Are you a new or experienced estimator trying to tackle estimating the metal studs needed in a project or a framer trying to understand how many metal studs to order? This article is to help estimate metal studs for construction jobs. Metal studs can be a large cost in a project and incorrectly estimating them can cause you to lose a lot of money, face delays in the project, or lose the job because you over estimated. Good quantity takeoffs will allow you to reduce the time your framers spend cutting and reduce the overall metal waste. This article will give you foundations of metal stud estimation. Also, consider using our tools for estimators.
Here are the basic parts of estimating or doing a takeoff:
- Understand which plans to use
- Take measurements with software
- Generate material lists using a spreadsheet
- Understand what areas you may need to budget for more metal studs
Which Plans to Use?
All takeoffs or estimates are derived from the plans, so it’s extremely important to understand which plans you need to look at. Typically we recommend locating a floor plan with wall markers and additional plans with section details of each wall. It can also be helpful to have ceiling heights and other details such as column wrap details.
Measuring Lengths
Software will make doing takeoffs and estimating a lot easier. We use Ground Plan online takeoff software to do our takeoffs. You can also use Oncenter, Bluebeam, or many other tools. Once you’ve identified which plans you need, upload them into your software and start to draw out each wall by wall type.
Generate Material Lists
Once you have wall lengths you can use our spreadsheet template to create takeoffs based on wall lengths and heights. Use this link to access it. It allows you to calculate how much track and stud you will need to frame a given wall.
Budgeting For Metal Studs
Once you have generated your materials list, it is always a good idea to create room for margin. We typically recommend about a 10% margin just in case you need more material for bracing or headers. Often times you need more track for the job.
Conclusion
Congrats! Once you are done with all the steps outlined above you can reach out to us directly or use our online pricing portal to begin pricing your next job. Be sure to use our custom length manufacturing to reduce your waste and time spend cutting. Good luck with your estimate!