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I believe there is a detail report you can view that ID's the vast majority of what is included - and you are right it will not include the additional costs associated with demo (etc.) as the main function is to determine "insurance to value" on the cost to REPLACE.

Most policies throw in the added 5% for debris removal if they hit the limit (unless it is a DP-1 policy) and removal is something you can do with Xactimate as a line item based on SF of house. If it burned pretty crispy and just ashes then the actual cost may be less.

When you set up the valuation I think you have options on foundation, and permit & fees.

I imagine you would have to do an additional estimate to allow for the things you described, and dump fees, clean and prep the slab, etc.  You mentioned fencing, and for once you get to pay for landscaping (unless it is a DP-1 policy) which will be subject to sub-limits

John- one of my losses is about $430,000 and the limit is $150,000.00. The carrier is fine with Xactvalue to calculate the loss. On claims that are closer in value, Xactvalue is a much faster way to determine if an appraisal is needed, or if co-insurance applies, or send a large advance to the insured. It can justify a large advance and then, if needed, a stickbuilt estimate can be done later to finalize the settlement. Two carriers have encouraged us to do this. Of course this can lead to a faster settlement in the insured's hands and lower billing to the carrier. Obviously it is not appropriate for every loss. It doesn't make sense on certain types of construction that don't fit the model. Certainly it makes more sense (on some losses) in a CAT situation (Calif fires). Two other issues come to mind: the Xactvalue is criticized for innaccuracy- it has enough assumptions that it is basically an educated guess. However, the alternative, to try to stickbuild a house that is now only ashes, relying in part on the insureds memory, is also just a guess! More accuracy on a stick built estimate can be obtained by obtaining building plans and using them as a guide. Photos (from birthdays and holidays?) may also help. This technique also has problems however- photos may only show one or two rooms and may take weeks to obtain. In California it often takes a month to get copies of building plans- the city sends a letter to the architect's last know address to get premission to release the plans. This is state law. It happened to me in Irvine CA.* Also the original plans do not show interior finishes that have changed over time. Xactvalue therefore has a place in the adjusters tool bag.

Here's a hypothetical question on just one aspect of the loss: We all know that the steeper a roof is, the larger the surface area, other factors being equal. If the adjuster does not have a building plan or photos, how would he estimate the roof area? Answer: he would do what we always do, really on EVERY detail to some degree. He would ESTIMATE it which is just a nice word for making an experienced professional GUESS based on available evidence. Every estimate is, to some extent, a professional guess until the adjuster has identified a qualified licensed contractor willing to do the work in a workmanlike manner for the money shown, and also determined that there aren't three other contractors willing to do it for less. Every time I agree with a contractor that my estimate is a bit low it proves that my estimate was just that- an estimate. It doesn't happen on to many of my estimates but it does happen. On the other side of the coin how often does the insured get the property fixed for less that the estimate? I'm sure it happens more than adjusters realize, because the insured's wouldn't admit it.

Look how many flood losses were settled in New Orleans using the "square foot calculator". Was that a perfect system? No way, it had lots of flaws. I have no doubt that the alternative, however, would have been much worse. There's a lot of good reasons it was used.

If my house burns down I hope I get settled quickly with Xactvalue as long as the adjuster is willing to keep working on the stick built estimate after I get my advance check.

* FROM CITY OF IRVINE WEBSITE:

How to Obtain Copies of Building Plans

Copies of building plans are available through the Office of Records and Information. Because building plans are copyrighted, the law requires that the City request the permission of the architect or engineer before copies can be made. The process to obtain copies of building plans includes the following steps:

Call the Office of Records and Information at (949) 724-6281 to make sure the City has the plans you are looking for.
If you are not the owner of the building, a signed letter from the owner is needed to request the release of any architectural plan.
The Office of Records and Information sends a notarized Affidavit of Intent by certified mail to the architect or engineer. (The City charges $10 for each notarized signature, and a minimum of $5.21 per certified letter.)
By law, we must allow the architects and engineers 30 days to respond to a request for copies of plans.
Once the releases are received, we will make 11 x 17 copies of the requested plans at 10¢ per page. If full size blueprint copies are needed, arrangements can be made with a bonded reprographic company to make copies at your expense.

Keep in mind that during some major catastrophes, a lot of jurisdictions will waive the permit fees for rebuilding or repairs and one needs to determine this when they are working the cat. Katrina is a good example where that was done in most of the parishes in LA. Also if memory serves me correctly, in San Diego from the fires of 03 they waived the permit for rebuilding the total losses, unless the policyholder was upgrading on the rebuild or building back more then they had, and in those cases they only paid for a permit for the upgrade or expansion part of the rebuild. Insurance doesn't owe to pay for permits on those items since they weren't there to begin with, unless those items are due to Law and Ordinance upgrades and that coverage is in force.

Steve, good point. I think the government is waiving some building permit fees this time also. Also the goverment is talking about the possibility of arranging the demolition. This brings up another good question. I was taught that if a church or non-profit provides free work like gutting drywall or tree removal, the carrier still owes for what it would have cost. The carrier cannot use the goodwill of volunteers to avoid paying what they owe. I was taught this by the carrier. What if the government scrapes your lot for free? Does the same concept apply?

Bob (or anyone else) how do I print out this detailed report that shows what is included?

X-24 should print a "Valuation report" and "Valuation details" by default, see if the details one is selected when you print.
It may not be as detailed as you would like, but at least you get some data on what it is including.

There is an icon at the top right of the window for pricing, and that is where you can select Architect fees.  It is my understanding that this is not selected by default, and if that is not turned on - then it is not putting in a value for permits.  Here's what X-24 help says on Valuation:

To customize your personal user settings for the valuation module, click File from the Control Center menu bar, then Preferences. Select the Project Defaults tab and click Valuation Preferences. You can determine the following settings:

Use Architect's Fees: lets you determine the percentage of the home used to calculate architect fees for the different quality-types of homes, or set a flat dollar amount. Additional Items to Include in Percentage Calculation lets you determine some of the items to include or to not include as part of the architect's fees. You can choose O&P, permits, and additional features.