Guides
Estimating guides
Short, practical explanations for contractors and adjusters.
| Guide | About |
|---|---|
| Roof estimate checklist | A checklist of the measurements, counts and photos you need for an accurate roof estimate, from squares and pitch to pipe jacks and dumpsters. |
| Roof squares and waste factor | What a roofing square is, how to convert square feet to squares, and how waste factor changes the shingle quantity in an estimate. |
| Overhead and profit explained | What overhead and profit mean on a contractor estimate, how the common 10 and 10 is calculated, and what to check before adding it. |
| What is an ESX file | An ESX file is an Xactimate estimate file. Learn what it contains, how it differs from a PDF, and when to ask for Xactimate or Symbility format. |
| What is a roofing supplement | A roofing supplement asks the carrier for additional payment on a claim. Learn what it contains, when contractors file one and what to document. |
| Interior measurements for estimates | What interior details an estimator needs for water, flood, fire, smoke, mold and packout estimates, and how to provide them with Matterport or a form. |
Page last updated 2026-10-04.