In this example, we are going to create a template for estimating concrete footings and a concrete wall with a Perimeter tool and formulas. The template will also contain the required rebar and the labor.

1) Click on the "Perimeter Template" button.

2) This will open the "Create a new template" window.

3) Insert a significant name which will make it easier to identify in the future.

4) Go to the "Estimating Items" tab then click on the "" button.

5) Insert the first item to include in the template list by choosing the section, sub section in the top portion of the window then the item itself in the lower part of the window.

6) Selecting the item will open the "Formula Builder" window:

The Formula Builder will use the takeoff result (linear perimeter) and use it as a variable in order to generate more elaborate results in a Quote which will contain the required estimating items.

7) Configure the concrete footing first. The footing contains a volume of concrete. We will therefore need 3 dimensions. The first dimension will be the length measured by the Perimeter. Double-click on the "Net Length" item in the results list to insert it in the Formula Builder.

As a volume of concrete contains 3 dimensions, the formula will have to multiply 3 measures. Use the multiply operator (*) between the dimensions. The user can either click on the operator buttons or enter them directly with the keyboard.

Enter the other 2 dimensions of the footing.

The width of the footing will be 60 centimeters and the thickness will be 25 centimeters (Imperial measures (", ', '-" also available).

Click "OK" to validate the formula. It will appear in the Create a new template" window:

8) Let's now add 2 length of rebar on the full length of the footing and include a 10% waste factor by repeating the steps described in 5):

The given formula will be: [Net Length] * 2 * 1.1
[Net Length] : (measured by the Perimeter)
* 2 : Constant added by the user to put 2 rebars on the whole length of the footing
* 1.1 : Constant added by the user to add a 10% waste factor

Click "OK" to validate the formula. It will appear in the Template creation window:

Let's now add the concrete pump:

The "Concrete pump" estimating Item is sols by the "half-day". We will then enter the constant "1" in the formula since we only need 1 half-day for this Sub contract Estimating Item.
Repeat the operation for the other Items needed for this footing and the wall :

As many Estimating Items as necessary can be entered in the template. Identical Items can be repeated with different formulas or joined in a single entry with the appropriate formula to avoid repetition in the Estimating grid.

9) Add a comment in the template to describe it:

Once the template is completed, click "OK" to insert it in the template list. A template can then be modified, duplicated or deleted.

10) Usage of the template in the takeoff and estimating process:

In the "Home" tab, the template will be available by clicking on the black arrow located under the appropriate measuring tool. In this case, the Perimeter.
Proceed with measuring with the usual method.


As soon as a measure is taken, the estimating results will start to appear in the "Estimating Items" tab of the Properties panel. The Estimating Items will also be displayed in the Estimating panel:

At this step, the user can modify the prices and markups of each Estimating Item.

Ultimately, the results in the Takeoff, Estimating and Quote reports: