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About
Overview Welcome to The Takeoff Doctor (TTD) Instant Estimator program. I designed this program to help my
clients quickly obtain a "better-than-ballpark" material price for certain phases of common residential
projects. While I want all of the takeoff work my clients can give me, I'll be the first to admit that there are
times that a full-blown takeoff is overkill, and an unnecessary expense for my clients. I'd rather provide my
clients with an easy to use, affordable tool to simplify their work life, and save their money for when they
really need my top-level services. In the long run, this will make my best clients more profitable, benefiting
us both.
What it does
The program is meant to give realistic budget numbers for the structural and main finish materials of one to
three story single family residences. The goal is to give my clients a more accurate first estimate than can
be obtained from simple square foot pricing, without a much larger time investment.
This ability to quickly budget jobs can helps my clients separate their serious potential clients from the "tire-
kickers". It can also be used to bring those clients with champagne tastes, but beer budgets, back to
earth. By weeding out the potential time-wasters, my clients can focus their attention more effectively on
the jobs most likely to increase their profits.
Included phases are footings, foundation, framing, roofing, windows & doors, boxing & siding, decking,
insulation, drywall, basic interior trim, and flooring. These are the main phases sold by my LBM sales clients,
and taken off, instead of handled with allowances, by my builder clients.
What it doesn't The program does not calculate any labor costs. My LBM clients have no need for this information. Since
do my builder clients range from production builders to ultra-high end custom builders, labor rates vary by
more than 100% on some items.
Unlike many programs out there, TTD Instant Estimator does NOT have a separate costbook or item
database. After dealing with these types of programs all of my career, I've finally come to realize that they
generally consume much more time than they save. If you update them regularly, you're spending at least
several hours a month on something that doesn't make you money. If you use one and DON'T update it
monthly, it's worthless, because you STILL have to get current pricing & enter that into every estimate. In TTD
Instant Estimator, you can set up a template for the items you use most, or multiple templates (one for stick-
framed, one for engineered framing, etc.), and enter unit pricing there, for ONLY the items you actually
need. If you hit a stretch of time where you're stick framing everything, you don't waste time updating
pricing for 400 different sizes & lengths of I-joists!
TTD Instant Estimator does not allow for any site-related expenses, such as clearing, grading, driveways and
walkways, etc., due to the unlimited variation to be found from lot to lot. You can, however, customize the
workbook to include these items, if you need.
The program also does not include any provision for the trades, as plumbing, HVAC, and electric are
generally supplied by specialty subcontractors, selections are not usually made until much later in the
building process, and specifications tend to vary wildly from job to job. Again, you can customize your
workbook to include these.
For the same reasons trades are not included, phases that custom builders generally handle with
allowances are not included in this simple program. These phases include cabinets, countertops, specialty
trim (wainscoting, coffers, etc.), appliances, hardware & shelving, and landscaping.
There is no separate line item for profit or overhead. Builders will generally add these figures to their total
cost. Since this program only prices part of the job, marking it up here could easily result in a double
markup being applied later. Lumberyards and other vendors already have their profit built into their item
pricing that they will enter into the program. The Grand Total they will see is the cost to their client,
including profit.
If you already have an estimating or accounting program, TTD Instant Estimator is an ideal way to do a
quick and accurate takeoff of the most time-consuming items to calculate. If you are looking for an
affordable estimating/accounting program, I highly recommend Bid4Build. It can be used along with TTD
Instant Estimator to greatly simplify the bidding/accounting process. The Bid4Build website is:
Bid4Build
How it works
You enter some basic square foot, linear foot, count, and specification information, along with the related
item pricing. All quantity calculations are handled in the background, using tried and proven formulas
created by myself and other industry professionals. The result is an item takeoff and total material cost for
the covered phases of the job. Individual quantities/lengths of structural members (joists, rafters, etc.) are
not part of the output of this program. To allow for speed and simplicity of takeoff, these items are given
as a LF total. Once you are far enough along in the sales process to need exact individual
quantities/lengths, please contact me to discuss your takeoff needs.
The Tabs The following sections give a brief overview of what can be found on each tab of the program. More
detailed instructions can be found on each tab, as needed. If you have a question that is not answered
here, don't hesitate to call or email me for help.
Specs Tab Here you enter basic counts from your plans, such as number of windows, outside corners, and linear feet
of interior walls. Also, the basic structure of the project can be set here, including foundation type, roofing
material, and percentages of the different types of siding and flooring.
Measurements
Tab This is where the program collects your basic square foot and linear foot measurements for different parts
of the house, like heated and garage space. There are a lot of boxes here, but most are automatic totals.
Your input is only required in the light blue cells, and the rest will instantly adjust as needed.
Pricing Tab Enter your item pricing for the basic items listed. There is also a notes column to better explain what is
priced. Adding a note to the "Lap Siding", for example, will clarify whether you priced 4" or 7" exposure
fiber cement siding, for future reference.
Pricing can be changed at any time. This allows you to "ballpark" options, just by changing a few numbers.
If an item is not included, or not supplied by you, simply change that item price to $0. I have included
sample costs, but these should be used as a guideline for inputting your own prices. The accuracy of the
Grand Total is directly tied to the accuracy of the material pricing you enter here.
Assumptions Tab There is a list on this tab of the major assumptions of the program. To keep this program small, simple, and
user-friendly, certain aspects of the building must be assumed to meet a certain standard, and building
options must be limited.
Technical Info Unlike most Excel-based programs (UDA, EstimatorPro, etc.) you are allowed to make ANY changes Excel
will let you make. As an advanced Excel user, I know the frustration of not being able to make the
changes you need to an off-the-shelf program, because it has been "dumbed-down" to "protect" you.
There is none of that with my program. It's your responsibility to not make any changes that you don't fully
understand, and to ALWAYS keep a clean backup of your work.
If you find you really need a function that the program doesn't provide, and you don't know how to add it,
contact me. It may be something I can add to a future version of the program, or create for your
company by making changes for a flat hourly rate.
Also, unlike most other estimating programs, there is NO LIMIT to the number of installations available to
buyers. As long as you paid for the program, use it on 1 computer or 100. It doesn't matter to me. In fact,
the more people you make aware of my services, the better!
You can save this file with your own pricing and item descriptions, to avoid re-entering the same info for
every job. To do this, save with a different file name, then make your changes. I highly recommend saving
all files with a date at the end of the file name, in this format: YY.MM.DD (This will ensure the NEWEST file is
the LAST in the list, when sorted alphabetically.)
TTD Instant Estimator, like all Excel files, can be set up to accept input from digitizers, measuring devices like
ScaleMaster, or takeoff software, such as On-Screen Takeoff. In fact, I use OST myself, and have a
database already set up to export to TTD Instant Estimator. If you're interested in adding this option, just let
me know, and I can save you an hour of OST setup time, for only $10.
Updates to the program will be made as needed, and are always FREE to paying clients. I will maintain a
list of all buyers, and notify you by email when updates are available.
The Takeoff Doctor Instant Estimator 2010.07
Instructions
Overview To ensure best results, follow the steps below to create a new estimate.
1 Save this workbook with a different name. I use the Job Name, followed by the date in this format:
YYYY.MM.DD. This insures my newest version of an estimate is always the last file listed, when sorted
alphabetically. IF you already have pricing you know you can trust, I'd recommend entering that FIRST,
then saving the workbook to a different name to use as your template.
2 Go to the Measurements tab. Unprotect the sheet (Tools->Protection->Unprotect Sheet ). Just click Enter,
there is no Password. This process applies to all sheets. Enter the Job Name where indicated at the top of
the sheet. This will update the Job Name on all other sheets. (Note: You can unprotect all sheets, then save
the original workbook to use for your template. I only recommend this for very advanced Excel users, to
avoid accidently erasing formulas.)
3
Enter the SF and LF measurements needed in each of the light blue cells on the Measurements sheet. All of
the white cells contain formulas, and will calculate automatically when you enter info in the blue cells.
4
Go to the Specs tab, and enter the info requested there. You may or may not have to unprotect this sheet,
depending on which info you decide to change. For example, a default estimate of the LF of 1st Floor
Interior Walls is calculated based on the SF of the 1st Floor. If you don't want to take the time to measure
the walls, or are working off of a sketch without dimensions, you may want to stick with the default value.
For a more accurate estimate, you would want to change the value in column B to an actual
measurement. Whenever you change one of these formulas, the number in the Value column will turn red.
This lets you know you have overridden the formula for that cell.
5 Any cell on the Specs sheet that doesn't require a number entry will have a dropdown box with all of the
valid selections you can make for that item.
6 Go to the Takeoff tab. You can change any values in the Notes or Cost columns (light blue cells) without
unprotecting the sheets. If you want to change any other info, or insert lines for additional items, you will
need to unprotect.
7
To add a line to the Takeoff sheet, don't use Excel's Insert Line feature. Copy an existing line, preferably one
with the same formula/quantity as your new item, and insert it within the existing table.
8 (Important) This is very important, and one of the most common mistakes I see. You have to insert the copied row
somewhere BELOW the first item row, and ABOVE the last item row. In other words, within the existing table.
If you insert anything before the first line, or after the last line, it will appear to work, but will NOT be
calculated in the Total Cost.
9 Once you have made all the changes to your Takeoff sheet, you can send it out to your suppliers to price.
I would filter or hide rows so that each supplier only gets a list of items you expect them to price. You can
either set the Print Area not to include the Cost and Total columns, or change the fonts to match the
background (white-on-white or blue-on-blue) so they can't be seen.
The Takeoff Doctor Instant Estimator 2010.07
Specs
Specification Value
Floors 1
Foundation Type Crawlspace
Footing Width IN 24 24 Default Value
Footing Depth IN 8 8 Default Value
Footing Rebar Size #5
Footing Rebar Rows 2 2 Default Value
Foundation Material Block
Foundation Height IN 40 40 Default Value
Foundation Height FT 3.33
Foundation Veneer Material Brick
Foundation Veneer Height FT 3.33
Foundation - Outside Corners #
Foundation - Inside Corners #
Conc. Wall Thickness IN 8 8 Default Value
Conc. Wall Vertical Rebar Size #5
Conc. Wall Vertical Rebar Spacing IN 48 48 Default Value
Exterior Wall Framing 2x 4
Ceiling Height LF - Ground Floor 10
Interior Wall LF - Ground Floor 0 0 Default Value
Floor Joist Spacing IN - 1st Floor 16 0.85 1st Floor Joist Factor
Ceiling Height LF - 1st Floor 10
Interior Wall LF - 1st Floor 0 0 Default Value
Floor Joist Spacing IN - 2nd Floor 16 0.85 2nd Floor Joist Factor
Ceiling Height LF - 2nd Floor 9
Interior Wall LF - 2nd Floor 0 0 Default Value
Floor Joist Spacing IN - 3rd Floor 16 0.85 3rd Floor Joist Factor
Ceiling Height LF - 3rd Floor 8
Interior Wall LF - 3rd Floor 0 0 Default Value
Ceiling Joist Spacing IN 16 0.85 Ceiling Joist Factor
Rafter Spacing IN 16 0.85 Rafter Factor
Roof Type Gable
Average Building Height 17
Total Exterior Wall SF 0 0 Default Value
Main Roof Pitch - /12 12 1.4142 Pitch Factor
Main Roof Material Shingles
Porch Roof Pitch - /12 4 1.0541 Pitch Factor
Porch Roof Material Shingles
Windows # 0
Exterior Doors # 0
Garage Doors - Single # 0
Garage Doors - Double # 0
Boxing Overhang IN 12
Boxing Material Hardie
Siding Material Hardie
Brick Veneer - %
Stone Veneer - %
Stucco Veneer - %
Shake Siding - % 10%
Board & Batten Siding - %
Lap Siding - % 90%
Shutters PR 0
Phase Item
Foundation Piers = (1) 16" x 16" block pier per 150 sf
Mudsill = (1) treated bottom & (1) standard top. Can change to (1) treated only by zeroing qty for
Framing standard plate on the Takeoff Sheet.
Rim Board = (1) for each end perpendicular to joists. Can change to (2) each end by doubling the qty on
the Takeoff sheet.
Deck Joist Spacing = 16" o.c.
Deck Rim Board = (1) around perimeter. Can change to (2) by doubling the qty on the Takeoff sheet.
Deck Sheathing = All 2nd & 3rd Floor wood porches/decks are assumed to be waterproofed. 1st Floor
wood porches/decks are assumed to be waterproofed on piling foundations. Can zero or adjust the
relevant item qtys on the Takeoff sheet, as needed.
Wall Plates = (1) Bottom & (2) Top
Headers - 2-ply @ 2x4 walls, 3-ply @ 2x6 walls.
Exterior Trim Window/Door Trim = 20'/Window or Door, 30'/Single Garage Door, 40'/Double Garage Door
Window/Door Flashing = 4'/Window or Door, 10'/Single Garage Door, 20'/Double Garage Door
Columns assumed to be 8' o.c. Can manually change highlighted qty on Takeoff sheet. Changing the post
Porch Rails/Columns qty automatically changes all associated items, such as post bases, column wraps, etc.
Insulation Bonus Room Floor = Insulated
Garage Walls = Uninsulated
Drywall Garage Walls = Drywall
Garage Ceiling = Drywall. This qty is broken out seperately, in case fire-code, or a different thickness is
needed.
Interior Trim Garage Trim = Baseboard & Window Casing included, Crown Moulding not included.
Shoe Moulding = All Tile, Hardwood & Vinyl Flooring areas.