Estimating the material needs for any construction project includes the primary calculation of framing needs, also referred to as lumber takeoff. As the world has evolved over time, so has the construction market. In today’s fast-paced world of technological advancement, there is a lot of competition in the construction field. With this increasing competition, many construction contractors are looking for innovative ways to improve their reputation in the construction market and to stand out among other businesses. 

This article has covered how to do a lumber takeoff and ways to improve it while preserving craftsmanship and profit percentage. This is all you need to estimate a lumber takeoff for your next construction project. 

Lumber Takeoff Defined

A lumber takeoff, also referred to as a framing takeoff, involves calculating all the wood requirements and lumber materials to be used in any construction plan. This includes all wood beams, floor joists, wall studs, knee wall framings, trim joists, and lumber estimates.

Therefore, framing contractors play a critical role in building any construction plan as they set up the backbone of any project. That building skeleton supports the rest of the construction plan in the design implementation phase. Seeing their significance and their role in construction, there is an increased demand in the lumber businesses as there’s a surge in construction in the world’s changing dynamics.

The advancing construction market has made it necessary for clients and contractors to look for effective cost estimation methods and ponder how to do a lumber takeoff to maintain their profitability. The profitability of the contractors and construction business owners depends on the effective ways of estimating a lumber takeoff and cost control. For in depth details about what is lumber takeoff, you can check this guide: What Is A Lumber Takeoff? Expert Guide & Tips

How To do Lumber Takeoff

As described earlier, the lumber takeoff determines the quantity and price of the materials used in any construction project. The accuracy in any lumber takeoff draws a thin line between the success or failure of any construction business. However, the process of a lumber takeoff resembles the process of quantity takeoffs in the construction market. 

Preparing a lumber takeoff involves converting the project blueprints and designs into data points and using that information to streamline the project. It begins with counting and listing the required lumber materials to reach a final cost estimate. That cost estimate is later used to create a quotation or prepare a budget estimate for the construction project. For this purpose, it is essential to understand which materials are required and how to quantify them.

1. Start with a rough plan.

The first step is to understand the construction project. The lumber cost estimators should thoroughly review all the bid documents, including project designs, engineering plans, and contracts. The person in charge of the takeoff process may not necessarily be in charge of the project’s requirements.

Estimating a lumber takeoff starts with a gross plan or idea about the construction project. If you don’t have any project plan or blueprint, create one for yourself emphasizing all the dimensions like wall and roof measurements, number of doors, window openings, and door studs. While creating the project blueprint, note and measure the distance between all dimensions. 

2. Calculate the number of studs

You can calculate the number of studs by using simple calculations. Initially, you need to measure the wall’s length in feet and multiply it by 0.75. You then add three studs for 90-degree corners or four studs for 45-degree corners. Openings less than 5 feet wide require two studs, whereas those more than five feet require one stud. After these calculations, you should consider a 15% wastage factor for the measures prior. 

3. Estimate the header material.

The header materials for regular door sizes and windows are built with two 2×12 timber pieces between a half-inch thick plywood cut to the same size as the header.

The framing materials for door openings are computed by adding seven inches to the total opening size. The header thickness for a 2×4 wall frame is calculated by adding 3.5 inches to the width or depth of the opening.

4. Estimate supporting plates

The next step is calculating the number of supporting plates required in the construction project. For the wall-bearing load, you should always consider single bottom or double top plates. For an ideal length of measurements, always multiply it by 3 to get an accurate and complete length of supporting plates. You should always consider 5-10% of wastage in these factors. 

5. Sheathing

The last step in estimating a lumber takeoff is to estimate the number of sheathing. For this purpose, multiply the length of walls by their width and then multiply the acquired number by 32. Subtract the number of openings from them and round the acquired answer with the nearest whole number to get the number of sheathing. You will get your desired number of sheathing for a wall’s length. 

 While estimating sheathing, the dimensions’ number and measurements are crucial. Normally, 4 types of measurements are considered while estimating sheathing. These are dimensions, count, area, and volume. 

• Dimensions

For an accurate lumber takeoff, you need to calculate the length of the materials used in the construction project. Some materials like studs and joints come in fixed sizes to procure from the market. You need to be accurate in your lumber takeoff about how many eight-foot studs and ten-foot studs you actually need for your construction project. 

• Count

The other pivotal factor to consider is the count. After dimensioning, you must consider how much materials you need for the construction project. To be accurate in your lumber project, you need to specify how many number of screws, fasteners, studs, and nails you need to complete the project. You can then employ this count to calculate an overall lumber takeoff. 

• Area

Area estimates are crucial regarding roof sheathing, wall decking, and subfloors. As you erect walls, they will need sheathing to keep out elements, and the roof requires decking to support the roofing materials. This measurement of the area dimensions helps in projecting the overall material costs for the building project later. 

• Volume

Volume measurements are not very common in lumber takeoffs on average. They are used in small or residential construction projects to estimate the number of piers and footers. 

Improving Lumber Takeoff

A good lumber takeoff doesn’t always provide the best material usage. You can effectively handle the construction project better by reducing wastage. Also, ensure that you maintain effective communication with the workers on the construction site. If you don’t keep it, they will follow the same construction routine every day, thus leading to more waste. 

You must convey a proper cut list of the lumber takeoff and ask them to follow it. You must check it daily and mark the progress with the cut marks. As you create a lumber takeoff, you need to stick to it. Quality lumber takeoffs can help you save a lot of money by reducing wastage and improving the profit margins for the contractors. 

Conclusion

If you plan to start a construction project or already have one on your schedule soon, it’s time to prepare for accurate lumber takeoffs. With the correct data, you can estimate the material costs accurately and, thus, minimize the cost overruns. The estimation process is not so simple, but if done accurately, it navigates you on the path to success and makes you distinct from other construction businesses. If you find it challenging to stay accurate in your lumber takeoffs or cannot find time, contact us at Total Scope Lumber Takeoff today.