An Assembly is a powerful feature that bundles multiple takeoff items and materials together under a single, parent classification. It allows you to perform one simple takeoff (like a linear measurement of a wall) and have the system automatically calculate all the associated materials and costs (like studs, track, wall panel, screws, tape, and labor).
Core Concept: A Recipe for Construction
Think of an assembly as a recipe.
• The Parent Item (The Dish): This is what you measure on the drawing. For example, a Linear Takeoff for a “Standard 4 7/8” Drywall Partition.”
• The Child Items (The Ingredients): These are all the materials and labor that go into building that partition. Each child item has a formula that links its quantity back to the parent measurement.
Example: Drywall Partition Assembly
When you draw 100 LF (Parent Length) of the “Drywall Partition” parent item:
Child Item 1: Metal Studs
Condition: Assume studs are placed every 16 inches across the drywall, and account for 10% waste
Formula: 100 LF / (16 IN / 12 IN/LF) * (1+10%)
Result: Calculates the total number of studs
Child Item 2: Drywall Sheets
Condition: Assume the drywall uses 4x8 sheets
Formula: (100 LF * Wall Height) * 2 Sides / (4 LF * 8 LF)
Result: Calculates the number of drywall sheets for both sides of the drywall
Child Item 3: Labor Hours
Condition: Assume it takes 0.5 hours to build one foot of wall
Formula: 100 LF * 0.5 HR/LF
Result: Calculates the total labor hours
Benefits of Using Assemblies
Speed: Perform one takeoff instead of dozens.
Accuracy & Consistency: The formulas are standardized, eliminating math errors and ensuring everyone calculates quantities the same way.
Detail: Allows you to generate a highly detailed bill of materials from a very simple set of takeoffs.
Assemblies bridge the gap between simple quantity takeoff and a detailed cost estimate.