Trade workflows
Trade-specific estimating tools
Jobplans turns construction drawings into measurable quantities for the trades that bid from plan PDFs every day. Start with calibrated measurements, then use trade templates and formulas to turn takeoff data into bid-ready totals.
How trade takeoff works in Jobplans
1. Calibrate the scale
Set the drawing scale once from any known dimension. Every measurement after that reads in real-world feet and inches — no manual conversions.
2. Measure your conditions
Use linear, area, polyline, count, angle, and radius tools to capture exactly the conditions your trade bids — walls, slabs, fixtures, runs, or counts.
3. Apply a trade template
Pick from 80+ templates across 10 CSI divisions. Formulas roll raw measurements into bid-ready quantities with waste factors and unit costs.
4. Export to your estimate
Send totals to CSV that opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or any downstream pricing system. Collaborate with your team on the same plan in real time.
More trades we support
Concrete and roofing have dedicated guides above. Jobplans templates also cover the rest of the trades that bid from drawings — each with the measurement tools and quantity formulas that scope needs:
- Electrical — conduit runs, device counts, panel schedules, lighting layouts
- Plumbing — fixture counts, pipe lengths, riser diagrams, drainage runs
- Drywall — wall and ceiling areas, framing, finish levels
- Framing — linear footage, sheathing area, headers and openings
- HVAC — duct runs, equipment counts, diffuser and register layouts
- Painting — wall and ceiling square footage by coat and finish
- Flooring — room areas, transitions, and material by type
- Masonry — wall area, block and brick counts, reinforcing
Trade takeoff FAQs
- Which trades can I do takeoff for in Jobplans?
- Any trade that bids from plan PDFs. Jobplans ships 80+ templates across 10 CSI divisions — concrete, roofing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, framing, HVAC, painting, flooring, and masonry — plus a blank canvas for custom scopes.
- How does trade-specific takeoff work?
- Calibrate the drawing scale once, measure the conditions you bid (linear, area, count, or volume), then apply a trade template so quantities roll up into bid-ready totals you can export to CSV.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. Jobplans runs in any modern browser on Mac, Windows, iPad, Android, Linux, and Chromebook — no install, no plugins.