Construction takeoff and estimating software for your trade
DrawScale runs the full quantity takeoff and builds the priced estimate for commercial trades. Momo, our takeoff agent, reads your plan set, verifies scale on every sheet, counts, measures lengths and fills areas for every item, then prices the estimate with visible formulas. Every number is labeled with its sheet, scale and formula, and nothing counts until you commit it.
By trade
What a full takeoff looks like for each trade
Each page lists the items Momo takes off for that trade, how each is measured, the sheets it reads, a worked example with labeled assumptions, and answers to the questions estimators in that trade ask.
Electrical takeoff and estimating
Devices, fixtures, gear, conduit and homeruns from the E-sheets, priced with labeled assumptions.
- Duplex, GFCI and dedicated receptacles
- Switches (single-pole, 3-way, dimmer) and occupancy sensors
- Light fixtures by type tag (A1, B2, EX)
Plumbing takeoff and estimating
Fixtures, drains and piping by system and size, with hangers, insulation and fittings from visible formulas.
- Fixtures by schedule tag
- Floor drains, cleanouts and roof drains
- Domestic cold and hot water piping
HVAC takeoff and estimating
Ductwork by size, air devices, equipment and hydronic piping, with weight and insulation from formulas.
- Rectangular and round duct by size
- Duct insulation and liner
- Diffusers, registers and grilles
General Contractor takeoff and estimating
Concrete, framing, doors, finishes and specialties across the set, with a priced estimate and bid-stage schedule.
- Slab on grade and site paving
- Interior partitions by type
- Flooring and base by finish
Concrete takeoff and estimating
Slabs, footings, walls and piers turned into cubic yards, forms and reinforcing through visible formulas.
- Slab on grade by thickness
- Slab edges and construction joints
- Continuous footings and grade beams
Roofing takeoff and estimating
Roof areas, insulation layers, edge metal, flashing, drains and curbs from the roof plan and details.
- Roof area by assembly
- Insulation layers and tapered insulation
- Perimeter edge metal and coping
Drywall takeoff and estimating
Partitions by type turned into board, studs, track, screws and tape, plus gypsum ceilings and soffits.
- Partitions by type
- Gypsum board ceilings and soffits
- Batt insulation in partitions
Doors, Frames and Hardware takeoff and estimating
Doors and frames by type from the schedule, hardware rolled up by set, and storefront by length.
- Doors by number and type
- Frames by type
- Hardware by set
Acoustical Ceiling takeoff and estimating
Ceilings by type from the RCP, turned into tile, mains, cross tees, wall angle and hanger wire.
- Ceiling area by type
- Main runners and cross tees
- Hanger wire
Same process, every trade
How Momo runs a trade takeoff
Only the takeoff items and formulas change between trades. The steps, and the rule that nothing counts until an estimator commits it, stay the same. Read the construction takeoff guide for the full process, or see the DrawScale overview.
- 01
Reads the whole set
Momo indexes every sheet, confirms sheet numbers and titles, and separates plans, schedules, details and addenda. It knows what A-101, E2.1 and ADD-04 are before it measures anything.
- 02
Sets and verifies scale
Momo sets and verifies the scale on every sheet it measures, and records how it did it and from what evidence. If you change a scale, every quantity that depends on it is flagged for re-check at once.
- 03
Takes off every item
Momo counts devices and fixtures, traces partitions and runs, and fills rooms and ceiling areas. It covers every takeoff item on every relevant sheet, not one symbol on one page.
- 04
Builds the estimate
Quantities flow into the estimate worksheet through visible formulas. Each unit rate, waste factor and production rate is shown as a labeled assumption for you to confirm.
- 05
Reports what it covered
Momo records what it searched, what it skipped and why, so a missing item never looks like a zero. You see coverage for every sheet, not just a total.
- 06
You review and commit
Momo's work stays a proposal until you accept it. You review the riskiest items first, adjust anything with the manual tools, and commit. Only committed quantities reach the estimate total and the export.
Don’t see your trade?
DrawScale works for any commercial scope measured by count, length or area. Takeoff items carry their own formulas, so flooring, painting, specialties and other finishes follow the same process. Bring a set you have already bid and we will run it with you.