You can create an estimate in TakeCost with or without a takeoff, depending on your workflow.
Option 1: Start with a takeoff (from drawings)
Upload your drawings
Open the drawing and set or verify the scale
Use the Area, Linear, or Count tools to measure
Your quantities are calculated automatically as you draw.
When you're ready:
Open Quantities to review your measurements
If they are not yet in Estimate, use the quantity review’s worksheet-transfer action
Your measurements will appear as line items in your estimate.
Option 2: Start directly in the worksheet (no takeoff)
If you don’t have drawings or prefer to estimate manually:
Open Estimate
Click + Line Item
Add your materials, labour, or subcontractor costs
Apply markup to calculate profit
Managing Your Estimate
The Worksheet is where you build and manage your estimate.
Here you can:
Add, edit, or remove line items
Update quantities and pricing
Apply markup to individual line items
See totals update automatically as you make changes
Organize large estimates using Tags
Organizing Your Estimate with Tags
As your estimate grows, Tags help keep related items organized.
You can assign a tag to any cost item or scope, then sort your Worksheet by tag to group similar work together.
To add a tag:
Open or create a cost item.
Enter a name in the Tags field.
Save the item.
Once multiple items have been tagged, you can sort your estimate by Tag to quickly organize related work.
This is ideal for organizing estimates by trade, project phase, building area, floor, or any workflow that makes sense for your business.
Prepare the client proposal
After reviewing the estimate, open Bid to prepare and send your proposal, quote, or bid. Review scope, quantities, and pricing after any changes.