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Roger, I use Xactimate to estimate commercial losses, I also have SIMSOL on my computer. Both of the programs have their strong points.

As I noted in another post, a look at pedigrees provides the best insight. John Postava was and is a NFIP flood adjuster. In addition to SIMSOL he operates a company that largely handles NFIP flood claims. Accordingly SIMSOL was and is the best program, not only for estimating the repair of damage done by flood, but in the complete preparation of that special package that is a NFIP flood claim. SIMSOL uses the Craftsman series of construction books as a base for pricing.

Xactimate was initially used by State Farm. State Farm may be the largest writer of residential insurance in the world. Allstate gives State Farm a run for their money but they are both heavy residential writers. While they both write commercial insurance it is not the focus of their business. Hence, Xactimate and MSB, Allstate uses MSB,are largely residential estimating programs. Xactimate's pricing seems to be proprietary.

As long as the loss is in a risk that is common with common finishes either program with handle the estimate and has those elements that are common included.

The problems start with both programs when the risk is custom or legacy and if, as in the case of a school the loss involves multiple buildings belonging to the same insured and insured together or on separate policies. God forbid that you have a loss where the insured is the State and the State insures multiple school districts with multiple risks and by multiple I mean 100's.

As regards the data base of repair items, neither program has what I would describe as a "robust" commercial data base. In my considered opinion it is nearly impossible to have a "robust" commercial data base. There are just too many items. Xactimate is to the point now where, because of a voluminous database, finding a particular line item is tedious. Several of my late posts speak to this issue and while I have not attempted to build a custom data base in SIMSOL I am told that it can be done.

I have a loss on a risk with metal roofing described as "24 GA Oaubted R-36 Panel". This description is not in either program. And would have to be added as a line item to a custom data base in either program.

I find myself with a stack of catalogs, Grainger, Tractor Supply, Northern Hydraulics, Means and many others and a list of trade specific experts. Want to know the price of "24 GA Oaubted R-36 Panel" you might want to talk to a firm that installs it.

"We look at educational facilities ( public schools & colleges ), city facilities and state agencies", I can tell you from experience with both programs that neither is up to the task of handling a major university campus as one insured with multiple damaged buildings.

To finish this Xactimate and SIMSOL are excellent tools, one a claw hammer and the other a framing hammer. Similar but different.

Thanks Chuck & Tom. Unfortunately creating a custom price database is not an option. The government uses R.S. Means at this time. We are attempting to replace R.S. Means for buildings under this program. It is difficult to write an estimate using that program and the results lack detail. Management loves the detail provided with Xactimate, and we have dovetailed it into the estimating protocols favored by the government. I have never used Simsol so I wanted to know from experienced users if it could be useful.

So far in comparing R.S. Means with Xactimate price database, we have found the Xactimate database reflects actual pricing better. Labor costs are within 5% on the two programs, but materials varied. When we found large discrepancies, we researched the materials and in every instance found the Xactimate material price was closer to the researched price. I suspect the results would be the same using the Simsol price database.

Roger if we can be of any help with your project let us know. FEMA adjusters used our Replacement Cost Calculator solution on some government buildings lost in CA fires. Not sure it will be of value in this case but we will support you by providing you with any of our solutions at no charge for your pilot and provide support as well.

We have lost power due to the current ice storm in Murray, KY. When we get back up an running our phone is 800-736-1246 and my email is gale@powerclaim.com. Our company name is Hawkins Research Inc. Our website is up and that address is www.powerclaim.com. There you can read more in the mean time.

Gale Hawkins

Thanks Gale. I have been aware of Power Claim, and met you a few times, but never used it. I have no idea on its capabilities.

This program is working well. After 30 days we were able to more than double the adjusters. Management is looking at utilizing this protocol earlier in future disasters.

John, there is a difference in pricing for new construction & reconstruction. I have no hard numbers for the spread, but most estimating software has settings to adjust for the difference. I am sure Mr. Postava could explain this better.

I still use Power Claim as my word processer of choice to estimate losses, because it is so easy to manuscript in items that are not in ANY data base. To depend on a data base is like asking a operationg room nurse to diagnose all white males over 18 years who could use a spine transplant. She does not have the answer just like the puter. Its a tool that only you can control.