Takeoffs

Updated 6/11/21

Scales

Always verify/double-check your scale, don’t just set it. IE, after you have set your scale, measure a known distance to make sure it matches.

Gross Square Feet (GSF)

When we take off GSF, we do so a little bit differently than architects. Here are some reminders:

  • Do NOT count:

    • Crawl spaces at foundation

    • Crawl spaces at roof (i.e., around pools)

    • Double height spaces (at the level where there is no floor structure)

  • DO count (in contrast to architects for some of these)

    • Exterior wall area

    • Elevator shaft area

    • MEP shaft area

    • Bulkheads

    • Detention tank area (where internal to the building)

Common Takeoff Errors

Here are some classic takeoff errors that you should avoid:

  • Don’t forget to count attic stock where applicable.

  • Don’t forget to add the weight of steel connections to steel weight takeoffs where applicable.

  • Be sure to understand whether you are working in yards or tons when looking at excavation.

  • Don’t forget to add “fluff”/”swell” when doing excavation/trucking takeoffs.

Typically Required Quantities

Here are some quantities typically required to complete an estimate or budget:

  • General

    • GSF SF

    • FPSF SF

    • Apt types EA

    • “Rooms” EA

    • Accessible Apartment Units EA

    • Floors EA

  • 01 - Hoists & Protection

    • Hoist cabs EA

    • Hoist height LF

    • Construction Fence LF & SF

    • Gates EA

    • Jersey barriers LF

    • Sidewalk bridge SF

    • Roof Protection + Overhead Protection SF

    • Loading docks & Pads LF & SF

  • 03 - Deep Foundations

    • Piles LF & EA

  • 03 - Concrete Foundations

    • SOE LF & SF

    • Excavation Area SF

    • Excavation Depth for building and pits LF

    • Rock excavation Area + Depth SF & LF

    • Backfill Area SF & LF

    • Foundation slab SF

    • Foundation walls SF & LF

    • Detention Tank Walls + Floor SF & LF

    • Manholes EA

    • Ladders EA

    • Footings EA & SF & LF

    • Retaining Walls EA & SF & LF

    • CIP Stairs LF + SF

  • 03 - Precast Plank

    • Plank types SF

    • Stairs EA

  • 03 - Cast Underlayment

    • Underlayment types SF

  • 05 - Steel

    • Columns, Beams, Braces, Connections, Misc Struct Steel Pieces EA & LB

    • Dunnage Pieces EA & LB

    • Awning/Canopy members EA & LB

    • Interior & Exterior Railings LF

    • Elevator steel EA & LB

    • Ladders EA

    • Steel Lintels LF

    • Metal Decking SF

  • 06 - Millwork

    • Lobby Desks EA

    • Countertops SF & EA

    • Casework in amenity rooms LF & EA

    • Interior Paneling SF

    • Interior Ceilings SF

    • Misc. Interior Ornamental Items EA

    • Trim LF

  • 00 - Exterior Wall

    • Exterior & Interior CMU SF

    • Precast Lintels LF & EA

    • Brick SF

    • Window Returns SF

    • Relieving Angles LF

    • Metal Panels SF

    • EIFS SF

    • Precast Stone SF

    • Fiber Cement SF

    • Window SF & EA

    • Window Returns SF

    • Storefront SF

    • Window Wall or Curtain Wall SF

    • Interior Vestibule SF

    • Expansion Joint LF

    • Awning/Canopy paneling LF/SF

    • Emseal/Building-to-Building Joints LF

    • Caulking LF

  • 07 - Roofing

    • Conventional or IRMA roofing SF

    • Coping LF

    • Pavers SF

    • Walkway pads SF

    • Back of Parapets SF

    • Expansion Joints LF

    • Roof Hatch EA

  • 00 - Interiors

    • Apt cabinets LF

    • Countertops EA & SF

    • Chair rail LF

    • Flooring Types SF

    • Tile Flooring + wall tile + backsplashes SF

    • Doors + Frames EA

    • Interior Glazing EA & SF

    • Mirrors EA & SF

    • Walkoff Mats EA & SF

    • Wallcoverings

    • Window Treatments EA

    • Marker boards SF & EA

    • Shelving EA

  • 00 - Misc.

    • Compactor & Chute EA

    • Fireproofing areas LB/Tons (of Steel)

    • Loading Dock levelers EA

    • Loading Dock scissor lifts EA

    • Loading Dock bumpers EA

    • Loading Dock seals/shelters EA

    • Coiling doors EA & SF

    • Corner guards EA

    • Bollards EA

    • Parking Lift Arms & Gates LF & EA

    • Bike Racks EA

    • Storage EA

    • Public Bathroom accessories EA

    • Appliances EA

  • 14 - Elevators

    • Floors served EA

    • Entrances EA

  • 21 - FSP

    • FSP Equipment Pieces EA

    • FSP Heads EA

    • FSP Riser Count By Floor by Type EA

  • 22 - Plumbing

    • Plumbing Fixture EA

    • Plumbing Equipment Pieces EA

    • DHW Plant BTU

    • Roof Tanks Gallons

    • Services EA

  • 23 - HVAC

    • HVAC Equipment Piece Count, Tons, CFM, BTU

    • SSDS LF

  • 26 - Electrical

    • Telecom Points EA

    • Emergency Call System Points EA

    • Camera Points EA

    • Access Control Points EA

    • Light Fixture Type Count EA

    • Service Amps

    • PV System kW

    • Generator kW

  • 30 - BPP

    • Asphalt Re-surfacing SF

    • Curb LF

    • Concrete Sidewalk SF

    • Tree Pit Existing + New EA

    • Existing Trees + New EA

    • Street Lights EA

    • Parking Striping EA & SF

  • 30 - Landscaping

    • Pavers SF

    • Turf SF

    • Furniture (tables, chairs, etc.) EA

    • Planters SF

    • Plantings EA

    • Trim/Edging SF

    • Misc. items SF & EA

    • Trellis SF & EA

    • Preserved Living Walls SF

    • Fencing SF

    • Screens/Dividers SF