This article explains how Verisk/Xactimate estimation data is structured from category down to individual material line items. Use it to align on terminology in pricing, reporting, and integration conversations. Field names shown here reflect the conceptual model; exact names may vary by export or report format.
The core estimation hierarchy
Every estimate in Xactimate follows a consistent six-level structure. Understanding where you are in this hierarchy determines which conversations, data extracts, and pricing actions are in scope.
Level | Name | Description |
|---|
1 | Category (trade) | Top-level grouping for navigation and reporting (e.g., Roofing, Painting, Floor covering). Categories are usually the first filter applied when scoping 'the universe of stuff we care about.' |
2 | Line item | The estimating unit of work that appears on an estimate that represents an activity (install, replace, remove, paint, and so on) and carries its own unit of measure. A single line item such as Roofing might bundle shingles, nails, underlayment, ridge cap, labor, and equipment together. |
3 | Line item components | Internal breakdown within a line item. Components are commonly split into Material, Labor, and Equipment, with additional buckets depending on the estimate configuration. |
4 | Material component | A specific material sub-piece inside the line item. For example, shingles, felt/underlayment, nails, drip edge, tack strip, thinset, or grout. This is the level you need in order to price or source actual materials. |
5 | Material / Product spec (like-kind) | The exact definition - dimensions, quality tier, composition, grade, and sometimes brand. This is the level required to align a material component to a retail SKU, supplier catalog item, or fulfillment partner offering. |
6 | Material line items | A curated list of material components treated as priceable units in Total Price. This is the extracted material components cleaned, deduped, and scoped to what Nearmap Total Price can price. |
Exact field names vary by Xactimate export format and report type. The hierarchy above reflects the conceptual model; always confirm column names against your specific extract or integration.
How to use the estimation hierarchy
Use these questions as a quick diagnostic to identify which level of the hierarchy is being referred to:
If someone asks for... | They mean... |
|---|
Line items | The estimate rows - the tasks or activities (Level 2) |
What materials are inside those line items? | Material components (Level 4) |
What do we need to scrape / partner-source? | Material line items, which is the priceable list (Level 6) |
What spec matches this material? | Material / Product spec (Level 5) |
Examples
Roofing
Level | Value |
|---|
Category | Roofing |
Line item | Replace 3-tab shingle roof (per square) |
Material components | Shingles, underlayment, nails, ridge cap, starter strip, drip edge |
Labor components | Tear-off + install |
Equipment components | Dumpster, lift (varies) |
Material line items (priceable) | Shingles, underlayment, drip edge, ridge cap, starter strip — scoped to what Total Price supports |
Flooring
Level | Value |
|---|
Category | Floor covering |
Line item | Install LVP (per SF) |
Material components | Plank, underlayment, transitions, quarter round, adhesive (varies) |
Labor components | Install |
Equipment components | Tools (varies) |
Material line items (priceable) | Plank, underlayment, transitions, quarter round, adhesive — depending on scope |