An Xactimate scope is an itemized estimate of repair costs created by an insurance carrier or adjuster using Xactimate software. When a homeowner files a roofing claim, the carrier sends an adjuster to assess the damage, and that adjuster typically produces an Xactimate scope listing every repair item, material quantity, labor hour, and price the carrier will initially cover. Roofing contractors receive this scope as the carrier's official position on what the claim is worth, and it becomes the starting document for verifying coverage and writing any supplement needed to complete the job.
What Information Does an Xactimate Scope Contain?
Every Xactimate scope includes a standardized set of fields that insurance professionals and contractors both rely on. At the top you will see claim details: the policyholder's name and address, the claim number, the date of loss, and the adjuster's contact information. The body of the scope is a table of line items, each with a specific Xactimate code, a written description, a quantity, a unit of measure, a unit price, and a line total. Common roofing line-item codes include RFG for roof felt or underlayment, RSH for shingle removal, and DRY for drying or dehumidification services. Each line item also shows whether the carrier is calculating Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value for that item, which affects the net payment the homeowner receives.
Below the line-item table, the scope displays summary totals: a subtotal for materials, a subtotal for labor, overhead and profit when applicable, and any depreciation withheld if the carrier is paying on an ACV basis initially. The final page often includes photographic evidence, adjuster notes, and sometimes a diagram or sketch of the damaged area. This information is not legal or financial advice, but understanding each section helps you confirm that every damaged component was documented and priced correctly before you order materials or schedule crews.
Why Do Roofing Contractors Receive an Xactimate Scope?
Insurance carriers issue an Xactimate scope to establish a documented, line-by-line record of approved repairs and their cost. Once the homeowner signs a contract with your roofing company, the carrier will typically share the scope with you directly or allow the homeowner to forward it. You receive the scope so you can compare the adjuster's findings against your own field measurements and material assessments. If the scope omits necessary tear-off squares, underestimates the number of damaged pipe boots, or uses an incorrect shingle grade, you will write a supplement to request additional payment for those items. The scope also serves as a shared reference during the supplement negotiation: both you and the desk adjuster can point to specific line-item codes and quantities rather than exchanging vague descriptions over the phone.
- The scope documents the carrier's initial approved repair cost and itemized breakdown.
- It provides a claim number and adjuster contact information for supplement submissions.
- It establishes a common pricing framework, since Xactimate unit costs are updated quarterly and widely accepted.
- It gives you a clear starting point for identifying missing items or under-measured quantities.
Converting an Xactimate Scope to a Spreadsheet
Most Xactimate scopes arrive as a PDF, which makes side-by-side comparison with your own field notes difficult. Roofing contractors often copy line items into a spreadsheet so they can add columns for actual field measurements, note discrepancies, and calculate the dollar value of each missing or under-measured item before drafting a supplement. Manual re-keying is time-consuming and introduces transcription errors, especially on large multi-trade claims. GetToRoofing automates this step: upload the carrier's PDF scope and the platform extracts every line item, code, quantity, and price into a clean spreadsheet that you can sort, filter, and annotate. That clean data structure makes it faster to spot gaps and build an accurate supplement request.
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Common Xactimate Line-Item Codes Roofers See
Familiarity with recurring Xactimate codes speeds up scope review. RSH codes cover shingle removal by the square, while RFG and RFU denote different underlayment types and weights. DRG codes describe ridge-cap removal and installation, and FLG or FLS codes track flashing work around chimneys, skylights, and walls. When you see a code you do not recognize, Xactimate's online code search or the carrier's own desk adjuster can clarify what that item covers and whether it duplicates another line. Accurate code knowledge prevents you from requesting a supplement for an item already present under a different code, which saves time and preserves your credibility with the desk reviewer.
- RSH – Roof shingles, remove
- RFG – Roof felt, #15 or #30 weight
- DRG – Drip edge, galvanized or aluminum
- RRR – Reroof, remove and replace
- FLG – Flashing, general or step flashing
Understanding what an Xactimate scope is and how to extract its data is the first step in efficient supplement writing. See how GetToRoofing streamlines the entire workflow
An Xactimate scope is the insurance carrier's official repair estimate, built line by line with standardized codes, quantities, and unit prices. Roofing contractors receive it to verify coverage, identify gaps, and prepare accurate supplement requests. By converting the PDF scope into a spreadsheet, you can work faster, compare field findings side by side, and ensure every damaged component is captured before you submit your supplement. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, financial, or professional advice; always consult qualified professionals for claim-specific guidance.