Takeoff Tool
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      Takeoff tool Introduction

      Bolsters takeoff tool simplifies measuring and linking dimensions from plans and imagery into assemblies and quotes for greater accuracy and efficiency. This article walks through its key features using a custom home assembly example.

      Bolster's takeoff tool

      Watch this walkthrough to see how the takeoff tool works in practice, from scaling floor plans to linking dimensions and completing a custom home takeoff.

      Key Concepts

      Root Assembly Linking

      • Dimensions such as floor area and ceiling height should be defined at the root assembly level (e.g., “Custom Home”).

      • Linked dimensions flow downward into sub-assemblies (like bathrooms or kitchens), preventing duplication or manual re-entry.

      • Certain assemblies may retain unlinked dimensions (e.g., kitchen-specific flooring, bathroom vanities) to allow for unique local inputs.

      Dimension Types

      • Formulas: Auto-calculated values (e.g., roof area = floor area × multiplier).

      • Manual Entry or Presets: Dimensions can be entered directly or selected from a preset.

      • Linked Dimensions: Root-level values automatically propagate to dependent assemblies.

      Using the takeoff tool

      1. Loading and Organizing Assemblies

      • The tool loads assemblies on the right-hand side of the screen.

      • Red dots indicate dimensions that require input or validation.

      • Assemblies can be bundled together for efficiency (e.g., linking exterior wall perimeter with framing length so they’re drawn once).

      2. Adding Layers

      You can add different types of layers:

      • Floor plan, picture, or drawing (PDFs and images supported).

      • Satellite imagery (via address lookup).

      • Measurement layers: length, area, count/tally.

      Hotkeys and tools include:

      • N → Add new layer

      • Markup → Draw notes/annotations

      • Commenting → Add, assign, or resolve tasks

      • Measure → Dimension verification

      • Grid → Customize measurement grid size

      3. Scaling Floor Plans

      • Upload a drawing and calibrate by selecting a known dimension (e.g., “6’11”).

      • The tool rescales the image automatically to pixel scale.

      • Once scaled, all measurements on the plan are accurate and linked to assemblies.

      4. Drawing and Linking Dimensions

      • Draw once, and link the layer to multiple dimensions (e.g., exterior wall perimeter, framing, and floor area).

      • Use closed shapes for areas like floor plans, sod lawns, or joists.

      • Use open lines for linear measurements like fences.

      • Colors indicate different dimension categories (e.g., green for interior walls, another color for exterior).

      5. Example Workflows

      • Windows & Doors: Use tally/count layers to count items.

      • Interior & Exterior Walls: Differentiate by linking to separate dimensions (inside vs. outside perimeter).

      • Kitchen Assembly: Define floor area, cabinet length, backsplash, and counters.

      • Bathrooms: Set vanity dimensions, cabinet lengths, and drawer counts.

      • Decks: Automatically calculates joists and beams based on drawn deck area.

      • Fencing & Landscaping: Draw perimeter lines for fences and closed areas for sod lawns.

      6. Managing Drawings

      • Layers can be shown/hidden, duplicated, deleted, or re-ordered.

      • Transparency can be adjusted for better visibility (especially when overlaying satellite images and plans).

      • Ghost mode allows overlay of floor plan on satellite image for real-world alignment.

      Saving & Catalog Integration

      • Takeoff drawings are auto-saved but can be saved manually.

      • Bundled layers and assembly changes can be saved into the catalog for reuse in future quotes.

      • This ensures consistency across projects and reduces repeated work.

      Collaboration Features

      • Comments: Place notes on drawings, assign as tasks, and mark them resolved.

      • Markup Tools: Add arrows, shapes, or highlights directly on plans.

      • Canvas View (E key): Zoom out to view the entire drawing.

      Benefits

      • Efficiency: Draw once, link multiple dimensions.

      • Accuracy: Scaled plans ensure precise measurements.

      • Flexibility: Supports both linked global values and local assembly-specific values.

      • Collaboration: Built-in commenting and markup tools enhance team communication.

      • Reusability: Save assemblies and takeoffs to use again in future estimates.