Step 1: Open the Estimation Breakdown
Go to the Quantities panel (left side)
Click Review Quantities
This opens the Take-off Estimation Breakdown
Step 2: Add Labour to an Item
Find the item you want to add labour to
Click Add Labour
You can:
Select an existing labour rate
Or create a new labour rate
Step 3: Choose How You Want to Add Labour
Option 1: Fixed Labour Cost
Use this when you know the labour cost upfront.
Add a labour item
Enter the rate ($/hr) and/or total manually
📌 Best for simple or predefined pricing
Option 2: Production-Based Labour (Recommended)
Use this to connect labour directly to your takeoff quantities.
When creating a labour rate:
Enter Labour Rate ($/hr)
Set Estimated Output per Hour (e.g., 320 sqft/hr)
Choose a Production Type:
Sqft
Linear Ft
Cubic Yd
Each
TakeCost automatically calculates:
Total hours required
Labour cost based on output
📌 Example: If 1 hour = 320 sqft and you have 640 sqft → = 2 hours
📌 Labour updates automatically if quantities change
Step 4: Send to Estimating Worksheet
In the Take-off Estimation Breakdown, click Send to Estimating Worksheet
This opens your Worksheet
Step 5: Add or Edit Labour in the Worksheet
Inside the Worksheet, you can:
Adjust labour costs tied to takeoff items
Add additional labour or cost items
To add manually:
Click + Line Item
Select an existing item or click + Create New Line-item
Enter labour details (rate, quantity, unit, markup)
Summary
Add labour from the Take-off Estimation Breakdown
Use production-based labour for automatic calculations
Send to the Worksheet to finalize and adjust
Add additional labour anytime using + Line Item
How do I add subcontractor costs?
Subcontractor costs are added separately from labour.
To add a subcontractor cost:
Go to the Worksheet
Click + Line Item
Select an existing item or click + Create New Line-item
Enter the subcontractor scope (e.g., Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing)
Input the cost provided by the subcontractor
Apply markup if you want to include margin
Why are subcontractors separate from labour?
Subcontractors are treated as separate line items to give you better control and visibility.
Clear visibility into job costs
Independent markup control
Accurate profit tracking
Cleaner proposals and reporting