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After 4 years, wow I still hand draw mine and use Power Claim, because I do not like the small lines and just add 10 & 15% cut up and waste. I really do not like computers that tell me what I am seeing, I like to use them as great word processor and calculator, and xmate is not a good word processor and the estimate is not very readable for insureds.

Ray, I have found, over these many years, that we tend to treat software programs like many here in the South treat auto brands. If you're a Chevy man you can't understand why anyone would buy a Ford. For the longest time my attitude was that any computer loaded with Xactimate would make a good anchor for a trot line. Having been forced (screaming, kicking, and cussin') to use the program I've found myself to be a convert and actually prefer it over Integra and Simsol. I have always felt that if it were possible to combine the Xactimate price data with Integra that you would have a superior program for adjusters and carriers alike.

Mcgrawreed, The secret to creating roofs in sketch is the same as creating rooms. You have to learn to create a square break and use the roof properties to define the offset. If when you draw a room, you reach up and grab a new room from the tool bar, then this will seem Greek to you. When you start a sketch, you should only need to to grab one roof or room to start, each addl room or offset can be drug from the original (98% of the time). Its very simple once you see it done. The guys a Mason claims puts on a real good class, and shows all the shortcuts, the cost is reasonable, and included ceu's.

JWG

I have to admit when I was getting use to xmate I could see good points. I still fall back to most property claim are very simple 3-4 lines or very large swelling losses. It seems a lot of my estimates are more like spred sheets for $. spent and most of my statement of losses have to be manuscript. as all the programs are for Homeowners Statement of Loss. I could get more work if I used xmate, but I like the tools I have.

Thanks for the tips. I found someone close by to give me a hand with the roof sketch. Again thanks for your comments.

Steve