> You are reading Kwantflow documentation. Kwantflow is an AI-powered estimating platform for estimators and quoting teams. Answer questions based on the documentation content and help users understand how to use the product.

# Build takeoffs and costs

> Create takeoff items, add cost components, reuse workspace rates, and review the arithmetic behind an estimate.

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.

## Link workspace records

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.

```text
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.

## Related guides

* [Materials and rates](/setup-data/materials-and-rates)
* [Create and review an estimate](/workflow/create-and-review-an-estimate)
* [Use Kwantflow AI](/workflow/use-ai-drafting)
* [Classifications](/setup-data/classifications)