This YouTube clip is an overview of what Takeoff_Area has to offer. Lots of different uses for this cool new tool, but basically it allows SketchUp users to quickly trace/create faces/areas with assigned layers and textures PLUS instantly view the area of each “Collection” and use the results to generate takeoffs and estimates.
Have watched the video and have several questions. We are general contrctactors wanting to see some detail on how we would use Estimator for QTO (BOM/quantity-survey) take off (and pricing/estimting). As we already have to “trace” drawings (typ .pdf) from architect we would be interested in seeing how much other information may be available with same process using a component/assembly, say if we had a wall with wood framing, exterior sheathing, vapor barrier and face brick. This is same anytime we’re dealing with a linear foot measurement and want to have a sq.ft. calculated by assigning the wall segment a ht. (early drawings typically don’t have all hidden wall conditions “elevated”. Area measurements we already do within SketchUp but it would be nice to “collect” in a report format. Count’s (ea) are essential to us too. We would also like to know what “components” would come with Estimator or would we be starting/building all from scratch? Typically we start the process by “tracing” over plans generated by an architect with either OST or Bluebeam. Over the last few years have been getting SUP models which (carefully) have area attributes but these are not predictable, depending on how they model was put together. Thanks, Michael M
Hi Michael-
Sorry for the delayed reply – I just got back from SketchUp’s 3D Basecamp and overlooked this comment. No Components come with SU, but you can add pricing data to any and all components in your model. Takeoff_Length and Area are two additional tools to aid in collecting takeoff data. You can model all of your framing, sheathing, brick, etc. and assign pricing via Components (like studs), Layers (like LF of plates), Materials (like sheathing based on texture sf). OR you could use Takeoff_Length to accumulate LF of various wall types, then use Estimator to calculate a variety of materials in an “assembly” (like use LF x1.5 for studs, or *3/16 for bottom plate and double top plates total, divided by 16′ for how many 16′ plates you need (and add waste, etc.) – sheathing by length x wall height – area,. divided by 32 for 4×8 sheets (add waste, etc.)
Once these components are saved, pricing data is saved with it. Once Layers and Materials have pricing data assigned, and in a template file, you do not have to re-enter data.
Hope this helps – please feel free to email me at john@estimatorforsketchup.com anytime with questions, etc.