Category Selector
The category selector in Xactimate is the interface used to find and add specific line items by navigating through trade categories, subcategories, and individual selector codes.
Finding the Right Line Item
The category selector is how you navigate Xactimate's database of thousands of line items to find the exact item you need for an estimate. Xactimate organizes all line items into a hierarchical structure: trade categories at the top level, subcategories beneath, and individual selector codes at the bottom. Navigating this structure efficiently is a core skill for anyone writing estimates.
A contractor who knows the category selector inside and out writes estimates faster and catches more billable items than one who searches randomly or relies solely on macros.
How the Hierarchy Works
Trade categories use a three-letter prefix that identifies the type of work. RFG covers all roofing items. SDG covers siding. GUT covers gutters. Within each category, subcategories break the work down further. Under RFG, for example, you will find subcategories for removal, installation, repair, and specific materials. Each subcategory contains the individual selector codes that you add to the estimate.
Learning the prefix system eliminates the need to search for every item by keyword. If you know the roof tear-off line item lives under RFG and starts with "Remove," you can navigate directly to it in seconds.
Search vs. Browse
Xactimate offers both keyword search and category browsing. Keyword search is useful when you know exactly what you are looking for. Category browsing is better for discovering related items you might otherwise miss. When writing a comprehensive scope, browsing through the relevant trade category after adding your primary items often surfaces additional billable work, like specialty flashing or code-required accessories, that a keyword search would not have prompted you to look for.
Frequently asked questions
Xactimate organizes line items under trade category prefixes like RFG (roofing), SDG (siding), GUT (gutters), PLM (plumbing), ELC (electrical), DRW (drywall), PNT (painting), FLR (flooring), and WTR (water mitigation), among others.
Use the category selector to navigate from the trade category prefix to the subcategory, then to the specific item. You can also use the search function to find items by keyword. Knowing the common prefix codes speeds up the process significantly.
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