Table of Contents

• Basement and Pony Wall Framing Labor Section
• Floor Framing Material Section
  • Floor Framing Material Video Walkthrough
• Exterior Wall Framing Material Section
  • Exterior Walls Video Walkthrough
• Exterior Wall Framing Labor Section
• Interior Wall Framing Material Section
• Interior Wall Framing Labor Section
• Door & Window Headers Section
  • Doors, Windows, Shear Walls, and Stairs Video Walkthrough
• Specialty Framing Materials Section
• Specialty Framing Labor Section
• Stair Framing Materials Section
• Stair Framing Labor Section
• Truss Roof Framing Material Section
  • Roof Framing Video Walkthrough
• Truss Roof Framing Labor Section
• Stick Roof Framing Materials Section
• Stick Roof Soffit, Fascia, & Gable Wall Framing Materials Section

Step 01: Estimate the Labor for Installing Top and Bottom Plates

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost for the specific labor item.

Step 02: Estimate the Labor for Installing the Wall Studs

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost for the specific labor item.Step 05: Determine Temporary Bracing Quanities 

Step 01: Look at the Framing Plans to Identify Cost Items

Open the Floor Framing Plans in Bluebeam and identify the following items:

• Floor Girders - refers to the material aligned perpindicular to the floor joists in the framing plan
• Mud Sill - runs the perimter of the floor framing plan
• Floor Joists - multiple lengths across the entire floor framing plan
• Joist Headers - refers to the material lining the stair opening in the framing plan

Step 02: Estimate the Quantity of Floor Girder Material

The Floor Girder refers to the material aligned perpindicular to the floor joists in the framing plan. There are multiple lengths, and the material is likely to be 2-1-3/4" x 9-1/2" Micro-Lam Beam.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of the floor girders.
2. Add all the measurements together to estimate the total LF of the floor girders.
3. Enter this measurement in the Floor Framing Material Header for Floor Girders.

Step 03: Estimate the Quantities for Mud Sill, Sealer, and Rim Joists 

The measurement for Mud Sill, Sill Sealer, and Rim Joists will all be the same.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of the perimeter of the Mud Sill.
2. Enter this measurement in the Floor Framing Material Header for Sill Sealer, Mud Sill, and Rim Joist.

Step 04: Estimate the Quantity for Floor Joists

There are multiple lengths of floor joists in the plans.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all floor joists.
2. Add all the measurements together to estimate the total LF of the floor joists.
3. Enter this measurement in the Floor Framing Material Header for LF Floor Joists.

Step 05: Estimate the Quantity of the Joist Headers

The Joist Headers refer to the material surrounding the stair opening in the framing plan. There are three sides, and the material is likely to be 1-1/4" x 9-1/2" Timber.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of the joist headers.
2. Add all the measurements together to estimate the total LF of the joist headers.
3. Enter this measurement in the Floor Framing Material Header for Joist Headers.

Step 06: Estimate the Floor Girder Material Cost

This task requires you to write functions that will correctly pull size, unit, and cost data from a material database.

1. Enter a function into the Size cell for the Floor Girder in the Floor Framing Material section that will pull the appropriate size data from the framing databse, given a material being entered in appropriate cell of the row. This should be done using both IF and VLOOKUP functions, and should return an exact match.
2. Enter a similar function into the Units cell for the Floor Girder, except to pull the unit data, given a material. This should be accomplished by changing the column the VLOOKUP function references.
3. Enter a function into the Unit Cost cell for the Floor Girder in the Floor Framing Material section that will pull the appropriate cost data from the framing database, given a material and a correctly matching supplier being entered in appropriate cells of the row. This should be done using IF, OR, VLOOKUP, and MATCH functions, and should return an exact match.

Step 01: Estimate the Quantity of Top Plates

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the WallPlates function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, NumberPlates, WasteFactor, and Size.

Step 02: Estimate the Quantity of Bottom Plates

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the WallPlates function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, NumberPlates, WasteFactor, and Size.

Step 03: Estimate the Quantity of Wall Studs

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the StudCount function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, StudSpacing, Corners, Door_Window, Big_Window, and WasteFactor.

Step 04: Estimate the Quantity of Wall Sheathing

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the Wall_Sheathing function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, Wall_Sheathing_Height, Number_Sides,WasteFactor, and Sides.

Step 01: Estimate the CraftHrs and Labor for Exterior Walls Labor

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost and CraftHrs for the specific labor item.

This process must be done for all line items in the Exterior Walls Labor subsection of the Exterior Wall Framing Labor section.

Step 01: Estimate the Quantity of 2x4 Wall Studs

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the StudCount function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, StudSpacing, Corners, Door_Window, Big_Window, and WasteFactor.

Step 02: Estimate the Quantity of 2x6 Wall Studs

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the StudCount function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, StudSpacing, Corners, Door_Window, Big_Window, and WasteFactor.

Step 03: Estimate the Quantity of 2x4 12' Wall Studs

This step will require you to use the Function Builder tool to enter a custom User Defined Function that has been preloaded into the Estimating Workbook.

1. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the StudCount function.
2. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, WallLength, StudSpacing, Corners, Door_Window, Big_Window, and WasteFactor

Step 01: Estimate the CraftHrs and Labor for Interior Wall Framing Labor

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost and CraftHrs for the specific labor item.

This process must be done for all line items in the Exterior Walls Labor subsection of the Exterior Wall Framing Labor section.

Step 01: View the Door and Window Sections of the BasicInfo Tab

These sections in the BasicInfo tab have information that must be input in the Framing tab. Find and view these sections in the BasicInfo tab as you complete the following steps.

Step 02: Enter the Number of Interior Doors

Interior doors use a 2x4 Flat construction for the headers. Reference the information in the BasicInfo tab to input the number of doors for each of the following sizes:

• Doors 3 ft or Less
• Doors Over 3 ft to 4 ft
• Doors Over 4 ft to 5 ft
• Doors Over 5 ft to 6 ft

Step 03: Enter the Number of Exterior Doors

Exterior doors use a 2 - 2x10 construction for the headers. Reference the information in the BasicInfo tab to input the number of doors for each of the following sizes:

• Doors 3 ft or Less
• Doors over 4 ft to 5 ft

Step 04: Enter the Number of Windows

Windows are exterior features, and use a 2 - 2x10 construction for the headers. Reference the information in the BasicInfo tab to input the number of windows for each of the following sizes:

• Windows over 2 ft to 3 ft
• Windows over 5 ft to 6 ft

Step 01: Find and Input the Quantity of Shear Walls

Reference the Building Plans to find the quantity of shear walls. They may be referred to as Simpson Strong Walls. Because these are a specialty item that is purchased and installed as a complete unit, you only need to enter the quantity.

Step 01: Input the Quantity of Shear Walls to Install

Because these are a specialty item that is purchased as a complete unit, the labor cost to install it is also preset. You only need to enter the quantity of shear walls being installed to estimate the labor.

Step 01: Input the Total Rise of the Stairs from the Plans

Total Rise refers to the total height of the stairway, not the height of the individual steps. It extends from the concrete floor to the top of the stair landing.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of the rise of the stairs.
2. Enter this measurement in the Stair Framing Materials Header for Total Rise in inches.

Step 02: Estimate the Stair Stringers Material Cost

This task requires you to write functions that will correctly pull size, unit, and cost data from a material database.

1. Enter a function into the Size cell for the Stair Stringers in the Stair Framing Materials section that will pull the appropriate size data from the framing database, given a material being entered in appropriate cell of the row. This should be done using both IF and VLOOKUP functions, and should return an exact match.
2. Enter a similar function into the Units cell for the Stair Stringers, except to pull the unit data, given a material. This should be accomplished by changing the column the VLOOKUP function references.
3. Enter a function into the Unit Cost cell for the Stair Stringers in the Stair Framing Materials section that will pull the appropriate cost data from the framing databse, given a material and a correctly matching supplier being entered in appropriate cells of the row. This should be done using IF, OR, VLOOKUP, and MATCH functions, and should return an exact match.

Step 01: Estimate the Labor and Quantity for the Stairway Risers

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Risers are counted by units of 1, including the landing riser
3. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost for the specific labor item.

Step 02: Estimate the Labor and Quantity for the Stair Landing

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. Landings are measured in SF, so the labor for installing them is counted in 1 SF increments. You will need to calculate the SF of the entire landing to accurately estimate the total labor cost.
3. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost for the specific labor item.

Step 01: Identify the Standard Trusses and Scissor Trusses in the Plans  

The roof framing will be comprised of Standard Trusses and Scissor Trusses. Look at the plans to identify the trusses.

Standard Trusses will have a "T" prefix. Examples include:

• T1
• T1GE
• T1STRG
• T2
• T3
• T3GE

Scissor Trusses will have an "S" prefix. Examples include:

• S1
• S1A
• S1B

Step 02: Estimate the SF of the Standard Truss Area

Trusses are measured in SF of the entire flat area they support. This does not refer to the area of the various planes of the finished roof, but the flat area to which the trusses are mounted.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all standard truss areas NOT in the garage area in the Roof Framing Plans.
2. Input the total area from the takeoff in the Standard Truss Area cell of the SF Flat Roof Area Including Overhangs row in the Truss Roof Framing Material header.

Step 03: Estimate the SF of the Scissor Truss Area

Trusses are measured in SF of the entire flat area they support. This does not refer to the area of the various planes of the finished roof, but the flat area to which the trusses are mounted.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all scissor truss areas in the Roof Framing Plans.
2. Input the total area from the takeoff in the Scissor Truss Area cell of the SF Flat Roof Area Including Overhangs row in the Truss Roof Framing Material header.

Step 04: Estimate the SF of the Garage Truss Area

Trusses are measured in SF of the entire flat area they support. This does not refer to the area of the various planes of the finished roof, but the flat area to which the trusses are mounted.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all standard truss areas found in the garage area in the Roof Framing Plans.
2. Input the total area from the takeoff in the Garage Truss Area cell of the SF Flat Roof Area Including Overhangs row in the Truss Roof Framing Material header.

Step 01: Estimate the Labor Cost of Installing the Trusses and Roof Sheathing.

This is the same process used for estimating labor for any other construction task using the NCE.

1. Ensure that the Quantity for both the specific materials and labor item in the Estimating Workbook is accurate.
2. These items are measured in SF, so the labor for installing them is counted in 1 SF increments.
3. Use the NCE to look up the labor cost for the specific labor item.

Step 01: Identify the Ridge Board in the Roof Framing Plans

The ridge boards are labeled in the Roof Framing Plans. Using a search feature in whichever program you are using to view plans will be helpful in identifying them.

Step 02: Estimate the Quantity of Ridge Board Material Required

Ridge boards are measured in LF.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all ridge board lengths found in the Roof Framing Plans.
2. Use the Function Builder Tool to enter the LFQuantity function in the Quantity cell of the Ridge Board row of the Stick Roof Framing Materials Section.
3. Identify the correct cells the function should reference for Material, Length, WasteFactor, and Size.

• There will not be a cell to reference for Length in the header. Instead, enter the lengths manually in the Length field of the Formula Builder (eg. 31+16.5+12.25).

Step 01: Identify All of the Gables in the Building Plans

Gables are the end parts of a wall that encloses the area under a pitched roof. Look at the plans and identifall all gable areas. They may not all be triangles.

Step 02: Measure the Roof Edges of the Gables

Roof Edge is measured in LF.

1. Use Bluebeam to complete a takeoff measurement of all edges of the gables that border the roof.
2. Enter the sum of all the gable edges bordering the roof in the LF Roof Edge cell of the Stick Roof, Soffit, Fascia, & Gable Wall Framing Materials header.

Step 03: Identify the Soffit Width in the Plans

A soffit is the underside of a roof that extends from the sides of a structure to the edge of the roof. Identify the soffits in the building plans.

Step 04: Measure the Width of the Soffit in Inches

Soffit widths are measured in inches.

1. Use Bluebeam to do a takeoff to measure the width of the soffits from the structure.
2. Enter the width of the soffit in the Soffit Width (In) cell of the Stick Roof Soffit, Fascia, & Gable Wall Framing Materials header.

Step 05: Measure the Area of the Gable Walls

Gable walls are measured in SF.

1. Use Bluebeam to do a takeoff to measure the area of the gable walls in the plans. Do not forget any unconventionally shaped gable walls, like those found between the roof of a main structure and the roof of a garage.
2. Enter the SF of all gable walls in the SF Gable Walls cell of the Stick Roof Soffit, Fascia, & Gable Wall Framing Materials header.