Xactimate Guide

Xactimate Drywall Line Items: Complete Guide

Drywall spans multiple phases — removal, install, texture, and finish. Adjusters routinely miss items in the finishing and texture phases.

Drywall work in insurance claims spans removal, installation, finishing, and texture matching. Each phase has distinct Xactimate codes. Adjusters routinely miss texture and finishing items. A properly scoped drywall estimate accounts for every step from flood cut to paint-ready finish.

Drywall Removal

Removal codes vary based on full removal vs flood cut. Document which type was performed and photograph all areas before removal.

Code	Description	Unit	Notes
DRY 120	Remove drywall — per SF	SF	Full panel removal. Measure all removed areas.
DRY 121	Remove drywall — flood cut	SF	Partial height removal for water damage. Cut height × LF.
DRY 125	Remove drywall — ceiling	SF	Ceiling removal — separate code from wall removal.

Drywall Installation

Verify the correct thickness. 5/8" type X is required for fire-rated assemblies and prices differently from 1/2" standard.

Code	Description	Unit	Notes
DRY 200	Drywall 1/2" — hung, taped, floated, ready for paint	SF	Standard residential — complete to paint-ready.
DRY 205	Drywall 5/8" type X — hung, taped, floated	SF	Fire-rated — required in garage/living space assemblies.
DRY 210	Drywall — ceiling 1/2"	SF	Ceiling application — separate from wall in most estimates.

Texture Matching

Texture matching is the most frequently missed and contested drywall item. The correct code must match the existing texture type.

Code	Description	Unit	Notes
DRY 320	Texture — light orange peel	SF	Most common in modern construction.
DRY 325	Texture — knockdown	SF	Common in Southwest markets and older construction.
DRY 330	Texture — skip trowel	SF	Hand-applied — higher labor cost.
DRY 335	Texture — smooth / skim coat	SF	High-end finish — significantly higher labor.
DRY 340	Texture — popcorn ceiling	SF	May require asbestos testing in older structures.

Most commonly missed drywall line items

Texture matching omitted entirely

Wrong texture code (cheaper code for complex texture)

Corner bead not included

Ceiling and wall merged under one line item

Flood cut measurement understated

Framing repair omitted for visibly wet studs

Supplement tips for drywall

Verify texture code matches actual existing texture — visit site to confirm

Include corner bead on all outside corners as a separate line item

Confirm ceiling drywall is separate from wall drywall

Supplement for skim coat when walls have a smooth finish

Include framing repairs when studs were water-damaged

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