In order to provide an estimate the materials must be taken off from the drawing. This is a two stage process because we have found not every symbol is as it should be and it take human experience and skill to spot the and interprit what is intended. First we create the take off sheet so that similar items on each drawing can be inserted into each column. We ensure the revision of the drawing is recorded. This makes evaluating variations at a later date easier. We then identify service routes and measure these off, including vertical rises and falls not identified on the drawing.

The estimator will then evaluate what each symbol means and input the information into the estimate.