What items should be included in a frame lumber takeoff?

It’s difficult to include everything, but here is a list of materials that are typically included in a lumber takeoff.

  • Foundation-related framing for basements and framed foundations include
    • Mud Sills, Plates, and Pier Cap Blocks, Termite Shield Count.
    • Dimension Lumber for Joists and Beams.
    • Treated Porch Framing and Exterior Decking and Handrail Materials.
    • Foundation Subflooring.
    • Foundation Stair Framing Materials.
  • House Framing Lumber Includes
    • Foundation Form Lumber (if required).
    • Toe Plates.
    • Sill Sealer.
    • Wall Studs.
    • Top Plates.
    • Temporary Bracing.
    • Header Material.
    • Joist and Beam Materials.
    • Strongbacks, Joist Blocking.
    • Subfloor Materials.
    • Stair Framing Materials.
    • Roof Rafters, Hips, Ridges, Valleys.
    • Bracing Materials.
    • Wall Sheathing.
    • Exterior Trim Materials (also known as cornice materials).
    • Overhang Soffit and Exterior Ceilings.
    • Exterior Flashing Materials.
    • Wall Siding and Trim.
    • Exterior Accents and Louvers.
    • Roof Decking.
  • Optional Items Include
    • Hold Downs.
    • Straps and Clips. (these may be needed unless they are provided by the framer).
    • Concrete.
    • Foundation Steel.
    • Brick Count.
    • Masonry Materials and Mortar Sand.
    • Roofing materials.
    • Drywall materials.

Module 1 Getting Started
Lesson 1 Introduction  - Preview  
Lesson 2 Getting Started  - Preview  
Lesson 3 What items should be included in a frame lumber takeoff?  - Preview  
Lesson 4 How Should a Lumber Takeoff Be Structured?  
Lesson 5 Two Types of Frame Takeoffs  
Module 2 Who should produce your estimate?
Lesson 1 What if the Builder Creates the Lumber Takeoff Estimate?  
Lesson 2 What if the Framer Creates the Lumber Takeoff Estimate?  
Lesson 3 What if the Lumber Company Creates the Lumber Takeoff Estimate?  
Lesson 4 What if Your In-House Estimator Creates the Lumber Takeoff Estimate?  
Lesson 5 What if An Independent Professional Estimator Creates the Lumber Takeoff Estimate?  
Lesson 6 All you really want is a takeoff. How do you make up your mind?  
Module 3 Getting it Done
Lesson 1 Comparing Two Different Takeoffs by Different Estimators  
Lesson 2 Let's wrap things up  
Lesson 3 Final Thoughts  
Lesson 4 Completion