How to Perform Electrical On-screen Takeoff Using PlanSwift

PlanSwift enhances accuracy and saves valuable time in project estimation by enabling contractors to perform takeoff directly from the digital blueprints with precise measurement capabilities and integrated calculation features. This innovative software is designed to streamline the process of electrical takeoff.

Introduction to PlanSwift

Planswift is the construction industry’s takeoff and estimating software, allowing contractors to quickly measure and calculate quantities from paper and digital plans. Planswift will be more efficient estimating than taking off from any plans. Planswift is the number one takeoff and estimate software in the market today.

PlanSwift boosts the efficiency of these services by taking accurate measurements and rapidly modifying them, hence offering a much more competitive and prepared proposal for the project. This is why it stands to be the best software in the market. Here are the reasons why it’s best.

• Efficiency: Quickly measure areas, lengths, and counts directly from digital plans.
• Accurate: Minimize human error using precise digital measurements.
• Customization: Prepare templates and customize tools based on the project’s specific needs.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other estimating and project management software.

Configuring PlanSwift for Electrical Onscreen Takeoff

Configure PlanSwift before you start any takeoff process because this software must be configured correctly to enable efficiency in its workflow.

Start a New Project with an Electrical Plan

• Open PlanSwift: Launch the PlanSwift on your computer. Once open, start a new project by selecting the “New Project” option from the main menu.

• Import a digital plan: Digital plans may be imported from PDF, CAD, or TIFF format by dragging them into the workspace or using the “Import” function. Plans should have sufficient resolution to measure clearly.

• Set the scale: Make sure you click the scale tool. Scale your plan digitally and enter measurements here, like the length of a doorway or wall length. All of your measures of conduit length, position of fixtures, and lines used for wiring will then look like they have real-world dimensions if the scale is accurate. 

Customization Tools for electrical takeoffs 

The process of conducting an electrical takeoff mostly requires some specific tools, and there are also configurations. The ability of planSwift to cater to that need is found in these customizable options:

• Customized Profile: This has a different takeoff profile for electric vehicles, enabling them to carry an archive with the most frequently accessed items on every takeoff, saving time.

• Use of tool templates: Using tool templates in PlanSwift will allow the creation of reusable takeoff tools. Create custom tools for outlets, switches, and conduits according to project requirements. Each tool can have unique symbols, line styles, and measurements that correspond to specific electrical components.

• Tool settings: Go to the “tool setting” pane, where you can alter measurement settings like length, area, and count. For instance, you would set up the length measurement for conduit pathways and determine the count tool for fixtures and outlets.

Performing Electrical Takeoff in PlanSwift

Now that you have configured your project tool, you can start with the takeoff.

Counting Electrical Fixtures and Devices

• Select Count Tool: Open the toolbar and choose the “Count” tool. Click on each outlet, switch, and fixture icon in the drawing. PlanSwift will automatically calculate the count as you click each item.

• Coloring and tagging: Different colors or tags are usually used for all fixtures, with a particular color for the switches, outlets, or light fixtures. This visual tracking will assist in monitoring items in the takeoffs and making them consistent.

Measurement of the length of conduit and cable

• Linear measure: Click down the path in the drawing along the wire and conduit runs using the linear measure selected. PlanSwift will automatically calculate the size for you.

• Snap to content: Use the “Snap to Content” feature to place your measurement tool along a point of interest accurately. This is important to ensure you end up with accurate measurements of the complex cable runs and conduits.

Panel load and circuit run

• Marking panel location: Draw a symbol for each panel and enter information regarding each circuit in writing for every circuit on that specific panel.

• Annotation of circuit runs: Crossmark the circuits run on a panel. This will give an estimated budget and ensure all your circuits are counted.

Correction and verification of  takeoff data

When all the measurements and quantities you have obtained have been correctly filled in, review the accuracy and completeness of the information you have provided.

• Markup list: A markup list in PlanSwift is a detailed log of your takeoff item measurements and quantities. It would be best if you cross-checked it against project requirements.

• Correction and adjustments: Check the quantities and make necessary adjustments. For example, if the symbol was missed while tallying, you may put it on the list here.

• Layering: You can categorize elements using the Lakers. You can differentiate between outlets, switches, and lighting as different layers. This will help you have the same elements in a toggled or focused review between the layers.

Generating Report

With Planswift, you can generate a report that can assist in budgeting, purchasing, and managing a project. The following are the steps to create the report.

• Report configuration: Go to the report section and select the desired format. You can create reports showing each component’s count, lengths, and quantities. Double-check each item to ensure nothing is missed.

• Export data for budgeting: The export functionality takes data into Excel and selects the file type. Unit price information and cost data could now be added to your spreadsheets and used in further project estimations and budgets.

You can summarize the overall material quantities, length, and costs. This overview will quickly reference the project managers and other stockholders.

Tips for efficient electrical takeoff with PlanSwift

Create Templates for Repeated Items.

PlanSwift “Template” feature lets you reuse the s item across projects, saving time and ensuring consistency. Use these templates for fixtures, conduit pathways, and so forth.

Cross-Verify With the Original Plan.

Compare the takeoff with the original electrical plan so that all items appear; there should be minimum, or no fixtures or non-traditional conduit runs possibly overlooked.

Verify Measurement Mode

Verify that the measurement mode is activated before taking off anything, ensuring the measuring instrument is appropriately functioning. The most common faults are usually due to the wrong measurement functions.

Annotate With Comments

Use PlanSwift annotation tools to add notes to the unique items or areas requiring clarification. For example, mark where a panel location might have to be changed according to the site constraints.

Conclusion

Using PlanSwift for electrical onscreen takeoff provides a detailed and practical approach to estimating project requirements. Contractors can ensure accurate and consistent results by following a structured process from setting up the workspace and customizing tools to finalizing the data and exporting reports. By leveraging PlanSwift’s capabilities in combination with effective electrical estimating and takeoff services, contractors will be better positioned to meet the demands of projects, control costs, and remain competitive.