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, drywall, 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 of the “Drywall Partition” parent item:
• Child Item 1: Metal Studs
– Formula: (Parent Length * 12) / 16(1 stud every 16 inches) + (Parent Length * 0.1)(for waste).
– Result: Calculates the total number of studs.
• Child Item 2: Drywall Sheets
– Formula: (Parent Length * Wall Height) * 2(for both sides) / 32(for 4x8 sheets).
– Result: Calculates the number of drywall sheets.
• Child Item 3: Labor Hours
– Formula: Parent Length * 0.5(e.g., 0.5 hours to build one foot of wall). – 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.