What is a Take-Off?
A list of estimated materials needed to construct a building based on a set of plans. An experienced estimator generates this list through a combination of experience and calculated measurements of the walls, floors, spaces, and roof.
The completed estimate includes the lumber, hardware, and building materials required to construct the building. Estimates NW Inc. takeoffs are highly detailed and organized for maximum benefit to all parties using the list and backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Who uses the Take-Off?
Architects, banks, contractors, framers, home owners and lumberyards use our Takeoffs to determine costs as well as what materials will be needed for the project.
How accurate is a Take-Off?
Results can vary due too many factors in construction, so an estimate is just that; an estimate. With that in mind, Estimates NW Inc uses only skilled estimators with over 15 years of framing & construction experience.
We use a 10% overage waste factor when calculating our estimates. Although this is the industry standard, we can adjust this amount however you request when figuring your takeoff.
What if my plans change after I’ve gotten my Take-Off?
Estimates N.W. Inc.’s Take-Offs detail not only what materials are needed but also where those materials are used. Grouped into ‘packages’ for the different sections of the house, adjustments to any line item or whole package in your take-off is easy.
What is included with a Take-Off?
A Take-off includes: Lumber, Sheeting, Hardware, Decking and Siding Materials. Some builders have additional estimating done that may include items like door and window lists, interior trim packages, concrete foundation forms, sheetrock, and more. These additional lists are only done upon request.
What type of floor plan does Estimates NW Inc require?
In order to do our best work, we need a complete set of ‘full working drawings’. This includes a complete floor plan, exterior elevations, sections & details, floor joist engineering- including layouts if possible and roof engineering- including layouts if possible. A complete set of plans together with our list becomes an essential tool you can use to control the materials on your job.
Can Estimates NW Inc work with a preliminary drawing?
Absolutely, but as always, the more complete the set of plans, the more accurate the takeoff. Estimates calculated from preliminary plans will almost always be missing needed items.
What is the preferred method of sending plans?
Whichever is most convenient for you works best for us:
Estimates NW Inc accepts both printed sets and electronic files of plans. You can ship the plans or drop off the plans, you can email or ftp the digital plans or provide a disk with electronic files of the plan.
With printed sets, you will benefit from our estimators’ color-coded highlighting on your plans designating beams, headers and other items location corresponding with the takeoff. This is often an aide to the lumberyards and builders of the job.
With electronic versions, you never have to give up your set of your plans. This avoids having to make additional copies.
What electronic file formats can I submit for an estimate?
Estimates NW Inc. can handle most file formats for estimating but the preferred types are PDF and TIF. Please contact us directly with questions about specific types of file formats you may want to submit.
Can I have my take-off sent to more than one place?
Once the take-off is completed by Estimates NW Inc., our standard delivery of the list is an Excel file via email. We can also fax or mail the list to whomever and wherever you’d like if that better serves your needs.
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