently it is quite limited to templates

Insurance Recognized

Generally good value overall

Pros

Sketch is accurate and estimates almost universally recognized in insurance industry. The pricing per area is a plus

Cons

Does not tie into third party management programs or quickbooks. Does not have a tie in with google maps or other easily importable measurement software

Excellent Tool for any Contractor

Pros

Having the current fair market rates for almost any work that needs to be done on a home is priceless. We work with insurance companies so it has allowed us to generate over in supplements last year.

Cons

You need to attend training to be able to use the program properly and to its fullest potential. The training is time consuming and expensive but it is well worth it.

Xactimate allows me to achieve profitable insurance and non-insurance revenue

Pros

I appreciate that it is recognized by so many in the construction world and updates its pricing & labor efficiency.

Cons

The mobile platform still needs work. It is functional, however, difficult to accurately utilize daily.

Difficult to Learn but once you do, the possibilities are near endless.

Pros

You can customize reports to show only the line items or summary and anything in between. Once you learn the basics, you can still do a lot without having to go to the advanced class.

Cons

Finding the correct line item can sometimes be difficult if you aren't sure what the program calls it. When you adjust the quantity (or qualifier) of a line item and select "ok," the program will kick you to the bottom of your item list and you will have to scroll back up to the item you were working on to view the amount it has populated.