06.06 Creating a Count Takeoff Item - Defining its Properties

Last Updated: 2022-02-21 07:37

Count Takeoff Items describe construction objects best quantified as an each, such as a footing, column, or fixture. When you set up a Count, you specify its shape and dimensions - this way, the program can calculate not one the number of times you are using a Count Result (its "Count"), but linear footage (perimeter), square footage (surface area, many options), and volume.

Note

If a counted object affects the quantity of another Takeoff Item, such as a window or door being placed on a Wall or a light fixture or vent in an acoustical tile ceiling, use an Attachment Takeoff Item (Attachments are detailed in Creating an Attachment Takeoff Item - Defining its Properties).

To create a Count Takeoff Item, select "Count" on the Takeoff Item Wizard. If you have disabled the New Takeoff Item Wizard, click the Add Takeoff Item button in the Takeoff Items Pane toolbar and a new Takeoff Item Properties dialog opens, set the Type to "Count", select a Shape and you are ready to go. There are four Shapes: Triangle, Circle, Square, and Rectangle. The Shape you select dictates the fields you need to fill in and the available Results (next article).

You are not required to change any fields - you could click "Save" to create a Takeoff Item named "Untitled" - obviously, it is better if you fill out the Takeoff Item Properties as thoroughly as possible. At the very least, update the Name (so you do not create numerous Takeoff Items named "Untitled") and Shape (because for Counts, Shape affects calculations and Results). We recommend filling out the Takeoff Item Properties as thoroughly as possible because the Takeoff Item Pane can be grouped by some properties (Group, Layer, Tag), others (such as Height, Width, and Weight) affect calculations, and Visual Width and Visual Depth affect how the Count objects look on your Plans.

The following is an example of an Count Takeoff Item an estimator might create.

Count Takeoff Item Properties dialog box

At this point, you can click Save to add the Takeoff Item to this bid, but you may want to select additional Results first (next article).

You can save this Takeoff Item for future use by clicking Save as Template, we cover Takeoff Item Templates later in Related Articles.

Fields in a Count Takeoff Item

Most fields are pretty straight-forward, Name, Group, Layer, etc. But there are some that may have you scratching your head.

General (Common to all Takeoff Item Types)
Name	Whatever you want to name your Takeoff Item. It is best practice to be descriptive - for example: Toilet (Water Saver) is better than Plumbing Fixture or Count Takeoff Item 1 (a descriptive name identifies the type of object and its basic dimensions). Takeoff Item Names are used throughout the program so take the time to name your Takeoff Item accurately.
No.	The Takeoff Item number - automatically increments to the next, lowest number. Cannot be changed.
Type	Linear, Area, Count, or Attachment (can be changed until you use this Takeoff Item to draw takeoff).
Shape	There are four Shapes available, each allows you to calculate Results specific to that Shape. It is important that you select the appropriate Shape when setting up a Count Takeoff Item. You can change a Takeoff Item's Shape anytime, even if it has been used to draw takeoff; when you change Shape, all dimensions are reset and all existing Count objects are updated.
Group	The Takeoff Item Group can be used to filter or group the Takeoff Items Pane and the Summary and Worksheet Tabs.
Layer	See Related Articles for more information on Layers.
Tag	Tags can be used to filter and grouping the Takeoff Items Pane much like Takeoff Item Group. In a multi-user environment, we recommend you add your name or initials as a Tag so you can filter and group the Takeoff Items Pane by Tag, and concentrate on the Takeoff Items you need.
Appearance
Color-Fill	Takeoff (the objects that show on the Plan) consists of two parts, the outline of the takeoff object (Line) and the Fill. When creating a Linear, the Fill is usually visible only for wide linears or when zoomed in.
Line	The outline of a takeoff object.
Solid Fill Color	Sets the object to be opaque - when you drawn a takeoff object, it blocks anything behind it.
Use Pattern	Specify how the Fill looks (does it have a pattern, is it translucent, etc.).
Spacing	Only visible when "Use Pattern" is checked; allows you to select the spacing of the pattern. If Grid is checked, this setting is ignored because the actual grid is shown on the Plan.
Pattern	Only visible when "Use Pattern" is checked, allows you to select the pattern (stripes, checks, etc.). If Grid is checked, this setting is ignored because the actual grid is shown on the Plan.
Dimension
Height	The Height of the Count object. Height is required if you want the program to calculate square footage (of the sides of the object) or volume. It is important to remember that a Count object is likely 3 dimensional - think of a column, a footing, or even a lightbox. If you want the program to calculate the square footage and volume of the Count object, you need to set Height.
Diameter/Width	The true diameter or width of the Count object - used for calculations. Required.
Visual Diameter/Width	Define how large you want the object to show on the Plan. Handy if your scale is high and the objects are relatively small - makes identifying the Count objects easier. Does not affect calculations.
Depth	Visible only when you select Rectangular Shape. Specify the true Depth of the Count object. Required so the program can correctly calculate area (the top or bottom) and volume. If you select Square as your Shape, the program assume Depth=Width and the Depth field is hidden.
Visual Depth	Just like Visual Diameter or Width, affects how the Count objects are displayed. Does not affect calculations.
Weight
Weight per UOM	Allows you to specify a Weight by linear, area, cubic, or count UOM, depending on your needs. (Used with Results that include weight calculations, see next article.)

Area Takeoff Item - Results

Count Takeoff Item - Results