Getting Started

Why get a lumber takeoff in the first place?

The simple answer is: From the business perspective, it’s all about the budget.

1. Lumber can be 10% – 15% (or more) of your overall construction budget.

2. Banks require your completed budgets to provide you with financing.

3. Buyers require your bottom line price.

4. Lumber companies require a takeoff so that they can submit their bid.

5. You require an accurate budget to control costs and ensure profitability. 

What is a frame lumber takeoff?

A frame lumber takeoff is a detailed listing of the materials required for construction of a home. It is the basis for the builder’s budget as he will have his lumber takeoff bid by multiple lumber companies. 

Typically, the materials will include the framing lumber, sheathing, exterior trim, siding, and roof decking, framing hardware as well as additional materials that are needed in order to “dry-in” a home. 

Some framing materials are typically excluded from a frame lumber takeoff. “Engineered items” such as I-Joists, Floor Trusses, Roof Trusses, Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s), and structural steel are typically excluded since they are most often expected to be engineered, specified, or designed, by their respective manufacturers, providers, or installers. However, including these items may be subject to discussions and negotiation with an individual estimator as well.

Windows and Doors might be included, but you should regard this as “optional” as they should be ordered by the respective providers to avoid design-related delivery errors.

What is a frame lumber takeoff not?

A frame lumber takeoff is not perfect – at least until it’s proven. It is, however, the estimator’s best guess, based on his calculation methodology, construction knowledge, estimating expertise, and the organizational approach used to determine the reported quantities of materials that will likely be required in order to complete the frame according to the plans and engineering provided.

Some builders, placing full trust in their estimator, don’t take the time to fully review, analyze and confirm a lumber takeoff. These builders put their construction budget in jeopardy. This risk can be minimized by a simple, but strict, review of the elements included in the takeoff, followed up with a discussion with the estimator that created it.

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