You have a foundation package — footing schedules, pier details, grade beam sections — and you need quantities you can defend on bid day. We take off the concrete, formwork, rebar, and earthwork that make up the foundation scope, line by line, so you can price the work without guessing. Whether you are a general contractor building the bid or a foundation subcontractor checking your own numbers, our foundation estimating services give you a second set of eyes on the drawings.
- 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
Our foundation estimating services cover spread footings, continuous wall footings, grade beams, drilled piers, slab thickening, and slab on grade, plus the granular base, excavation, and backfill that go with them. We work from your structural drawings (S-series), architectural foundation plan, and geotechnical report. The takeoff is organized by CSI MasterFormat division — CSI Division 03 for concrete and CSI Division 31 for earthwork — with a marked-up plan set showing exactly where each quantity came from. If your project also includes elevated slabs or walls, see our concrete estimating services for the full scope. For the reinforcing package as a standalone, we offer rebar estimating services.
Turnaround is 24–48 hours for most projects, with rush available. We use Bluebeam Revu, PlanSwift, and RSMeans data, and price material and labor by ZIP code so your numbers reflect local conditions. If you are working in a specific state, we have regional pages for Texas, California, Florida, and New York.
Every takeoff is checked against the bid documents and any addendum you send. We flag items that need an estimate review before you submit, and we can produce a unit price breakdown for each line so your foundation estimate for contractors is easy to audit. If you are comparing an outsourced foundation estimating company against doing it in house, send us the same set and compare the line items. Ready to start? Get an estimate.
What our foundation takeoff services include
We measure every foundation element shown on the structural and architectural drawings, from the bottom of the footing to the top of the slab thickening. Quantities are separated by mix design, element type, and reinforcement so you can apply your own pricing. We also flag items that are typically supplied by others so you do not carry them twice.
Spread Footings
Count and measure isolated pad footings by size, converting plan dimensions to cubic yards of concrete and square feet of form contact area.
CY · SFContinuous Wall Footings
Measure strip footings by width and thickness along foundation walls, reporting linear feet and cubic yards for concrete placement.
LF · CYGrade Beams
Take off grade beam concrete and side formwork by cross-section, measured along column lines and wall runs from structural plans.
CY · SFDrilled Piers
Count drilled piers by diameter and depth, compute concrete volume per shaft, and list reinforcing cage weights by bar size and hoop spacing.
EA · CY · TONPier Reinforcing
Weigh vertical bars, ties, and hoops for pier cages, including dowels and column starter bars counted at each location.
TON · EAExcavation
Calculate excavation volume for footings, grade beams, and piers using plan dimensions, soil conditions, and required working space.
CYBackfill & Compaction
Separate imported fill from on-site spoil, compute backfill volume, and report compaction requirements for structural fill lifts.
CYVapor Barrier & Gravel
Measure underslab vapor barrier and gravel base under slab-on-grade, including slab thickening and turned-down edges at exterior walls.
SF · CYWhat every foundation estimating takeoff includes
- Spread footings by size, counted and converted to CY
- Continuous wall footings by width and thickness, in LF and CY
- Grade beams by section, measured along column lines
- Drilled piers by diameter and depth, counted in EA
- Pier reinforcing cages by bar size and hoop spacing, in TON
- Footing dowels and column starter bars, counted per location
- Formwork to footing and grade beam sides, in SF contact area
- Excavation volume for footings, grade beams, and piers
- Backfill and compaction volume, separating imported fill from spoil
- Spoil haul-off volume in CY, with truck-load count
- Vapor barrier and underslab gravel under slab-on-grade, in SF
- Slab thickening and turned-down slab edges at exterior walls
Concrete volume calculator
Quick check for a single element. For a full drawing set, send the plans and we measure everything, including the items calculators miss.
Typical waste: 3–5% for slabs, 5–10% for footings and walls. Truck count assumes 10 CY loads; confirm load size with your ready-mix supplier.
Need the full takeoff with pricing? Upload your plans.
How we take off a foundation package
- Review drawings and geotechWe start with the structural foundation plan, footing and pier schedules, and typical sections. The geotechnical report gives us the bearing depth and allowable soil pressure, which tells us whether the pier lengths shown are nominal or final. We note any discrepancies between the plan and the schedule and request clarification before proceeding. For example, if the pier schedule shows 20-foot nominal depth but the geotech report requires 25 feet to reach bearing, we flag it and use the greater depth. We also check that the latest revision is being used.
- Digitize and scaleUsing Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, we calibrate each sheet to the stated scale and trace footing outlines, grade beam runs, and pier locations. We set up layers for each element type so quantities can be sorted by size, mix, and area. Any dimension conflicts are highlighted on the marked-up set. For instance, if a footing is dimensioned 36" × 36" on the plan but the schedule calls it 3'-6" × 3'-6", we note the difference and ask which governs. We also check that all sheets are at the same scale and that no details are missed.
- Measure footings and grade beamsWe measure each spread footing by its plan dimensions and thickness, converting to CY. Continuous footings and grade beams are measured along their centerlines in LF, then multiplied by cross-sectional area. At intersections, we deduct the overlapping volume to avoid double-counting. For example, where a grade beam crosses a spread footing, we subtract the footing volume from the beam run. We also account for stepped footings by measuring each step separately. All measurements are recorded with the sheet and detail number for verification.
- Take off piers and reinforcementDrilled piers are counted by diameter from the pier schedule, with depth taken from the geotech report or the detail. We calculate the concrete volume per pier and sum by diameter. For reinforcement, we take off vertical bars and hoops per pier, then add footing dowels, starter bars, and grade beam longitudinal and stirrup bars, applying lap splice and waste factors. For example, a 24-inch pier with #6 verticals and #4 hoops at 12 inches on center will have its cage weight calculated per foot and multiplied by depth. We also include dowels at column locations.
- Quantity excavation and backfillWe calculate trench volume from footing and grade beam dimensions plus a working space allowance. Over-excavation is added where the geotech report calls for it. Backfill volume is the excavation volume minus the concrete and any pipe or conduit displacement, and we separate imported fill from on-site spoil that must be hauled off. For example, if the geotech report requires over-excavation of 12 inches below footings, we add that volume. We also account for compaction in lifts, which may require additional fill volume. Spoil haul-off is converted to truck loads for disposal pricing.
- Assemble and formatAll quantities are compiled into an Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with a PDF summary and a marked-up plan set showing the takeoff. We include a list of assumptions and exclusions so you know exactly what is and is not in the numbers. For example, if we assumed a nominal pier depth because the geotech report was not provided, we note that. The workbook includes separate tabs for concrete, rebar, formwork, and earthwork, and each line references the drawing sheet and detail number for easy verification.
What we need from you
- Structural plansFoundation plan, footing and pier schedules, typical sections, and details. The latest revision is critical.
- Geotechnical reportGives bearing depth, soil classification, and over-excavation requirements. Without it, pier lengths are assumed nominal.
- Architectural foundation planShows slab thickening, turned-down edges, and vapor barrier extent that may not appear on structural sheets.
- SpecificationsConcrete mix designs, rebar grade and coating, formwork type, and waterproofing requirements.
- Site logisticsAccess constraints, stockpile area, and disposal location. Affects excavation, backfill, and haul-off pricing.
- Bid date and formatWhen you need it and how you want it organized. We can match your existing estimate template.
Sample foundation takeoff
Below is a sample of how we present foundation quantities in Excel. Each line references the drawing sheet and detail number for easy verification.
| Section | Line item | Qty | Unit | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 30 00 | Spread footing 36" × 36" × 12", 4,000 psi | 48 | EA | S-101 |
| 03 30 00 | Continuous wall footing 24" × 12", 3,000 psi | 1,250 | LF | S-102 |
| 03 30 00 | Grade beam 12" × 18", 4,000 psi | 680 | LF | S-103 |
| 03 30 00 | Drilled pier 24" dia. × 20' deep, 4,000 psi | 24 | EA | S-104 |
| 03 30 00 | Slab thickening 12" × 24", 3,000 psi | 320 | LF | S-105 |
| 03 20 00 | Pier vertical bars #6, Grade 60 | 3.2 | TON | S-104 |
| 03 20 00 | Pier hoops #4 @ 12" o.c. | 1.8 | TON | S-104 |
| 03 20 00 | Footing dowels #5, 24" embed | 96 | EA | S-101 |
| 03 10 00 | Formwork to footing sides, 12" high | 480 | SF | S-101 |
| 31 23 16 | Excavation for footings and grade beams | 285 | CY | S-101 |
| 31 23 23 | Backfill, on-site material, compacted | 140 | CY | S-101 |
| 31 23 23 | Spoil haul-off, off-site disposal | 145 | CY | S-101 |
Units of measure and how we take them off
Foundation quantities are expressed in the units your suppliers and crews use. We measure from the dimensions on the drawings and apply the correct conversion factors.
| Item | Unit | How it's measured |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete volume | CY | Length × width × depth divided by 27, per footing or beam section |
| Formwork contact area | SF | Perimeter of concrete surface in contact with forms, measured from section details |
| Footing length | LF | Centerline length of continuous footings and grade beams, from plan dimensions |
| Pier count | EA | Number of drilled piers by diameter, counted from pier schedule |
| Reinforcing steel | TON | Total weight of bars by size, including lap splices and waste |
| Excavation volume | CY | Trench volume plus over-excavation allowance, from geotech report |
| Backfill volume | CY | Excavated volume minus concrete and pipe displacement, compacted in lifts |
| Spoil haul-off | CY | Volume of unsuitable material removed from site, converted to truck loads |
| Vapor barrier | SF | Area under slab-on-grade, measured to inside face of foundation walls |
| Waterproofing | SF | Surface area of foundation walls below grade, from elevation details |
Worked example: footing estimating on a small pier scope
The dimensions below are illustrative. They show the sequence we follow for one spread footing with a drilled pier, and how each quantity is derived before waste is added.
Given: A spread footing 36" × 36" × 12" thick, with a 24" diameter drilled pier extending 20 feet below the bottom of the footing. The footing has #5 dowels at 8" on center each way, and the pier has six #6 vertical bars with #4 hoops at 12" on center. The geotech report requires 6" of over-excavation below the footing, backfilled with lean concrete.
Step 1 — Concrete volume for the footing.
- Footing plan area: 3.0 ft × 3.0 ft = 9.0 SF.
- Volume: 9.0 SF × 1.0 ft = 9.0 CF.
- Convert to CY: 9.0 ÷ 27 = 0.333 CY.
Step 2 — Concrete volume for the pier.
- Pier diameter 24" = 2.0 ft; radius = 1.0 ft.
- Cross-sectional area: π × 1.0² = 3.1416 SF.
- Volume: 3.1416 SF × 20 ft = 62.83 CF.
- Convert to CY: 62.83 ÷ 27 = 2.327 CY.
Step 3 — Over-excavation backfill.
- Area under footing: 9.0 SF.
- Depth: 0.5 ft.
- Volume: 9.0 × 0.5 = 4.5 CF = 0.167 CY.
Step 4 — Formwork to footing sides.
- Perimeter: 4 × 3.0 ft = 12.0 LF.
- Height: 1.0 ft.
- Contact area: 12.0 × 1.0 = 12.0 SF.
Step 5 — Rebar in the footing.
- Dowels: #5 bars at 8" o.c. each way. Number of bars each direction: 36" ÷ 8" = 4.5, round up to 5 bars. Total bars = 5 × 2 directions = 10 bars.
- Length per dowel: footing thickness (1.0 ft) + embedment into pier (assume 2.0 ft) + projection above footing (assume 1.5 ft) = 4.5 ft.
- Total length: 10 × 4.5 = 45.0 LF.
- Unit weight of #5 bar: 1.043 lb/ft. Total weight: 45.0 × 1.043 = 46.9 lb.
- Convert to tons: 46.9 ÷ 2000 = 0.0235 TON.
Step 6 — Rebar in the pier.
- Vertical bars: 6 bars × 20 ft = 120 LF. #6 bar weight: 1.502 lb/ft. Weight = 120 × 1.502 = 180.2 lb.
- Hoops: #4 bars at 12" o.c. Number of hoops = 20 ft ÷ 1 ft = 20 hoops. Circumference of a 24" pier with 3" cover: diameter = 2.0 ft - 2 × 0.25 ft = 1.5 ft; circumference = π × 1.5 = 4.712 LF per hoop. Total hoop length = 20 × 4.712 = 94.24 LF. #4 bar weight: 0.668 lb/ft. Weight = 94.24 × 0.668 = 62.95 lb.
- Total pier rebar weight: 180.2 + 62.95 = 243.15 lb = 0.1216 TON.
Step 7 — Waste factors (applied separately).
- Concrete waste: typical 5% for footings and piers. Footing concrete: 0.333 × 1.05 = 0.350 CY. Pier concrete: 2.327 × 1.05 = 2.443 CY. Over-excavation backfill: 0.167 × 1.05 = 0.175 CY.
- Rebar waste: typical 3% for cut lengths. Footing dowels: 0.0235 × 1.03 = 0.0242 TON. Pier rebar: 0.1216 × 1.03 = 0.1252 TON.
These quantities would be listed in the Excel takeoff with references to the footing detail and pier schedule. The same sequence applies to every footing and pier on the project; we sum by size and diameter to produce the final bill of quantities.
What drives foundation cost estimating
Relative impact on a typical estimate for this trade, based on estimator judgment. Select a bar for details.
Pier depth and diameter
The geotech report sets the bearing depth. Deeper or larger-diameter piers increase concrete volume, drilling time, and cage weight. A 24-inch pier at 20 feet deep holds about 2.33 CY; at 30 feet, it holds 3.49 CY. We use the greater of the plan depth or the geotech depth. If the geotech report is not available, we assume nominal depths and flag it. Drilling through rock or obstructions may require additional equipment and time, which we note as a potential cost.
Footings typically use 3,000 psi, grade beams and piers 4,000 psi. Higher strengths, sulfate-resistant mixes, or flowable fill for over-excavation change the material cost. Pump vs. direct chute placement also affects labor and equipment. For example, a 5,000 psi mix with sulfate resistance for a site with high sulfate soils will cost more per cubic yard than a standard 3,000 psi mix. We adjust our takeoff to reflect the specified mix and note any special requirements.
The geotech report sets the bearing depth. Deeper or larger-diameter piers increase concrete volume, drilling time, and cage weight. A 24-inch pier at 20 feet deep holds about 2.33 CY; at 30 feet, it holds 3.49 CY. We use the greater of the plan depth or the geotech depth. If the geotech report is not available, we assume nominal depths and flag it. Drilling through rock or obstructions may require additional equipment and time, which we note as a potential cost.
Grade 60 black bar is standard. Grade 75, epoxy-coated, or stainless bars cost more and require different lap lengths. Hoop spacing and bar size in pier cages directly affect tonnage. For example, reducing hoop spacing from 12 inches to 6 inches doubles the hoop weight. We take off bars by size and coating, and apply the correct lap splice lengths per ACI 318. We also account for waste factors, typically 3-5% for rebar.
Rock, high water table, or unstable soils require over-excavation, shoring, or dewatering. These add cost beyond the base trench excavation and are often excluded from a footing bid. For example, if the geotech report requires over-excavation of 12 inches below footings backfilled with lean concrete, we measure that volume separately. We also note if dewatering is likely based on the report. We do not price dewatering systems but flag them for a specialty contractor.
Stepped footings, pier caps, and pedestals require additional forming. Repeated use of standard forms lowers the unit cost; custom forms for one-off conditions raise it. For example, a stepped footing with three steps has more formwork contact area than a flat footing. We measure formwork in SF of contact area from the details, and note if the forms can be reused. We also account for form oil, ties, and release agents as part of the formwork system.
Urban sites with limited stockpile space require immediate spoil haul-off, adding trucking and disposal fees. Remote sites may allow on-site stockpiling, reducing haul cost but increasing handling. For example, a downtown site with no laydown area will need trucks waiting to haul spoil as it is excavated. We calculate the number of truckloads based on volume and note the disposal location. We also consider access for concrete trucks and pumps, which may require permits or flaggers.
Foundation walls below grade often require waterproofing or dampproofing, and footing drains may be needed. These items are sometimes omitted from the structural scope but are necessary for a complete foundation. We measure waterproofing in SF of wall area below grade, and footing drains in LF. We also include gravel and filter fabric for the drainage system. If the drawings do not show these, we flag them as potential additions.
Common scope gaps in foundation bid estimating
These are the items that most often get left out of a foundation estimate, leading to change orders or lost margin. We catch them by cross-checking the drawings, schedule, and geotech report.
- Pier length below the plan cutoff. The pier schedule often shows a nominal depth, but the geotech report gives the design bearing depth. We read both and use the greater depth, flagging the difference.
- Beam-to-footing intersection volume. When footings and grade beams are taken off separately, the overlapping concrete can be counted twice. We deduct the intersection volume at each column line.
- Keyway, waterstop, and construction joint treatment. These appear in typical details, not on the plan. We include them as separate line items in LF or EA.
- Pier reinforcing cage hoops and ties. Estimators frequently count only vertical bars. We take off hoops by spacing and diameter, then sum the weight in TON.
- Dowels and starter bars at columns and walls. The embedment length into the footing is shown in details. We count each dowel and add the embedment to the bar length.
- Over-excavation and lean concrete or flowable fill. Where bearing soils are soft, the geotech report may require over-excavation backfilled with lean concrete. We measure this volume separately.
- Vapor barrier, underslab gravel, and capillary break. These are under-slab items that belong in the foundation scope. We measure the area in SF and list them as separate lines.
- Backfill compaction in lifts and imported fill. On-site spoil may not be suitable for backfill. We separate imported fill from on-site material and note the compaction requirement.
- Spoil haul-off and disposal. On urban sites with no stockpile area, all spoil must be trucked out. We calculate the volume and convert to truck loads for the disposal line.
- Formwork to pier caps, pedestals, and stepped footings. These are not typical repeated forms. We measure the contact area from the details and price them separately.
- Anchor bolt templates and embeds. Even if owner-furnished, they require setting and alignment. We count them in EA and note the setting requirement.
- Cold weather and hot weather concrete measures. If the pour window falls outside normal conditions, additives, blankets, or cooling may be needed. We flag this based on your schedule.
Material variables that change the takeoff
The same foundation plan can yield different quantities depending on the specified materials. We adjust the takeoff to match the specification.
| Material / method | What changes in the takeoff | Typical unit | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal-weight concrete, 3,000 psi | Used for footings and slab thickening; volume calculated from dimensions. | CY | Mix design and slump; pump vs. chute placement. |
| Normal-weight concrete, 4,000 psi | Used for grade beams and piers; may require higher cement content. | CY | Sulfate resistance if soils are aggressive; cure time. |
| Controlled low-strength material (CLSM) | Used for over-excavation backfill; volume measured separately from structural concrete. | CY | Flowability and strength; may be specified as alternative to lean concrete. |
| Grade 60 black rebar | Standard reinforcement; weight taken off by bar size and length. | TON | Lap splice lengths per ACI 318; waste factor. |
| Grade 75 or epoxy-coated rebar | Higher strength or corrosion protection; may require different lap lengths and handling. | TON | Coating thickness and color; field cutting restrictions. |
| Vapor barrier (10-mil or 15-mil) | Area under slab-on-grade; overlaps and penetrations added. | SF | Material type and permeance; seam detailing. |
| Underslab gravel | Volume of compacted gravel under slab; thickness from details. | CY | Gradation and compaction requirements. |
| Waterproofing membrane | Surface area of foundation walls below grade; includes laps and terminations. | SF | Type (sheet or fluid-applied); protection board. |
Codes and standards that affect foundation takeoffs
Model codes
Model codes set minimum requirements that change quantities. The International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) govern footing sizes, minimum depths below frost line, and concrete strength. The IRC Table R403.1 gives minimum footing widths based on soil bearing capacity and building loads; a higher load or weaker soil increases footing size and concrete volume. The International Energy Code (IECC) can require insulation under slabs in some climate zones, adding rigid insulation to the takeoff. The NEC affects conduit and grounding electrodes embedded in footings. Confirm the adopted code edition and local amendments with your local building department.
Industry standards
ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete) governs reinforcement detailing, lap splices, and minimum cover. ACI 332 covers residential concrete. ACI 301 is the specification for structural concrete. ASTM standards for rebar (A615, A706) and concrete (C94, C39) define material properties. ASTM C143 measures slump. These standards affect rebar tonnage through lap splice lengths and waste factors. For piers, ACI 336 covers drilled pier construction. The geotechnical report often references ASTM D1586 for standard penetration tests, which informs bearing depth.
Specification sections
The estimator must read CSI MasterFormat sections that apply to the foundation scope. Division 03 includes 03 10 00 Concrete Forming and Accessories, 03 20 00 Concrete Reinforcing, and 03 30 00 Cast-in-Place Concrete. Division 31 includes 31 10 00 Site Clearing, 31 20 00 Earth Moving, 31 23 16 Excavation and Fill, and 31 23 23.13 Backfill. Division 31 60 00 covers special foundations such as drilled piers. Each section specifies materials, testing, and execution methods that change cost. For example, 03 30 00 may require a specified slump or air content, affecting mix design and price.
Local amendments
Local jurisdictions adopt model codes with amendments that can change footing depths, seismic detailing, or soil testing requirements. Frost depth varies by region; coastal areas may require flood-resistant foundations. Seismic zones add reinforcement and hold-down requirements. Some cities require special inspection for drilled piers, adding cost. Always confirm the adopted code edition and local amendments with the local building department before finalizing your bid.
Who uses our foundation estimating company
General contractors
You need a defensible foundation number to build your bid. Our takeoff gives you quantities by CSI division that you can drop into your estimate and adjust with your own labor and material pricing.
Foundation subcontractors
You bid footings, grade beams, and piers every week. Our second-set-of-eyes takeoff catches items you might miss when working under a tight deadline, and the marked-up plans show exactly where quantities came from.
Developers and owners
You want to validate a contractor's bid or establish a budget before design is complete. Our takeoff provides a clear breakdown of concrete, rebar, and earthwork quantities you can compare against proposals.
Architects and engineers
You need a cost check on your foundation design. We measure the quantities as drawn and can quickly show the cost impact of changing pier depths or footing sizes.