Instead of making my own excel template, I was wondering if there was anything out there that allows me to plug in the required info, and then spit out materials by (first floor, second floor, etc) load.
I don’t want it to figure any labor or draw info from nat’l cost estimators. If it’s as simple as I want it to be, it won’t do any roof framing estimates either.
I don’t think I wan’t any fancy interface either, because then I can’t see what’s going into the calculations as easily.
If any of you has come up with anything that works, I’d be forever greatful if you’d let me take a look. I promise not to give/sell it to anyone else.
Thanks in advance for you assistance,
Bill
Replies
So you want it to be "simple", yet you want it to somehow have the smarts to break the materials out by floor, load, etc., based on some basic information you plug in?
That's not asking for much.....lol. And it appears you want it for free as well. Hey, why not- go for the gusto- simple and free- who could ask for anything more, right? lol
Honestly Bill, I've been estimating for years, writing my own spreadsheet templates in Excel, and I don't think I've ever seen anything that fits what you've described. Of course, some more info may help- like what kind of materials you're looking to takeoff, what info you want to input, and what the final result is supposed to be.
Bob
The floors could be broken out by entering square footage and wall lengths, window and door lengths widths for each floor.
I deal with a specific truss company. I dont need roofs or floors calculated except for areas in the roof that can't be trussed, but that's not that difficult to do manually as a plug figure.
Looking for lumber and osb.
I would probably do it manually too until I had the bugs out (if it's a template).
Why do you think I want it for free? Lol! Take a chill pill Bob. If you don't feel like helping, you don't have to.
"If any of you has come up with anything that works, I'd be forever greatful if you'd let me take a look. I promise not to give/sell it to anyone else."
That's what made me think you wanted it for free......
I'm more than willing to help- that's why I wanted more info.
Out of curiosity, how long do you spend now to do a lumber takeoff, and what is your typical house size in total square feet?
And then, how accurate are those takeoffs compared to lumber actually bought and used?
What software do you use now to record and extend your takeoffs, and then reduce them to sequenced purchase releases?
Bob,
It's hard to say exactly how long I take. It never seems to be a sit down and do it all at one time sort of thing, but maybe 3 hours or so?
I can only tell you how much I'm off in dollars, and that's not really a fair measurement. I've never looked after the fact to see how much I'm actually off in materials when everthing's done but it's not that much (5-7% or so), and it will always be off some. By actual quantity I would guess osb is off 2% (often long). Dimensional lumber off 5% (always short). These are just guesses, though.
The only software I use that attempts a take-off is Chief Architect, and it's not that close, and really comes up with some strange stuff sometimes.
I buy windows and doors, siding, drywall and roofing materials from different suppliers.
Thanks, Bill
Glad to hear I'm not alone with finding some strangeeeeeeeeee takeoffs with CA, Bill. I gave up even trying to figure out the logic it uses, just too bizarre to trust it.
Excel or any other ss is the only plain and simple solution that gives you complete oversight.
If you organize your project into floors and individual phases, such as roof, walls, foundation, windows and so on, you can keep using the same template for each house. Just update prices and make adjustments to specific differences. If you use a different sheet for each floor or phase, it becomes a matter of keeping a master file, updating, and then deleting unneeded portions. The trick is to key the ss to a generic house.Les Barrett Quality Construction
In some parts of the country, that service, and more, is provided by your back office guy at the full-service contractor-oriented lumberyard you deal with.
What is provided is your complete enclosure package, spelled out by load and lift, to frame from mudsills to roof ridges, and including all exterior doors, windows, flashing, roofing, etc.
They also spell out everything else in the package. Interior doors, millwork, cabinetry, flooring, gypboard including mud and accessories, plumbingware, etc.
It is supposedly provided here too, but most of the lumberyards are burned out like I've never seen them before. I just think it would be easier for me to do a take-off that I have confidence in (I've been doing a take-off on the last couple houses but I would like a way to double check myself) and call around for prices on the 6 or 7 commodities that really determine the price of the framing package.
Deliveries have really gotten slow here too. I just invested in a 14' dump trailer so I don't spend so much time loading and unloading.
Bill
Take-Off Software
We have also been thinking about using a software package to do take-offs. There must be some great software out there?? NO? Just using an excel spreadsheet is time-efficient?
If anyone has good things to say about software that works - please let me know. And no I assume that this stuff costs if it really works. My one concern is that we build in a colder climate in Canada and I assume most software isU.S. based and there may be different specs.
If not, will anyone share there excel spreadsheet - why not put our heads together on these things.
Thanks, Patrick Bongers
CedarCoast Timber Homes, Muskoka Ontario, Canada.
Bill and others,
I have been a lumber salesman for 23 years doing my own estimating. I have tried many software programs and have found most are either too expensive or put things in the report that are not needed. I have created an excell spreadsheet for estimates. By plugging in linear foot, square foot and a few other dimensions, this program will print out all quantities of wood materials from the foundation up including sills, joists, plywood-floor and walls, studs,headers,ceiling joists, roof rafters and plywood, roof shingles, siding and all interior trim. You will still have to do your windows and doors. I am going to try to market this incredible spreadsheet that takes literally 10 minutes to go through a 2500 sf home. Accuracy is 3-5% off either way on any given house. It saves me time and when things are busy, it makes me money. I would be happy to talk to you about this spreadsheet.
Greg
materials take-offs
sorry, meant to say Greg, I'd like to speak with you
Excell Program
As I mentioned in this thread, as well as my direct email, we are building a home and are very interested in your take-off software. Would you please post a response either in this thread or by way of direct email so I can possibly purchase it?
Thank you
self
Earlier, after your first message I sent a PM to Greg linking your question in this thread. Since he's not responded to that, I found his email address in his profile and sent him a message-tho it may or may not pan out-he registered with it a couple yrs ago.
Hopefully you'll hear back in this thread.
estimates
I'm interested in your spreadsheet. Have you developed it for dispersal? Do you have a website?
Thanks
Spreadsheet
IS this spreadsheet availiable where can i purchase it? Please advise
materials take-offs
Bill I would like to speak to you about it. Is there a number I can reach you at?
Patrick
Material takeoff software
Are there any positive reviews on material takeoff software out there?
Material takeoff software
Are there any positive reviews on material takeoff software out there?
try bluebeam
Take a look at bluebeam (you can goggle it) although its mainly a PDF program like adobe, it has some very useful measurment tools included.
I wok in construction management and do DOT projects, I just starting using bluebeam to do large earthwork takeoffs and its pretty damn acurate.
Since i just starting using bluebeam I haven't had time to explore all the features but i think there is a way to export the takes offs to excel. The tutorial for using the measurment tools features flooing take offs for a house so it appears that it would pretty useful to a residental contractor. The plus is that it is less that 200 dollars, The negative is that the drawings have to be in PDF Formant and I find a large montior is a plus (for me anyway)
Dan
Greg's Excel Spreadsheet
Greg,
I am very interested in your software since we are begining the process of building our home. I am blocked from emailing you directly here in the Forum, so I am forced to post this request. Thanks...