You know the importance of good framing takeoffs in any lumber construction project is like a backbone. But, the process of calculating this framing takeoff also matters for the success of the project. So, I am gonna tell you 6 crucial steps for calculating good framing takeoffs. Plus I have made sure to minimize your time waste through some strategic takeaways with every step. By the end of this article, you will probably be sure to calculate your lumber takeoffs if you cannot afford costly estimators. But if some contractors still find that they are busy and can’t do that precise work, then they may opt for lumber takeoff services.
Step 01: Thoroughly Study Project Plans, Drawings, and Blueprints
When you receive the lumber project information, it will be in the form of some drawings and blueprints. These preliminary documents are called project plans. Although these are rough, this is the starting point of the project. If you understand them well, only then you can create a good framing takeoff. On the basis of this takeoff, you will get to know about the project scope and this will decide whether you win bidding or not. So, always study which components are included, what are their dimensions, and ensure all specific requirements. Make a list of all important components such as the number of lumber pieces as plywood sheets, studs, trimmers, headers, plates, rim boards, joists, and many more.
By the end of this process, you will get to know all the project requirements and this will help you to estimate their prices.
Step 02: Learn Project Scope & Finalize Lumber Type With Their Sizes and Dimensions
When you are done with the basic overview of the plan and initial understanding of the project scope, head out for technical work. Here starts the actual game, when you have to decide which kind of wood would be used for every component. As the lumber project has multiple components and parts, these all require different durability and rigidity. So, it is possible that different lumber categories are to be used in a single project. But mainly one lumber type is decided for most of the structures such as studs, joists, rafters, beams, etc. Also, it depends upon the budget of the project owner, which leads you to choose lumber types from dimensional lumber, engineered wood, plywood, hardwood, etc.
Once you come up with lumber types, take careful estimations about their sizes. Here you can control waste production. For example, if you need two ceiling joists of 2×6, then you can order one piece of 12 feet and cut it into two equal pieces. This reduces waste from cutting one 7-foot lumber to make two 6-foot joists. That’s how professional lumber takeoff services help contractors reduce overrun costs.
Step 03: Start Taking Measurements by Using Drawings
Rather than waiting for the actual measurement requirements, you can just start measuring components from the available drawings. The drawing contains all the accurate measurements of different sections of the project. So, you can identify the needs for different components (joists, studs, rafters, headers, etc) that can fit in different areas. Now, it takes you to identify two things. First, you have to decide the size of each lumber piece, for example, a wall stud could be of 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8. Then decide how many of these studs are required for each wall. You can simply subtract the opening sections from it and then calculate the total lumber pieces. This way you can easily calculate the flooring plywood and the sheathing.
This will save you time and prove your efficiency as a contractor. This makes your framing takeoff better rather than paying high amounts to estimators.
Step 04: Make A Complete Waste Plan (This is most ignorable thing)
Wastage is the nig killer of your lumber project budget. Most contractors complain to their lumber cost estimator that their takeoffs are not efficient enough to save their project budget. But here the fault does not belong totally to the estimator. Contractors are responsible too. At the time of project planning and takeoffs, they have to think about cost killing factors. And wastage is a top contributor to that. So, it is recommended to get takeoff assistance from a good lumber takeoff services company.
Almost 10% of wastage is obvious during any lumber project. However, this value can be increased for different project types and scopes. This waste mainly comes in the form of sawdust during the cutting process.
Step 05: Make A Material List and Mention Their Quantities
Material quantity is the thing where contractors and other stakeholders are most interested. So, take care of every single quantity. Make sure to include all the important lumber materials, their types, their sizes, their lengths, and their quantities. But here are some most crucial components that must not be ignored:
- Framing lumber includes important frame-making lumber such as joists, beams, rafters, studs, etc.
- Plywood and OSB (oriented strand board), are used for waterproofing walls and roofs.
- Solid wood pieces such as for firewalls and plumbing rough-ins, and other fascia boards for finishing purposes. This is to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Important Tips:
- After completing the framing takeoff process, always cross check every single detail and part of the report. This will help you from any issues during the project such as material shortage or over ordering the lumber.
- If you do not have time to make such an extensive lumber takeoff, then do not leave your framing takeoff to any chance and get help from lumber takeoff services. For example, Lumber Takeoff USA is a good option for this.
Conclusion
The above guide provides you a clear roadmap towards an efficient framing takeoff. This is a similar process that many lumber estimating services use to produce flawless framing takeoffs and estimates. However, sometimes, the project scopes are changed during the project, but if you have already performed this type of work, you can table them all.