garvyThe hard part
Where drywall takeoffs go wrong
These are the places a drywall number usually drifts. Garvy is built to catch them or ask about them.
Wall types the legend doesn't define
A plan tagged with a partition type that isn't in the legend leaves studs, layers and rating unknown. That's a question, not an assumption.
Heights that live on other sheets
Linear feet come from the plan; heights come from sections, the RCP and notes like "to deck" or "6 inches above ceiling." Square footage is only as good as the height.
Layers and sides per type
One type is a layer each side, another is two layers one side. Linear feet times height is the start, not the board count.
Rated assemblies and their details
Rated walls carry specific board, deflection track, firestopping and sealant requirements. Missing the rating misses the cost.
Soffits, bulkheads and furring
They sit on the RCP and in details rather than on the floor plan, which is why they get left out.
Ceilings, insulation and finish level
Whether ACT, insulation and the level of finish are in your scope is set in the specs and finish schedule.
The takeoff
What Garvy takes off for drywall and framing contractors
Garvy takes off A-series floor plans, the partition type legend, reflected ceiling plans, wall sections and details. Every line is tagged to the sheet it came from.
| Item | Unit | Taken from |
|---|---|---|
| Partitions by wall type | LF | Floor plans + partition legend |
| Gypsum board by type and layer | SF | Wall types × heights × sides |
| Metal stud framing by gauge and size | LF | Partition legend |
| Ceilings, soffits and bulkheads | SF / LF | Reflected ceiling plans + details |
| Acoustical insulation | SF | Partition legend + specs |
| Openings, corners and trims | EA / LF | Plans and door schedule |
Beyond your sheets
The specs that change your price
Spec sections are never taken off, but they decide materials, methods and what's in your scope. Garvy reads them and carries what matters into the price and the proposal.
| Section | What Garvy looks for |
|---|---|
| 09 22 16 Non-structural metal framing | Stud gauge, spacing and deflection requirements |
| 09 29 00 Gypsum board | Board types, level of finish, moisture-resistant locations |
| 09 51 13 Acoustical panel ceilings | Whether ACT is in your scope, and which grid |
| 07 84 00 Firestopping | Who carries firestopping at rated walls |
No guessing
Questions Garvy raises instead of guessing
When the documents don't answer it, Garvy lists it with the sheet and location. You decide whether to assume or send an RFI.
Questions
Drywall estimating with Garvy
Does Garvy read the partition type legend?
Yes. The legend is how he knows the studs, layers, sides and rating for every wall type, and any tag the legend doesn't define becomes a question for you.
Where does Garvy get wall heights?
From sections, reflected ceiling plans and notes. Each height is tied to the sheet it came from, and any height he had to infer is marked so you can check it.
Does Garvy take off ceilings too?
If ceilings are in your scope, yes. He takes them off from the reflected ceiling plans along with soffits and bulkheads.
New to AI takeoff? Start with how AI estimating software works, including where your estimator reviews and what it can't do yet.
Other trades
Garvy for other subcontractors
Electrical estimating
E-series power, lighting and systems plans, single-line and riser diagrams, panel schedules and the fixture schedule.
See electrical →HVAC estimating
M-series duct and piping plans, equipment schedules, air device schedules, details and the mechanical legend.
See HVAC →Plumbing estimating
P-series plans, isometric and riser diagrams, the plumbing fixture schedule, details and the plumbing legend.
See plumbing →Throw Garvy your next drywall bid.
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