PLAN PREPARATION GUIDE
A construction takeoff checklist you can use.
Before you trust a quantity, check the information behind it. Use these seven checks when preparing a plan set or reviewing a sitework estimate.
- 01
Confirm the current revision.
Record the drawing date, revision and applicable addenda. Keep obsolete files out of the active takeoff so quantities can be traced back to the source.
- 02
Choose a supported file.
Use ASCII DXF, supported vector PDF, or KML/KMZ linework. Export DWG to DXF. Check whether a PDF contains vector paths or only a scanned image; split PDF files into sets of up to four pages.
- 03
Confirm units and calibration.
Check feet, drawing units and the printed scale. Calibrate to a known dimension and spot-check one length and one area. Do this again when a plan has been resized or replaced.
- 04
Review layers and boundaries.
Look for duplicate lines, open polygons, symbols that did not export and reference layers that should be excluded. Confirm the site or measurement boundary before reviewing a total.
- 05
Check elevation inputs for earthwork.
Confirm existing and proposed contour elevations, vertical units, survey coverage and datum. Review how stripping and subgrade depth are represented in the surfaces or adjustments.
- 06
Record estimating assumptions.
Keep material depths, density, shrink, swell, truck capacity, waste and unit pricing visible. A measured area and an assumed thickness are different inputs; review both.
- 07
Review the bid scope with your team.
Check quantities, exclusions, alternates and project specifications. Compare representative results with manual measurements before completing the bid package.
Working with a team outside the United States?
GeoSync AI is an online, English language workspace. The current takeoff outputs use customary units such as feet, square feet, acres and cubic yards; plans are priced in USD. Confirm drawing conversions, project specifications and the units your estimating team needs before choosing the workflow.
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