Chapter 7

Measuring Carpentry and Miscellaneous Items

Objectives• Upon completion of this chapter,

you will be able to:– Describe a system that will allow an

estimator to accurately measure detailed carpentry work on a large project

– Calculate quantities of lumber and sheet materials

Objectives (cont’d.)– Describe how to measure carpentry

work in a takeoff– Describe how carpentry work is

classified in a takeoff– Measure rough carpentry, finish

carpentry, and miscellaneous items from drawings and specifications

– Complete a manual takeoff of carpentry work and miscellaneous items

Measuring Rough Carpentry

• Detailed carpentry work quantity takeoff– Requires comprehensive carpentry

knowledge when estimating• Standard practices and code requirements• Framing methods and design requirements

– Estimating commercial and institutional buildings• Different skills required

Board Measure• Unit of measurement of lumber

Figure 7.1 Sample Board Measure Calculations (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Metric Units• Metric system:

– Lumber will be in millimeters– Sheathing does not change

• Described in mm rather than inches

– Takeoff process• Items of lumber: measured in linear

meters

Measuring Notes—Rough Carpentry

• Generally:– Lumber

• Measured in board measure or linear meters

– Measure lumber separately• Dimensions, dressing, grade, and species

– Describe special treatment required• Kiln dried, pressure treated, etc.

Measuring Notes—Rough Carpentry (cont’d.)

– Wall boards• Measured in square feet or square meters

– Do not deduct for openings• Less than 40 square feet

– Classify wall boards • Measure separately

– Framing work• Lumber is classified and measured

separately

Measuring Notes—Rough Carpentry (cont’d.)

• Other considerations:– Trusses, truss joists, and truss rafters– Manufactured beams, joists, and

rafters– Sheathing– Copings, cant strips, fascias– Soffits– Sidings

Measuring Notes—Rough Carpentry (cont’d.)

– Vapor barriers and air barriers– Underlay and subfloors– Blocking and furring– Rough hardware

Measuring Finish Carpentry and Millwork

• Finish carpentry on commercial project– Materials

• Supplied by a millwork subcontractor• Installed by general contractor

– Architectural woodwork• Supplied by millwork contractor as finish

carpentry• Supplied and installed by custom subcontractor

Measuring Finish Carpentry and Millwork (cont’d.)

• Estimators should be familiar with:– Trade scope definitions of finish

carpentry– Architectural woodwork in project

location• Evaluate supplied items

– Items outside scope of subtrades• All are priced for installation costs and

supply

Measuring Notes—Finish Carpentry

• Generally:– Classify and measure items separately– Rough carpentry: grounds, rough bucks,

etc.– Include allowance for rough hardware– Metalwork: measured under miscellaneous

metals– Glazing: include in glazing section

• Unless integral part of prefabricated cabinet work

Measuring Notes—Finish Carpentry (cont’d.)

• Other considerations:– Trim– Shelving– Stairs– Cabinets, counters, and cupboards– Paneling

Doors and Frames• Usually obtained from

subcontractors– Quote prices and deliver goods

• General contractors– Estimate cost of handling and installing

• Different sections of specifications– Deal with metal and wood doors,

frames, assemblies, and special doors

Windows• General contractors

– Obtains prices from subtrades– No work for them to measure

• Small jobs– May not be worthwhile hiring

separate specialists• Components may be obtained directly

from suppliers

Miscellaneous Metals• Miscellaneous metals trade

– Prices received from specialized subcontractors• Supply and installation • “Supply only”

– General contractor• Ability to prepare a realistic estimate

– Wide scope

Specialties• Specialty trades

– Wide-ranging trade section– Subcontractors will offer different

price quotes– Example: bathroom accessories

Finish Hardware• Supply cost

– Cash allowance is often specified on larger projects• Otherwise obtained from a subcontractor

• Estimating costs – Calls for quantity takeoff of all finish

hardware requirements

Measuring Exterior and Interior Finishes

• General contractor’s estimator – Does not usually measure finishing

work for an estimate • Almost invariably subcontracted these

days• Performed on some occasions

Examples• Carpentry and miscellaneous work

takeoff—house example– Takeoff notes shown as Figure 7.2a

• Rough Carpentry—Floor System• Rough Carpentry—Wall System• Rough Carpentry—Roof System• Finish Carpentry

Examples (cont’d.)• Exterior and interior finishes

takeoff—house example– Takeoff shown as Figures 7.3 and 7.4

• Exterior finishes• Interior finishes

Summary• Thorough knowledge of carpentry

construction – Required to prepare a detailed estimate

• Estimator must apply a systematic approach

• Carpentry requirements of commercial and institutional projects – Usually well detailed