The best way to calculate and estimate drywall take off

For winning a construction bid, precise material takeoff is always necessary. That’s why a contractor has to place a bid for drywall with accurate estimates and numbers. Otherwise, one cannot win the bid and earn money.

However, when it comes to estimating drywall takeoff, then every contractor finds it a little complex. It’s because there are some details and formulas that need to be considered accurately.

In this post, you will know the right cost estimating of material for drywall construction. If you hire an estimating service, then they will also provide you the estimate with the same method. So, read all the way down. It will help you in your construction business.

Let’s dive into the detail!

 

Procedure for estimating drywall takeoff

Use this method when you need to estimate a drywall takeoff. If you follow these steps, then you will always have an accurate figure. The detail is below.

Calculate square footage

The first step is to measure the total area, where the drywall needs to be installed. For example, if you have a room, then it will take four walls and one ceiling for drywall. Multiply the length of one wall with its width. It will provide you with the area of that wall. Then, you must do the same with all the other walls and the ceiling. As a result, you will have five numbers. Finally, add them up. It will give you the total square footage area where the drywall needs to be installed.

Calculate the number of drywall sheets

Drywall sheets are available in two sizes in the market. One 4-by-8 sheet and the second is a 4-by-12 sheet. If you are using a 4-by-8 sheet, then you need to divide the total square footage by 32. It will give the number of drywall sheets that you require. Then, you must add another 10% for damages and waste. For example, if you have a 1600 square feet area and you are using 4-by-8 sheets, then you will need 50 sheets precisely. When you add 10% for the waste, then you’ll need 55 sheets. If you are using 4-by-12 sheets, then you have to divide the total square footage by 48 and repeat the above method. If you want the cost of sheets, then multiply the number of sheets with the unit price. It will give you the cost.

Calculate the length of required drywall tape

The required length of drywall tape needs to be calculated accurately. For that, you have to multiply the number of drywall sheets with the used perimeter of drywall sheets. It means that if you have 55 drywall sheets, then you have to multiply it with the length of drywall wall tape used on one sheet. For example, a 4-by-8 drywall sheet needs 16 feet of drywall tape. If you multiply it with 55, then you get 800 feet. It will be the required length of drywall tape for your project.

Calculate the joint compound volume

You need a joint compound for sticking drywall sheets to the wall. Generally, it requires 0.053 pounds of joint compound per foot of drywall. Then, multiple this number with a total area of drywall. For example, if you have 1600 feet area, then you require 1600x0.053=84.8 pounds of joint compound mud. For cost estimating, you need to multiply the final number with the unit price.

Calculate drywall screws

Another step for estimating drywall takeoff is the total number of drywall screws that you need. For that, you must divide the total drywall area by 300. If you have 1600 square feet of drywall, then you have to divide it by 300. The answer will be 5.33 pounds of drywall screws.

Calculate the length of corner beads

You will also require corner beads on all corners of the wall. Generally, corner beads are in 8-feet lengths or 10-feet lengths. Measure the total length of all corners. Then, divide the total length with the unit length of corner beads. It will give you the total number of corner beads that you require. For cost estimating, you need to multiply the final number with unit price.

Take account of miscellaneous costs.

There will always be some extra costs that you have to pay. The detail is mentioned below. • The cost of waste removal • Sandpaper • Permit fees • Insurance • Extra supplies for protection

Final estimating step

Add all of the above costs, and you will get the final number. It will be an accurate drywall estimate. To be on the safe side, you must add 10% to the final number. When you finish the drywall, then you will also have spending under your estimated number.

Wrap up

Every estimating service employs the above calculation method for preparing drywall estimate. There is no other method that gives better results than this. So, use the above method for preparing quality drywall estimates. Have a great day.