garvyThe hard part
Where electrical takeoffs go wrong
These are the places a electrical number usually drifts. Garvy is built to catch them or ask about them.
Fixture types that don't match the schedule
A plan shows a type F4 that the fixture schedule never defines, or the schedule lists types that appear on no sheet. Each one changes the lighting package price.
Device counts spread across sheets and symbols
Receptacles, switches, data and floor boxes sit on different plans with legend symbols that vary by engineer. Missing one plan or one symbol quietly drops quantity.
Homeruns and branch circuits drawn as arrows
Plans show a homerun arrow and a circuit number, not a wire length. Footage has to be estimated from device location to the panel, with drops and routing added.
Feeders that live on the single-line
Feeder sizes come from the single-line or riser while lengths come from the plan. Getting both from different sheets is where long feeders get under-counted.
Panel schedules that disagree with the plans
The circuit count, breaker sizes or spares on the panel schedule don't line up with what's drawn. That's a question for the engineer, not a guess.
Scope that belongs to someone else
Fire alarm, low voltage, controls wiring and owner-furnished equipment are often split across contracts. The general notes and specs decide what's yours.
The takeoff
What Garvy takes off for electrical contractors
Garvy takes off E-series power, lighting and systems plans, single-line and riser diagrams, panel schedules and the fixture schedule. Every line is tagged to the sheet it came from.
| Item | Unit | Taken from |
|---|---|---|
| Light fixtures by type | EA | Lighting plans + fixture schedule |
| Receptacles, switches, devices | EA | Power and lighting plans |
| Branch circuit conduit and wire | LF | Plans, circuit numbers, panel locations |
| Feeders by size | LF | Single-line / riser + plan routing |
| Panels, transformers, disconnects | EA | Single-line, panel schedules, equipment plans |
| Junction boxes, floor boxes, poke-throughs | EA | Power plans and details |
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 |
|---|---|
| 26 05 19 Low-voltage conductors and cables | Wire type, minimum size and whether MC cable is allowed |
| 26 05 33 Raceways and boxes | EMT vs. rigid, where each is required, box types |
| 26 24 16 Panelboards | Bus rating, breaker types, spares |
| 26 51 00 Interior lighting | Fixture substitutions, controls, who furnishes |
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
Electrical estimating with Garvy
Does Garvy take off fire alarm and low voltage?
Only if that's your scope. Garvy reads the general notes and specs to see whether those systems are in your contract, and takes off the sheets that apply to the work you bid.
How does Garvy handle wire lengths from homerun arrows?
He measures from the device to the panel at the drawing's scale, adds the routing and drop allowances your company uses, and marks those lengths as measured-plus-allowance so you can see exactly how the number was built.
Can Garvy price from my own labor units?
Yes. Pricing comes from your rates and price book, and the proposal follows your past proposals, so the numbers and the wording look like your shop's.
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
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 →Drywall estimating
A-series floor plans, the partition type legend, reflected ceiling plans, wall sections and details.
See drywall →Throw Garvy your next electrical bid.
Garvy is in early access with a small group of contractors. Leave your work email and we'll reach out when there's room for your company.
Get early access