Proper forms and work sheets save time, create consistency, and assist in the reduction of errors. Let's review each step of the process to help you maintain consistency in your estimating efforts.įorms. It's important to understand how to incorporate these elements effectively to ensure a proper takeoff. This task, known as a takeoff, requires you to follow an orderly, organized, methodical routine - complete with proper forms, colored pencils or pens, and a counter. This is my first time to ever use the program so it's been quite a challenge but fun and interesting.Consistency when measuring and counting the symbols on your plans will help you reduce the time it takes to estimate a job and eliminate some errors.Ĭounting and measuring the symbols shown on a project's electrical plan is a critical step in the development of an accurate estimate. I've done a killer design (at least I think so.) and just need a little help with some minor cleanup and then figuring out how to get drawings made so I can start bidding out the foundation first and then the entire project.

This is great to hear as I am getting near that stage. I'm just down the road just south of San Antonio. Mick or me can help you with that at prices well below what most Architect's charge.

You have one plan file and from that plan file you create multiple layout page files, one for each printed-scaled page. In Home Designer Pro you create a layout file for each laid-out printed page. What you need is a drafts-person who can take your already created plan file and develop it into printed-scaled drawings for sharing with your Engineer (for the Engineering) and other Building Professionals who will assist you in building your plans. You have already done the 'Architect' part yourself, I see little reason to pay big money for work you have already done. Architects develop ideas for plans where a person just has some general idea of a project, an Architect can develop the idea and then turn it over to a draft-person.

Home designer pro electrical take off