7 New Xactimate Line Items: March 2026 Update Guide

If you are a contractor or an adjuster still operating on last month’s price list, you are essentially flying a plane with outdated radar. The March 2026 Xactimate update is not just another routine refresh; it represents a significant shift in how we categorize materials and calculate structural components within Sketch. For Boss Up Solutions clients, staying ahead of these changes is the difference between a profitable supplement and a rejected estimate. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the 7 New Xactimate Line Items: March 2026 Update Guide, ensuring your team has the technical knowledge to defend every dollar on your claims.

Why do these updates matter so much? Xactware, the parent company of Xactimate, constantly monitors market data to adjust for supply chain fluctuations and regional labor shifts. When new items are added, it usually signifies that the industry has evolved to the point where an existing code no longer accurately reflects the cost or complexity of a task. Ignoring these 7 new line items means you’re likely using “closest equivalent” codes that may pay significantly less than the new, more specific items designed for the 2026 market.

What is the main takeaway for March 2026? The March 2026 Xactimate update introduces 7 critical line items focusing on high-grade commercial finishes, exterior preparation, and structural Sketch automation. Key changes include a standardization of Low-E glazing definitions and a major shift in laminate flooring material pricing, requiring estimators to update their macros and F9 justifications immediately for maximum claim accuracy.

1. March 2026 Xactimate Price List Update Overview

The March 2026 update comes at a time when the construction industry is seeing a stabilization in material costs but a continued rise in specialized labor requirements. Xactware has responded by refining how we estimate exterior paint preparation and high-end interior finishes. For the roofing and restoration professional, this update requires a careful look at how we handle “Standard” versus “Premium” designations, particularly in the window and flooring categories. Don't be a little boss and assume your old templates will work; it's time to audit your price list settings.

One of the most notable aspects of this month’s release is the focus on commercial-grade materials. Historically, Xactimate has been heavily weighted toward residential standards, often leaving commercial contractors struggling to find line items that match the durability requirements of high-traffic buildings. The addition of high-grade vinyl cove base and more robust exterior cleaning items indicates a move toward better supporting the T&M (Time and Materials) and commercial sectors of the industry.

Furthermore, the March update addresses long-standing complaints regarding the ambiguity of Low-E glass. As energy codes become stricter across the United States and Canada, “Standard” glazing has fundamentally changed. Xactimate is now catching up with these building codes, which means your estimating strategy must pivot from treating Low-E as an automatic upgrade to understanding when it is a baseline requirement and when it truly qualifies as a premium add-on. This subtle shift can have a massive impact on window replacement supplements.

2. Deep Dive: The 7 New Line Items (Cove Base, Pressure Washing, and More)

The core of this month's update lies in seven specific additions that every estimator needs to memorize. First on the list is the High-Grade Vinyl Cove Base. Unlike the standard 4-inch residential base, this new item accounts for the increased material thickness and adhesive requirements typical in hospitals, schools, and industrial complexes. Using this instead of the standard FCW (Floor Covering - Wood/Vinyl) codes will ensure you aren't eating the cost of specialized commercial materials.

Second, we see the introduction of Pressure Washing for Exterior Painting Preparation (PNT). In the past, many adjusters would try to loop pressure washing into the general “cleaning” or “WTR” (Water Mitigation) categories. This new PNT code is specifically designed for the prep phase of a paint job, accounting for the different pressure settings and detergents needed to ensure proper paint adhesion without damaging the substrate. This is a huge win for reconstruction contractors who have been fighting to get this prep work recognized separately from the actual painting labor.

Summary of the New Items

• FNC CVB >: Vinyl cove base - High grade (Commercial)
• PNT PWASH: Pressure wash - for exterior paint prep
• FEN LOWE: Low-E glazing (Standard baseline)
• FEN LOWE+: Premium Low-E upgrade (Higher performance)
• FLR TRUSS: New Sketch selection for floor truss systems
• LMT FLOOR>: High-grade laminate (Revised material cost)
• WAG REG-US/CAN: Regional wage adjustments for specialized trades

Third and fourth, the glazing items (FEN LOWE and FEN LOWE+) are game-changers. By splitting Low-E into two distinct tiers, Xactimate allows for more granular estimating. If you are working on a high-efficiency “passive house” or a LEED-certified building, the LOWE+ item provides the necessary justification for those higher material costs. Meanwhile, the fifth item involves Floor Truss Selection within the Sketch tab, which we will cover in more detail below. This isn't just a line item; it's a structural tool that changes how volumes are calculated for multi-story losses.

3. Sketch Updates: How to Use the New Floor Truss Options

One of the most technical updates this month isn't found in the line item list alone, but within the Sketch interface itself. Xactimate has introduced a new dropdown menu for Floor Truss selection. For years, estimators had to manually calculate the depth of floor trusses or use generic “joist” settings that didn't accurately reflect the spatial requirements of modern engineered floor systems. Now, when you select a room or level in Sketch, you can specify the truss type and depth directly in the properties pane.

Using this tool correctly is vital for large loss and reconstruction projects. To access it, go to the Sketch tab, select your floor plan, and navigate to the “Construction” section of the Properties menu. You will see a new field for “Floor System.” Selecting “Truss” from this menu will automatically adjust the volume of the floor cavity, which in turn affects the calculations for any items tied to “Floor to Ceiling” height or “Cavity Insulation.” It’s a more precise way to handle framing and insulation supplements.

Why does this matter? If you're dealing with a water loss that affected the interstitial space between floors, having the correct truss depth ensures that your drying equipment and dehumidification calculations are accurate. Adjusters are much less likely to push back on the number of air movers if the Sketch itself proves that the cubic footage of the affected cavity is larger than a standard 2x10 joist system would suggest. It's about using the software's own logic to defend your estimate.

4. The New 'Standard': Understanding Low-E Glazing Definition Changes

The March 2026 update officially codifies what many in the industry have known for years: Low-E glazing is no longer a specialty upgrade; it is the industry standard. Xactimate has updated its definitions to reflect that most modern window replacements automatically include basic Low-E coatings to meet local energy codes. This means that if you simply select a standard window line item, it may now include Low-E by default, and you can no longer add a separate “upgrade” item unless the glass meets specific “Premium” criteria.

This shift creates a challenge for estimators. You must now distinguish between “Standard Low-E” (which is built into the base price of many FEN items) and “Premium Low-E” (which involves multiple coatings or argon gas fills). The new 7 New Xactimate Line Items: March 2026 Update Guide emphasizes that using the “Upgrade” item now requires clear documentation. If the existing window was a high-performance, triple-pane unit with specialized coatings, the standard line item will underpay you. You must use the new FEN LOWE+ item to capture that value.

To successfully navigate this, you need to include photos of the window spacers or manufacturer labels that specify the glass type. If you can prove that the glass is a “Low-E 366” or similar high-performance product, you have the leverage to demand the premium item. At Boss Up Solutions, we see too many contractors losing out on window supplements because they don't understand these definition changes. Don't let the carrier tell you it's “included” if you can prove the quality exceeds the new baseline.

5. Pricing Analysis: Why Laminate Flooring Costs are Dropping

In a surprising turn of events, the March 2026 price list shows a noticeable reduction in material costs for both standard and high-grade laminate flooring. While most construction costs have been trending upward, laminate has seen a 4% to 6% drop in several major markets. This is largely due to increased manufacturing capacity and a shift in consumer preference toward LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), which has forced laminate manufacturers to lower prices to remain competitive.

For contractors, this means your old macros for flooring might be over-estimating the material cost. While that might sound like a win, it actually puts you at risk during the audit process. If an adjuster sees that you're using a February price list for a March project, and the price has dropped, they may flag the entire estimate for a manual review. It's better to be accurate and use the March list, then look for other line items (like the new cove base or pressure washing) to ensure your overall project margin remains healthy.

As shown in the table above, the impact on high-grade laminate is even more significant. If you are handling large-scale flooring replacements, this price drop could shave thousands off an estimate. To counteract this, ensure you are capturing all the labor associated with floor prep, such as the new high-grade cove base installation and floor leveling, which often get overlooked but are still priced at a premium in the new update.

6. Labor & Miscellaneous: Regional Wage Updates and Retail Labor Rates

While material costs for items like laminate are dipping, labor rates are doing the opposite. The March 2026 update includes significant regional worker wage adjustments across both the U.S. and Canada. Specifically, we're seeing a push in the “Retail Labor Rates” for specialized trades like electricians and HVAC technicians. As the demand for energy-efficient retrofitting grows, the cost to hire qualified professionals for these tasks has spiked, and Xactimate is finally reflecting that reality.

In Canada, specifically in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, labor rates for roofing and siding have seen a 3% bump this month. In the U.S., the Southeast region is seeing the highest wage growth due to ongoing labor shortages in the restoration sector. If you aren't checking your “Labor Minimums” in Xactimate this month, you are likely underpaying your subs or under-billing the carrier for small repairs. These labor minimums are designed to protect your overhead on small-scale jobs, and they have been adjusted upward for March.

Additionally, the 7 New Xactimate Line Items: March 2026 Update Guide notes that miscellaneous charges for waste disposal and fuel surcharges have stayed relatively flat. However, the internal logic for how “Market Conditions” affect the total price has been refined. This means that even if a line item price hasn't changed, the total estimate might look different because the behind-the-scenes multipliers for your specific zip code have been updated. Always download the latest price list for every new claim—don't rely on “Current” if “Current” was actually two weeks ago.

7. Strategic Advice: Implementing F9 Notes for New Upgrades

The secret to a successful supplement isn't just knowing the line items; it's knowing how to justify them. With the new Low-E and commercial cove base items, your F9 notes need to be bulletproof. Carriers are trained to look for “double dipping.” If you include the new pressure washing item and the adjuster sees “cleaning” already in the estimate, they will delete your new item immediately. You must use your F9 notes to explain the technical necessity of the item.

For the FEN LOWE+ premium upgrade, your note should look something like this: “Line item FEN LOWE+ is applied due to the existing glazing meeting high-performance Low-E 366 specifications, which exceeds the standard Low-E baseline newly established in the March 2026 price list. See manufacturer specifications attached in the photo gallery for verification of U-factor and SHGC ratings.” This level of detail makes it very difficult for an adjuster to hit the delete button.

When using the new PNT PWASH item, your F9 note should emphasize preparation over general cleaning: “Pressure washing is included here as a specific substrate preparation requirement per manufacturer painting specifications (ASTM D4258-05). This is distinct from general water mitigation cleaning and is required to ensure proper adhesion of the new coating and to prevent premature paint failure.” By citing industry standards like ASTM, you transform from a contractor “asking for more money” into an expert “following the rules.”

8. Looking Ahead: Preparing for the May 2026 Shingle Updates

While we are focused on the March updates, it is crucial to keep an eye on the horizon. Xactimate has already teased a massive overhaul of the roofing category coming in May 2026. This will include the RFG 300- shingle series, which is expected to completely change how we estimate architectural shingles. The current tiered system (standard, high-grade, premium) will likely be replaced by a more complex system based on specific wind speed ratings and impact resistance (Class 1-4).

Why tell you this now? Because the way you handle the March updates will set the stage for how you handle the May transition. Start getting into the habit of documenting shingle brands and technical specs now. If you can master the “Premium vs. Standard” glazing definitions this month, you will be much better prepared when the roofing world gets turned upside down in a few months. The contractors who win are the ones who treat their estimating software like a professional tool, not just a necessary evil.

In the meantime, make sure your back-office team is aware of these pending changes. If you’re using a service like Boss Up Solutions, you can rest easy knowing that our team is already integrating these March 2026 codes into our workflow. We don't wait for the carrier to tell us what’s new; we stay on the cutting edge so you can focus on building and selling. The 7 new line items are just the beginning of a very active year for Xactimate updates.

9. Conclusion: Checklist for Updating Your Macros and Templates

To wrap up, the March 2026 update is a clear signal that Xactimate is moving toward more technical, data-driven estimating. You cannot afford to stay static. To ensure your business is fully optimized for these changes, we recommend the following checklist: First, download the March 2026 price list for all active profiles. Second, audit your “Windows” and “Flooring” macros to ensure you are using the new Low-E and laminate codes correctly. Third, review your exterior painting templates to include the new pressure washing prep item.

Remember, the goal of these updates is to make estimates more accurate, but that accuracy only benefits you if you know how to use it. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the constant shifting of line items and labor rates, it might be time to offload that headache. Scaling a roofing or restoration business is about leverage—leveraging your time so you can be out in the field while the experts handle the paperwork. Use the 7 New Xactimate Line Items: March 2026 Update Guide as your roadmap, and don't let the carrier dictate your profit margins.

Stop leaving money on the table because of outdated estimating habits. Whether it’s the new commercial cove base or the refined Sketch truss options, every update is an opportunity to improve your claim outcomes. Stay bold, stay informed, and as we say at Boss Up Solutions, “Roofers Sell & Build. We Handle the Rest.” If you're ready to take your claims management to the next level, our hybrid AI and human team is ready to help you scale without the paperwork hassle.