Plumbing Estimating Class
🔩 Module 4: Material Estimation & Costing
Pipe, fittings, valves, supports, fixtures, prefabs, freight, tax, and wastage — build a pricing‑ready bill of materials.
📦 Material Takeoff Structure
- By system: DWV, Water (C/H/Recirc), Gas, Storm, Fixtures.
- By assembly: risers, mains, branches, equipment sets.
- Include supports, insulation, seismic, sleeves, escutcheons.
- Apply wastage and rounding per material type.
💡 Pricing Best Practices
- Quote fixtures with trim, carriers, ADA options, submittal lead times.
- Separate commodity pipe from special‑order items.
- Track freight, fuel surcharge, and tax as separate lines.
- Maintain a Buyout List (WHs, interceptors) for early PO release.
🗂 Fixture Schedule Tracker (CSV)
Tag,Description,Manufacturer,Model,Trim Finish,Carrier,Qty,Lead Time,Notes WC-1,Wall Hung Closet,Acme,1234,Chrome,Yes,18,6 wks,Flushometer LAV-1,Lavatory,Acme,2201,Chrome,No,12,4 wks,Mixing valve S-1,Shower Valve,Acme,3300,Chrome,N/A,6,8 wks,Pressure balance WH-1,Gas Water Heater,Bradford,65 gal,,N/A,2,10 wks,Vent kit inc. FD-1,Floor Drain,Jayco,FD-200,,N/A,8,3 wks,Trap primer
📊 Material Roll‑Up (CSV)
System,Material,Size/Type,Qty,Unit,Unit Cost,Ext Cost,Waste %,Total w/ Waste DWV,PVC Pipe,4" SDR,180,LF,3.10,558.00,10%,613.80 Water,Type L Copper,1",240,LF,6.25,1500.00,7%,1605.00 Gas,Sch 40 Steel,1",160,LF,4.40,704.00,5%,739.20 Storm,Area Drain,6" SDR,120,LF,5.10,612.00,10%,673.20 Fixtures,Water Closet,,18,EA,245.00,4410.00,0%,4410.00