When using Xactimate to create a staircase there is really only one option – the stair case tool. This tool looks like an easy tool to use until you really get into things. Then you realize that the simple little tool is actually very complex due to all of its components!
So let’s look at how to use the tool. Once you have a room in place and you want to add a staircase there is one major thing to remember. A staircase cannot be placed inside of a room. Xactimate recognizes a staircase as a separate room so you must think of this when constructing the room that has a staircase in it. Once you get past this, the tool makes much more sense and things get easier.
From one stand point the last statement is true. You select the staircase you want from the drop down list and then just drop it on area where you want it. This holds true for about ninety percent of the estimates you write.
Once you select the staircase from the drop down menus and place it in your drawing, don’t think you are done just yet. You must consider the rest of the components involved with a staircase. Does the stair case go up between two solid walls, does it have a balustrade, does it have a partial wall, is the ceiling slope or boxed, what are the tread depths, how many risers are there? I think you get the point. Any of these factors can change the entire deal.
Remember, it’s not just a matter of selecting a staircase and dropping it in place. The first steps actually begin when you are out in the field doing your inspection. Don’t forget to get all the measurements. So if you have to actually replace a staircase using Xactimate don’t forget about all the other aspects, especially when you are doing your scope.