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There is no set sequence for performing the take-off; you will develop a system that fits your personal style and needs. An exception will be those items that require a supplier’s quotation since they need time to obtain accurate figures. Whatever system you use, be sure to use the same procedures every time since consistency helps in reducing the time it takes to estimate a job, as well as in reducing errors. The following identifies three typical take-off sequences:

1. Section at a time. Take-off one page of the drawings at a time, or take-off the wiring for the first floor, then all of the wiring for the second floor, and so on.

2. Start at service and end with lighting. Start the take-off at the utility service location, continue taking off the feeders, the branch circuits, and finish by counting the lighting fixtures. This method is time consuming and requires many movements between many pages of drawings and feels unnatural for most people. This style is generally not recommended, but if you have a computer estimating system, it can work out okay.

3. Start with lighting and end with service. This method provides an overview of the job as you count the fixtures, switches, and then the convenience receptacles, which allows you to ease into the estimate. After taking off the homeruns and special circuits, you should have a good idea of the scope of the project and be better prepared to deal with the more complex portions. Lighting fixture suppliers and manufacturers often will not quote unless they have the quantities for each fixture type, so this method can be advantageous when bidding time is short.

When using this take-off sequence, the following order is recommended:

• Count lighting fixtures
• Count switches
• Count receptacles
• Count special systems such as television, telephone, CATV, alarm, security, sound, and so on
• Count motorized and special equipment
• Count panels and service equipment
• Measure feeders and service runs
• Measure wiring for motorized and special equipment
• Measure wiring for special systems such as television, telephone, CATV, alarm, security, sound, and so on
• Measure branch-circuit wiring to outlets and related homeruns
• Measure lighting circuit wiring and related homeruns
  

Author’s Comment: Many electrical suppliers will actually perform take-offs of your electrical plans as a part of their customer service. These take-offs can be accurate but be sure to review and verify the take-off against your own as you are ultimately responsible for your estimate. A little mistake by the supplier could cost you the job, or a lot of money.