How to do Plumbing Takeoffs?

Beam AI

&

3 mins read

June 20, 2024

Takeoff Software

Key Takeaways

Accurate takeoffs are crucial to avoid material and cost overruns as well as to build competitive bids.
While manual takeoff methods remain viable for simple projects, they are inefficient and error-prone for complex designs.
AI-based takeoff software like Beam AI delivers ±1% of your in-house accuracy, while eliminating tedious manual calculations.
Early insights into material quantities help avoid project delays and support better vendor management.
Estimators save time for smarter procurement decisions as AI-based plumbing takeoff software fully automates the takeoff process while keeping the accuracy and ramping up the entire bidding process.

Summary

In this plumbing takeoff guide, we will look at the important steps of plumbing takeoffs, which help contractors estimate materials accurately, streamline project setup steps, and improve their piping estimation.

Every construction project, from large commercial buildings to lavish mansions, relies on a hidden network that ensures clean water flows in and waste goes out: the plumbing system. Often unnoticed, this network of pipes, valves, and fixtures is more than what meets the eye at the sink. It's a well planned and executed system that requires a lot of designing and planning during the preconstruction stage.

Once the designing and planning in the preconstruction stage are complete, the focus shifts to the next most important step - takeoffs. For plumbing contractors, takeoffs are more than just calculations; they're the foundation for winning the project bid. Inaccurate takeoffs can lead to a domino effect of problems, from underestimated bids to project delays when you get to executing them. This blog post will delve into the details of doing the plumbing take offs, exploring how to achieve accuracy and ultimately, win more plumbing projects.

‍

What is a Plumbing Takeoff?

Plumbing Takeoff is a detailed quantification of every plumbing component required including pipes, fittings, fixtures, valves and so on. It forms the backbone of accurate cost estimates and enables correct budget allocation to make your projects financially viable.

‍

Why Plumbing Takeoffs Matter

1. Improved Cost Estimates & Budgeting

1.1. Accurately quantify every pipe, fitting, and fixture
1.2.Avoid unexpected expenses and bid more competitively

2. Streamlined Procurement Process

2.1. Prevent over-ordering (waste) or under-ordering (delays)
2.2. Order exactly what you need when you need it

3. Enhanced Project Planning & Scheduling
3.1. Allocate resources efficiently
3.2. Coordinate deliveries and plumber schedules to stay on track

4. Facilitates Value Engineering
4.1.Identify cost-saving design alternatives without sacrificing quality

‍

Key Components in a Plumbing Takeoff

Fixtures: Sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs – accurately counted per plan
Pipe Types: Copper, PEX, PVC lengths – measured using scaled drawings
Fittings: Elbows, tees, couplings – counted for direction changes
Valves: Shut-off, pressure relief – locations pinpointed from plans

‍

Plumbing Takeoff Guide: Diving into the Process

Manual Takeoff Method (Steps)	Manual Plumbing Takeoff Software	AI-Powered Plumbing Takeoff Software (Recommended)
Gather tools: ruler, scale, calculator, worksheet Review plumbing plans carefully – understand all symbols Scale measurements to actual lengths Count each fixture (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas) Analyze fittings and calculate quantities Compile measurements into a material list While manual takeoff is cost-effective for small projects, it becomes time-consuming, error-prone, and hard to revise as the project scale increases.	Upload digital plans directly Access built-in material databases Assisted takeoff by clicking elements on the plan Still time-consuming for complex projects	How Beam AI Makes a Difference Fully automates material quantification Auto-detects pipe types, fittings, and fixtures Generates accurate takeoffs Frees estimators to focus on refining estimates, not clicking

Manual Takeoff Method (Steps)

Manual Plumbing Takeoff Software

AI-Powered Plumbing Takeoff Software (Recommended)

Gather tools: ruler, scale, calculator, worksheet
Review plumbing plans carefully – understand all symbols
Scale measurements to actual lengths
Count each fixture (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas)
Analyze fittings and calculate quantities
Compile measurements into a material list

While manual takeoff is cost-effective for small projects, it becomes time-consuming, error-prone, and hard to revise as the project scale increases.

Upload digital plans directly
Access built-in material databases
Assisted takeoff by clicking elements on the plan
Still time-consuming for complex projects

How Beam AI Makes a Difference

Fully automates material quantification
Auto-detects pipe types, fittings, and fixtures
Generates accurate takeoffs
Frees estimators to focus on refining estimates, not clicking

Plumbing Takeoff Guide: Diving into the Process

Plumbing Takeoff Guide: Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing the Right Takeoff Software

Project Complexity
- Small/simple → Manual software works
- Large/intricate → AI-powered solution saves time
Team Expertise
- Traditional methods → Easier with manual software
- Focus on growth → Shift to AI-powered tools
Value Engineering Needs
- AI enables smarter decisions, freeing time to analyze designs
Budget Considerations
- Compare software cost vs time saved and efficiency gained

Plumbing Takeoff Guide: Which Plumbing Takeoff Software Should You Invest In?

Manual and AI-powered software both improve workflows, however, AI-powered solutions offer a strong ROI on large/complex projects.
Beam AI ensures precise material lists, faster project setup steps, and reduces estimating errors.

‍

The Future of Plumbing Takeoffs

A plumbing takeoff is the cornerstone of efficient estimating and project planning and hence, the industry is shifting from manual to automated takeoffs. With modern AI-based plumbing takeoff software, plumbing contractors can shift from tedious manual calculations to accurate, fast, and strategic estimating — ultimately winning more projects.

The Ultimate Guide to Construction Cost Estimating

Download eBook →

FAQs

How does this plumbing takeoff guide compare manual methods to Beam AI’s material takeoff process?

Beam AI automates the entire process, eliminating manual tracing, measurements and clicks. It auto-detects pipe types, fittings, and fixtures from digital plans, delivering accurate takeoffs and saving hours of estimator time.

Can AI-powered plumbing takeoff software handle complex piping estimating?

Yes, Beam AI’s AI-powered solution excels in complex piping estimating by automatically recognizing intricate designs, reducing human error, and enabling faster turnaround on detailed estimates.