garvyThe hard part
Where plumbing takeoffs go wrong
These are the places a plumbing number usually drifts. Garvy is built to catch them or ask about them.
Fixtures on the plan that aren't in the schedule
A fixture tag on the floor plan with no schedule entry leaves the fixture, trim and carrier unpriced.
Plans and risers that disagree
The plan shows one pipe size and the isometric shows another. Both can't be right, and the difference shows up in material.
Underground and above-ground piping mixed together
Below-slab piping carries excavation, bedding and different material. It has to be measured apart from the overhead runs.
Pipe sizes that change along a run
Sanitary and water lines step up in size as fixture units add up. Lengths have to be split by size, not measured as one line.
Fittings, hangers and cleanouts
They're small items with a lot of labor. Hand counts tend to miss cleanouts and hangers first.
Water heaters, pumps and gas
Equipment and gas piping are often split between plumbing and mechanical. The specs decide what's in your number.
The takeoff
What Garvy takes off for plumbing contractors
Garvy takes off P-series plans, isometric and riser diagrams, the plumbing fixture schedule, details and the plumbing legend. Every line is tagged to the sheet it came from.
| Item | Unit | Taken from |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures by type with trim and carriers | EA | Plans + fixture schedule |
| Sanitary waste and vent piping by size | LF | Plans + isometrics |
| Domestic hot and cold water by size | LF | Plans + risers |
| Storm and gas piping | LF | Plans + details |
| Cleanouts, valves, specialties | EA | Plans, details, legend |
| Water heaters and pumps | EA | Equipment 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 |
|---|---|
| 22 11 16 Domestic water piping | Copper vs. PEX, where each is allowed |
| 22 13 16 Sanitary waste and vent piping | Cast iron vs. PVC above and below grade |
| 22 07 19 Plumbing piping insulation | Which lines get insulated and how thick |
| 22 40 00 Plumbing fixtures | Makes, models, trim and 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
Plumbing estimating with Garvy
Does Garvy read isometric and riser diagrams?
Yes. He reads them with the plans, uses them for sizes and vertical runs, and flags any place where the two disagree instead of picking one.
Does Garvy separate underground from above-ground piping?
Yes. Below-slab and overhead piping are taken off as separate lines so each can carry its own material and labor.
Will Garvy know which fixtures are owner-furnished?
He reads the schedule, general notes and specs for who furnishes what, prices only what's yours, and lists anything unclear as a question.
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 →Drywall estimating
A-series floor plans, the partition type legend, reflected ceiling plans, wall sections and details.
See drywall →Throw Garvy your next plumbing bid.
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