You already own Bluebeam Revu, or your team is standardizing on it, and you need quantity takeoffs that drop straight into your own markup workflow. We produce Bluebeam-native takeoffs using Revu's measurement tools, tool sets, and layers, then deliver the quantities in Excel and PDF with the marked-up plan set. That means your estimator can open our file, see every measurement tagged to a layer, and audit the numbers without re-measuring from scratch. If you run other platforms, we also work in PlanSwift and STACK, and you can see the full list on our Estimating Software We Work In page.
- Deliverable
- Excel estimate + marked-up PDF plans
- Organized by
- CSI MasterFormat section
- Turnaround
- 24–48 hours for most projects
- Pricing
- ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing
- Software
- Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, RSMeans data
Most projects turn around in 24–48 hours, and rush is available when a bid date moves. Pricing uses ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor rates from RSMeans data, so the same takeoff reflects your local market. We organize output by CSI MasterFormat division, which keeps your buyout and subcontractor comparison aligned with how specs are written. For a construction estimating company, that structure matters: a material takeoff sorted by Division 03 concrete, Division 05 metals, Division 09 finishes, Division 22 plumbing, and Division 26 electrical lets you hand the same file to your concrete, steel, drywall, and MEP subs without reformatting. We also read construction drawings and bid documents closely, flagging RFI items before they become change orders.
If your project is in a state with specific labor or code conditions, see our Texas, California, Florida, New York, or North Carolina pages. When you are ready, send plans through our Get an Estimate page.
What our Bluebeam quantity takeoff covers
We measure from the architectural, structural, and MEP sheets you provide, using Revu's length, area, and count tools on separate layers for each trade. Every quantity is tagged to a CSI section so you can sort, filter, and compare. We do not guess at scope that is not shown; we flag it instead.
Partition Takeoff
Measure wall linear feet by stud gauge, board layers, and height, including top track and fire caulk.
LF · SFCeiling & Soffit
Grid and tile square footage, border tile, hanger wire, and soffit framing by ceiling height.
SF · LFDoor & Hardware
Count doors and frames by size, material, and fire rating, with hardware sets and glazing.
EA · SETFlooring & Base
Finish square footage by product, including transitions, stair nosing, and resilient base.
SF · LFPainting & Finishes
Substrate area by primer and coat count, including block filler and exposed structure.
SF · GALConcrete & Rebar
Volume by mix design, formwork area, and rebar tonnage by bar size and spacing.
CY · TONStructural Steel
Member tonnage by shape, decking square footage, and connection counts from details.
TON · SFMEP Rough-In
Fixture and device counts, piping and conduit linear feet, ductwork weight, and diffusers.
EA · LF · LBWhat every bluebeam takeoff takeoff includes
- Partition linear feet by wall type, stud gauge, and board layers
- Gypsum board square footage by thickness and type (regular, Type X, moisture-resistant)
- Acoustical ceiling grid and tile square footage, including border tile
- Door and frame counts by size and material, with hardware sets
- Window and storefront area by system, with glazing and sealant
- Flooring square footage by finish, including base and transitions
- Painting area by substrate, with primer and coat count
- Concrete volume by mix design and rebar tonnage
- Structural steel tonnage by member type and decking
- Plumbing fixture counts and piping linear feet by material
- Electrical device counts, conduit, and conductor linear feet
- HVAC ductwork weight and linear feet, plus diffuser counts
How we produce a Bluebeam estimate for contractors
- Plan set review and layer setupWe open your PDF in Bluebeam Revu and set up layers for each CSI division and trade. Wall types, door types, and finish tags are identified from the drawings and specs. We note the sheet numbers and revision dates so the takeoff matches the bid set. We also check for addenda and ensure the correct sheets are used.
- Measurement with Revu toolsUsing the length, area, and count tools, we measure partitions, board, ceilings, flooring, and specialties. Each measurement is assigned to a layer and a tool set so quantities can be sorted by wall type or finish. Openings are deducted or counted as separate items per your preference. We also use Revu's dynamic fill for complex areas.
- Quantity extraction and wasteWe export the marked-up quantities and apply waste factors typical for each material: 10% for gypsum board, 5% for tile, 7% for carpet, and 5% for concrete. Waste is shown as a separate line so you can adjust it for your own purchasing. We also break out quantities by floor or phase if needed.
- Pricing with RSMeans dataMaterial and labor pricing is applied using RSMeans data adjusted to the project ZIP code. We keep labor and material separate, and we note the RSMeans year and city cost index used. This gives you a defensible basis for your bid. We can also apply your own labor rates if provided.
- Quality check and deliveryA second estimator reviews the takeoff against the drawings for missed areas, wrong units, and scope gaps. We deliver an Excel workbook organized by CSI division and a PDF with the marked-up plan set. Turnaround is 24–48 hours for most projects, with rush available. We also include a summary of assumptions and exclusions.
- Post-delivery supportAfter delivery, we remain available to answer questions and provide clarifications. If your bid scope changes or you receive addenda, we can update the takeoff quickly. We also offer to adjust waste factors or pricing upon request. Your estimator can reach us directly for any follow-up.
What we need from you
- Plan setArchitectural, structural, and MEP sheets in PDF. Include all revisions and addenda so we measure the correct set.
- SpecificationsProject manual or spec sections, especially Division 09 for board types and Division 07 for sealants and barriers.
- Finish scheduleRoom-by-room finish schedule so flooring, base, paint, and ceiling quantities are assigned to the right rooms.
- Door and window schedulesSchedules with sizes, materials, and hardware groups so counts and hardware sets are accurate.
- Project ZIP codeUsed to adjust RSMeans material and labor pricing to your local market.
- Bid date and scopeYour bid due date and which trades you want priced, so we prioritize the right divisions.
Sample takeoff format
This is how a typical line item appears in our Excel deliverable. Each row ties to a CSI section and a sheet reference so you can trace it back to the drawing.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09 21 16 | Partition, 3-5/8" 20 ga studs @ 16" o.c., 5/8" Type X both sides | 1,240 | LF | A-201 |
| 09 29 00 | Gypsum board, 5/8" Type X, walls | 18,400 | SF | A-201 |
| 09 51 00 | Acoustical ceiling, 2x2 tile, exposed grid | 4,200 | SF | A-202 |
| 09 65 00 | Resilient base, 4" vinyl, straight | 3,100 | LF | A-203 |
| 09 91 00 | Paint, gypsum board, primer + 2 coats | 22,500 | SF | A-204 |
| 09 30 00 | Ceramic tile, floor, 12x12 | 1,800 | SF | A-205 |
| 09 68 00 | Carpet, broadloom, glue-down | 2,500 | SF | A-206 |
| 08 11 13 | Steel door frame, 16 ga, knock-down | 45 | EA | A-301 |
| 08 71 00 | Door hardware set, passage | 30 | EA | A-301 |
| 03 30 00 | Concrete, slab on grade, 4" thick, 4000 psi | 120 | CY | S-101 |
| 05 12 00 | Structural steel, W-shape beams | 25 | TON | S-201 |
Units of measure we use
We measure in the units your trade actually buys and installs, so the takeoff lines up with supplier quotes and crew production rates.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board | SF | Measured by wall area minus openings; waste factor applied separately |
| Partitions | LF | Measured along centerline of wall type, including openings |
| Doors and frames | EA | Counted by size and material from door schedule |
| Concrete | CY | Calculated from plan dimensions and section thickness, plus waste |
| Structural steel | TON | Converted from linear feet of member sizes and weight per foot |
| Ductwork | LB | Calculated from linear feet, perimeter, and gauge weight |
| Paint | GAL | Based on substrate area and spreading rate per coat |
| Roofing | SQ | Measured in 100 SF squares, including hips and valleys |
Worked example: drywall takeoff for a 40-foot corridor
This walk-through uses illustrative dimensions so you can see how we convert a simple plan into a Bluebeam takeoff. The scope is a single interior corridor with two walls, one door opening, and a suspended ceiling. We measure in Bluebeam Revu using length and area tools, then apply waste as a separate step.
Given (illustrative):
- Corridor length: 40 ft
- Wall height: 10 ft
- Two walls, each 40 ft long
- One door opening: 3 ft wide × 8 ft high
- Ceiling: 40 ft × 6 ft wide (240 SF)
- Wall type: 3-5/8" 20 ga studs @ 16" o.c., one layer 5/8" Type X each side
Step 1 — Wall area before openings
- Perimeter length = 2 × 40 ft = 80 LF
- Gross wall area = 80 LF × 10 ft = 800 SF
Step 2 — Deduct door opening
- Opening area = 3 ft × 8 ft = 24 SF
- Net wall area = 800 SF − 24 SF = 776 SF
Step 3 — Gypsum board by layer
- Board area for one side = 776 SF
- Both sides = 776 SF × 2 = 1,552 SF
- Board type: 5/8" Type X, both sides
Step 4 — Studs
- Studs at 16" o.c. = 0.75 studs per LF
- Total studs = 80 LF × 0.75 = 60 studs
- Add top and bottom track: 80 LF each = 160 LF
Step 5 — Ceiling
- Ceiling area = 40 ft × 6 ft = 240 SF
- Grid and tile measured separately: grid = 240 SF, tile = 240 SF plus border waste
Step 6 — Waste factors (separate lines)
- Gypsum board: 10% waste = 1,552 SF × 0.10 = 155 SF
- Studs: 5% waste = 60 × 0.05 = 3 studs
- Ceiling tile: 7% waste = 240 SF × 0.07 = 17 SF
Step 7 — Totals for the takeoff
| Item | Qty | Unit | Waste | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board 5/8" Type X | 1,552 | SF | 155 SF | 1,707 SF |
| Metal studs 3-5/8" | 60 | EA | 3 EA | 63 EA |
| Top/bottom track | 160 | LF | 8 LF | 168 LF |
| Acoustical ceiling grid | 240 | SF | 0 | 240 SF |
| Acoustical ceiling tile | 240 | SF | 17 SF | 257 SF |
Step 8 — CSI tagging and delivery Each line is assigned a CSI section (09 21 16 for partitions, 09 29 00 for board, 09 51 00 for ceilings). In Bluebeam, these are placed on separate layers so you can toggle visibility. The Excel deliverable lists quantity, unit, waste factor, and total, with a sheet reference (e.g., A-201). This lets your estimator audit every measurement without re-measuring. The same method scales to multi-floor projects; we repeat the sequence for each wall type and finish.
What drives the cost of outsourced takeoff services
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Drawing quality
Clean, vector PDFs measure faster and more accurately than scanned or raster sheets. If dimensions are missing or scales are inconsistent, we spend time reconciling, which adds to the takeoff cost. We also check for missing sheets and unclear details that require assumptions.
Clean, vector PDFs measure faster and more accurately than scanned or raster sheets. If dimensions are missing or scales are inconsistent, we spend time reconciling, which adds to the takeoff cost. We also check for missing sheets and unclear details that require assumptions.
A 20-sheet tenant improvement is a different effort than a 200-sheet hospital. Sheet count and the number of disciplines involved directly affect the hours required. More sheets mean more measurements and more cross-checking between plans and specs.
A single-trade takeoff for drywall and ceilings is faster than a full multi-trade estimate covering concrete, steel, MEP, and finishes. The more divisions you ask for, the more measurement and pricing work. Each trade adds its own set of line items and units.
If you need quantities broken out by room, by wall type, or by phase, we spend more time tagging and sorting. A simple total square footage takeoff is less expensive. Detailed breakdowns require additional layer management and quality checks.
Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours for most projects. Rush delivery compresses our review time and may require additional estimator hours, which is reflected in the price. We prioritize based on your bid date and scope.
If the design changes after our initial takeoff, we may need to re-measure affected areas. The cost depends on the extent of changes and whether new sheets are issued. We handle addenda and revisions efficiently to minimize extra work.
If you need RSMeans pricing with ZIP-code adjustment, we apply labor and material rates from the current data set. This adds time for data lookup and verification. If you provide your own pricing, we can skip this step and reduce cost.
Common scope gaps we catch
These are the items that get missed when a takeoff is done quickly or without reading the specs. We check for them on every project.
- Fire-rated assemblies change board type, layer count, and stud gauge. We read the UL design numbers on the life safety plan and adjust the wall type takeoff, not just the square footage.
- Acoustical ceiling border tile waste is often ignored. We measure grid square footage and tile square footage separately, then add border tile waste for irregular rooms.
- Door hardware sets are priced separately from door slabs and frames. We count hardware groups from the door schedule and flag electrified hardware and access control rough-in.
- Exterior wall sheathing, weather barrier, flashing, and sealant are separate line items from cladding area. We measure them by linear feet and square feet from the elevations and details.
- Paint on exposed structure, mechanical equipment, and door frames is not always on the finish schedule. We include it as a separate line item so you can carry the labor.
- Concrete slab thickening, turned-down edges, and curb volume do not appear on plan dimensions. We calculate them from section details and add them to the concrete volume.
- Conduit and conductor counts through pull boxes, j-boxes, and panel feeders are missed when only device-to-device runs are measured. We trace the riser diagram and panel schedules.
- Ductwork fittings, transitions, and flex duct are measured by weight but estimated by run length. We convert using SMACNA weight tables and add fittings as a percentage.
- Roof penetrations, curbs, and flashing add linear feet and each counts beyond the field square footage. We mark them on the roof plan and list them separately.
- Site utilities trenching, bedding, and backfill are separate from pipe linear feet. We measure trench length and depth from profiles and add bedding and backfill volume.
- Blocking, backing, and firestopping at penetrations through rated assemblies are often left out. We note them on the wall type takeoff and add firestop counts at rated penetrations.
- Temporary protection, final cleaning, and commissioning labor fall under Division 01 but are often omitted from trade takeoffs. We list them as general requirements so your bid is complete.
Material and assembly types we take off
We measure by assembly type so your quantities match how materials are bought and installed. The table shows the main axes we track.
| Material / assembly | Typical unit | Waste factor (typical) | CSI section |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gypsum board 1/2" regular | SF | 10% | 09 29 00 |
| Gypsum board 5/8" Type X | SF | 10% | 09 29 00 |
| Gypsum board moisture-resistant | SF | 10% | 09 29 00 |
| Metal studs 3-5/8" 20 ga | EA | 5% | 09 21 16 |
| Acoustical ceiling tile 2x2 | SF | 7% | 09 51 00 |
| Resilient flooring | SF | 5% | 09 65 00 |
| Carpet tile | SF | 7% | 09 68 00 |
| Paint, primer + 2 coats | GAL | 5% | 09 91 00 |
| Concrete slab on grade | CY | 5% | 03 30 00 |
| Structural steel W-shape | TON | 3% | 05 12 00 |
Codes and standards that affect the takeoff
Model codes
Model codes set the minimum requirements that change quantities. The International Building Code (IBC) governs fire-rated assemblies, occupancy separations, and egress, which dictate wall types and board layers. The International Energy Code (IECC) affects insulation thickness and window U-values, adding line items for continuous insulation and glazing. The NEC (NFPA 70) drives conduit and conductor counts. The IPC or UPC governs plumbing fixture counts and pipe sizing. NFPA 13 sets sprinkler coverage, head counts, and pipe sizes. Confirm the adopted edition with the local building department, because requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Industry standards
Industry standards define how materials are tested and installed. ASTM C840 covers gypsum board application, which determines fastener spacing and board orientation. ASTM C754 covers steel framing installation, affecting stud gauge and spacing. SMACNA standards govern duct construction and weight, which we use to convert duct run lengths to pounds. GA-216 covers gypsum board application for ceilings. NRCA standards apply to roofing details. These standards influence waste factors and the level of detail we include in the takeoff.
Specification sections
Specification sections contain the specific product requirements that change cost. Division 09 sections (09 21 16, 09 29 00, 09 51 00, 09 65 00, 09 68 00, 09 91 00) define board thickness, finish level, and installation methods. Division 07 sections (07 21 00, 07 25 00, 07 92 00) cover insulation, weather barriers, and sealants. Division 08 sections (08 11 13, 08 14 16, 08 51 13) define door and window types. Division 03 (03 30 00) and Division 05 (05 12 00) set concrete and steel requirements. We read these sections to assign the correct unit and waste factor.
Local amendments
Local amendments vary by state and city. Some jurisdictions adopt older editions of the IBC or amend fire-rated assembly requirements. Seismic zones change steel and concrete detailing, which adds tonnage and rebar. Wind zones affect sheathing and connection requirements. Energy codes may be more stringent than the IECC, requiring additional insulation. Because these amendments change quantities, always confirm the adopted code edition and local amendments with the local building department before finalizing your bid.
Who uses our Bluebeam takeoff for contractors
General contractors
You need a complete quantity takeoff to build your bid and compare subcontractor quotes. Our CSI-organized Excel file lets you sort by division and check each sub's scope against the same quantities.
Subcontractors
You bid drywall, ceilings, flooring, or painting and need accurate square footage and linear feet fast. We deliver by wall type and finish so you can apply your own labor rates and waste factors.
Estimating managers
You oversee multiple bids and need a consistent takeoff format. Our Bluebeam-native markup and layer structure lets your team audit the numbers without re-measuring.
Architects and owners
You need a budget check or a scope verification before bidding. We provide a third-party quantity takeoff with marked-up plans so you can see exactly what is included.