An example of the effect line item descriptions have on the scope of loss is drywall replacement. Some estimating platforms provide line items that include sufficient steps to provide a wall ready-to-paint from the selection of only one line item. Some, like a total component system, allow for an accurate estimate for varying degrees of installation, but several line items must be selected in order to accurately depict all the steps necessary to bring a replacement wall to a pre-loss condition. If the estimating engine provides one line item that provides a finished wall, the line item description may look like the following:

If the estimating platform is a total component database, the necessary line item descriptions would look like the following:

There are many circumstances where material prices fluctuate between database updates. Although the databases often are updated on a quarterly basis, some significant price changes may occur in the interim. Shingle prices often inflate after a large-scale hail storm or hurricane. Copper prices and steel prices have increased steadily, however scrap copper prices have fallen recently. The steel price increases are due to rising demand and energy prices. Estimating platforms have editing windows that allow for such price fluctuations. You can edit the material or labor price in the line item. To reflect this change, or override, a notation should be made in the line notes. If you are challenged because of a perceived inadequacy of your estimate, you can show verification of your price. If you find your estimate was based on inadequate costs, the line can be edited to reflect the price fluctuation and you can recalculate your estimate.