Project Estimates
How to create multi-trade estimates that combine concrete, drywall, flooring, rebar, and retaining walls into one project.
Overview
A TakeoffCalc project combines material takeoffs across all trades into a single estimate. Create a project, run takeoffs for each trade, attach unit costs, and export a bid-ready PDF or supplier-specific material lists.
Projects track everything from a single-trade garage slab to a multi-trade basement finish with concrete, drywall, flooring, and rebar.
Creating a Project
Name your project (e.g., 'Johnson Basement Finish', '412 Oak St Garage') and select the trades you need. Each trade adds its takeoff calculator to the project. You can add or remove trades at any time — start with concrete and add drywall later when you have the room dimensions.
Running Takeoffs
Each trade has a dedicated takeoff calculator with inputs matched to how that trade actually works:
- **Concrete**: Add shapes (slabs, footings, columns, stairs, post holes) to a running total in cubic yards - **Drywall**: Multi-room sheet count with opening deductions and full ancillary materials (compound, tape, screws, bead) - **Flooring**: Multi-room with pattern-specific waste (straight, diagonal, herringbone) and ancillary materials - **Rebar**: Bar size selection (#3–#11), grid/one-way/perimeter layouts, ACI 318 lap splices, output in tons - **Retaining walls**: Block count, cap blocks, gravel base, drainage backfill, geogrid, adhesive
All quantities output in the units your suppliers sell by.
Combining Trades
The project summary shows material quantities per trade, waste-adjusted totals, and a combined cost when unit prices are attached. The summary updates live as you add or modify takeoffs.
For projects with shared materials (e.g., concrete for both a slab and footings), quantities are combined automatically.
Exporting
**Bid PDF**: Professional estimate report with project name, line items per trade, quantities, unit costs, totals, and waste breakdown. Hand it to a GC or homeowner.
**Supplier lists**: Material lists grouped by supplier type — batch plant order (concrete), supply house order (drywall), rebar supplier order (steel), flooring distributor order (flooring + ancillaries). One export per supplier, formatted for a phone call or email.
**CSV**: Raw data export for import into your own spreadsheets or accounting software.
More documentation
Try it yourself
Calculate concrete for slabs, footings, columns, walls, stairs, and post holes. Multi-shape project mode with waste factors.
Calculate drywall sheets, joint compound, tape, screws, corner bead, and primer for multi-room projects with real opening deductions.
Calculate flooring materials for hardwood, laminate, tile, and carpet with pattern-specific waste factors, multi-room support, and ancillary material quantities.
Calculate rebar quantities with bar size selection, ACI 318 cover, lap splices, and weight in pounds and tons. Grid, one-way, perimeter, and tie layouts.
Calculate retaining wall blocks, cap blocks, gravel base, drainage aggregate, geogrid reinforcement, adhesive, and drain pipe for segmental retaining walls.
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