Scope creep

More estimating & workflow terms

• Satellite measurement

  A roof measurement report built from aerial imagery instead of a site visit, giving dimensions, pitch, and facet areas. It is fast and accurate on simple roofs, and it can drift on complex geometry or heavy tree cover. Have a dispute over measurements checked in the field.

• Scope agreement

  A written document confirming exactly what work was authorized and at what price, separate from the insurance estimate. It protects both sides when the carrier's approved scope and the contractor's work order differ. Sign it before starting, not after.

• Scope of work

  The detailed list of repairs and materials needed to restore the property, written either by the insurer's estimator or as the contractor's proposal. A thin scope of work means supplements later, which slows payment. Missing items are the most common source of dispute.

• Scope sheet

  The field document where an adjuster or contractor records what damage was found, what work is needed, and what materials it takes. It becomes the basis for the estimate the carrier writes. Compare it against your own measurements before you accept the number.

• Selector code

  The short code that names a specific line item inside its Xactimate category - you need both halves to identify the product, such as DRY WTRX, not WTRX alone. A right-sounding description on the wrong selector puts the wrong product at the wrong price, and it is a frequent cause of supplement disputes.

• Sketch

  The scaled drawing of the structure in Xactimate that generates measurements and quantities.

Common questions