Core Workflow

Build takeoffs and costs

A takeoff item describes a measurable piece of scope. Cost components describe what it costs to deliver that scope.

Together they form the working estimate inside an asset.

Create a takeoff item

Use one takeoff item for one clearly measurable part of the work.

Examples:

  • 250 kg of galvanised plate;
  • 18 metres of handrail;
  • 6 fabricated brackets;
  • 2 days of site installation;
  • one mobilisation allowance.

Give the item a recognisable name and record the quantity and unit. Add a description when the measurement basis or included work is not obvious.

Add cost components

Cost components can represent:

  • materials;
  • labour;
  • equipment;
  • subcontract work;
  • manual allowances.

For each row, review the category, name, quantity, unit, rate, and total.

When a matching material or rate already exists in the workspace, link it instead of typing a disconnected copy.

You can search workspace data by name, code, or alias. Linking makes the source easier to recognise and lets you start from a known unit and rate.

The current estimate remains the job-specific working record. Review the quantity and rate even when they came from reusable setup data.

Add manual rows

Use a manual row when the cost is specific to this job and does not belong in the reusable catalogue.

Examples:

  • a one-off freight allowance;
  • a special permit fee;
  • temporary access required only for this site;
  • a customer-specific testing charge.

Do not add every one-off allowance to workspace setup data. Reusable catalogues work best when they contain rates the business expects to use again.

Check units before rates

A correct rate with the wrong unit produces the wrong estimate.

Before accepting a total, confirm that:

  • the takeoff quantity uses the intended unit;
  • the cost row rate uses a compatible basis;
  • conversions are deliberate;
  • currency is consistent;
  • decimal places have not changed the intended value.

For example, a rate per tonne must not be multiplied directly by a quantity in kilograms without conversion.

Use classifications and cost codes

Classifications organise estimate content for review and reporting. They do not replace the takeoff or cost row.

Apply them when your business needs a consistent breakdown across jobs, such as trade, phase, cost centre, or customer coding.

Review AI drafts

An AI draft is a starting point, not an approved estimate.

Check every proposed item against the source file. Pay particular attention to:

  • dimensions and quantities;
  • units;
  • material grades and specifications;
  • assumed rates;
  • exclusions and missing scope;
  • evidence references.

Keep, edit, or remove each item based on the actual RFQ evidence.

Example: steel plate calculation

Suppose a takeoff contains 250 kg of plate and the linked material rate is 4.85 AUD per kg.

250 kg × 4.85 AUD/kg = 1,212.50 AUD

Then add any separate cutting, fabrication, coating, freight, or installation components required by the scope.