When taking-off a set of drawings, it’s important to verify the completeness of the plans. Countless times I have seen drawings that look 100% complete, until I started looking at the layout of the each system. It’s very important to follow the systems to ensure that you are taking-off a complete system and nothing more or less. You can’t rely on the Architect or Engineer to supply accurate 100% complete drawings.
On plans that have each floor separated into multiple areas, it’s important to verify that not only is the whole floor shown, but also that there is not overlap between the plans. Referencing the columns shown on each plan to ensure that there is no gap/overlap on the plans is a good estimating practice. Even if the plans show where the dividing line is between areas, still check to verify these lines are consistent for all the drawings.
Another problem I have seen many times is systems simply disappearing from one floor/area to the next. You should always reference the areas/floors around the section you are taking-off to ensure there is continuity in the plans. For plumbing, the roof/storm drainage piping seems to be a popular system to “disappear”. The plans will show the storm drainage piping going to the floor below but the plans for the level below doesn’t reference the piping.
Once the incorrect items on the drawing are identified, it’s important to notify the Architect so the issues can be corrected on an addendum. This will help level the playing field at bid time.
One Comment
You should always check the scale on the plans. Through my 45 years of estimating I have found many instances where the scale was wrong. Nowdays the plans are being reduced resulting in wrong measurements and areas.