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What to send with a plan set for a commercial roofing takeoff
What should I send for a commercial roofing takeoff?
The full drawing set (architectural, structural, mechanical and plumbing), the roofing spec sections, every addendum issued so far, and a short note on scope, alternates and bid date. A roof plan alone leaves questions open.
Disclosure: Sharp Pencil sells commercial roofing takeoffs, so we have a stake in this topic.
The short list
The more of the set we have, the fewer questions we send you later. A roof-plan-only upload is almost never enough.
We take off steep slope (standing seam, shingle) and commercial low slope (TPO, EPDM, PVC, mod bit, BUR) from the full set. Send the full set for either one.
| Item | Why the takeoff needs it | If you don't have it |
|---|---|---|
| Full drawing set, all disciplines | Drains, curbs, deck and heights sit off the roof plan | Send what you have. Gaps go on the Questions tab |
| Spec book or Division 07 sections | System, attachment and insulation | A question goes on the Questions tab |
| Addenda issued to date | Changed sheets and spec sections | Note the last addendum number |
| Alternates and unit prices, in a short note | Which lines to split out | Say "none" |
| Scope note: new, tear-off, recover or repair | Sets the lines | Pick "Not sure, read the documents" on the upload form |
| Bid date | Helps us plan the Questions tab around your deadline | Optional |
For which sheets a roofing takeoff reads, see the sheets a roofing takeoff has to read. For the spec sections, see reading Division 07 for a roofing takeoff.
Files and formats
PDF or ZIP. Up to 20 files, 2 GB each. Large files upload in pieces.
Leave out bid forms, reports and photo sets.
If you have a 3D model, send PDF sheets exported from it. The upload form takes PDF or ZIP only. See how a Sharp Pencil takeoff works.
What slows a takeoff down
Each of these becomes a question on the Questions tab.
- A roof plan with no other sheets
- No spec book or Division 07 sections
- An addendum issued after the upload
- Scope not stated: new, tear-off, recover or repair
When the clock starts
Usually within one business day. Delivered within 48 hours*.
*Clock starts once any questions we send you are answered.
What you get back
Four files: START HERE, marked-up drawings PDF, Takeoff.xlsx with a Questions tab, and the material order list. Every quantity carries its source sheet and its basis.
Pricing is optional. Send your cost data and we apply your prices to the quantities. Any line you have not priced comes back marked UNPRICED.
See a sample takeoff and commercial roofing takeoff services.
FAQ
Can I send just the roof plan?
You can, but a roof plan alone leaves drains, curbs, heights and the attachment method open, and each one becomes a question on the Questions tab.
Do I need the spec book?
Send the roofing sections if you have them. If the spec is missing, the takeoff names what it could not confirm.
What if an addendum comes out after I upload?
Send the addendum when you have it. See how addenda change a roofing takeoff.
How long does a takeoff take?
Usually within one business day. Delivered within 48 hours*. *Clock starts once any questions we send you are answered.
What does it cost?
$395 per takeoff. $395 covers a new set of drawings, or a new address. First takeoff free, one per contractor, on a job you're bidding or quoting.
Your plans stay yours
A plan set you send us will never be used to compete with you, and plan sets are deleted whenever you ask. More on whether outsourced takeoffs are confidential.
Try it on a job you are bidding
Get your first takeoff free · $395 per takeoff · See a sample takeoff
The Sharp Pencil team