6 replies to this topic

[Nate Joseph]

Has anyone been successful in setting up SoftList so that it closely matches the material list form their local lumber yard?. I did a comparison of both list and was able to track the materials for the most part although there was was a lot of back forth between the two. The toughest part was wall stud package. Out of the box, SoftList would give the studs precut lengths and make reference to the Plates, Jacks and Kings studs, while the material list from the lumber supplier would be separated by interior walls, exterior walls and gable end walls. 

If someone can give me some guidance in the is area I'll be grateful.

[Fred Russell]

I think you can do a perfect take off, you just need to account for blocking, jacks, and other things you need like diagonals for the truss install, diagonals for bracing walls and waste. the framing mode is is a good look. I totally depend on my wood number, altho I need to do more work on the formulas. But the program can be pretty close, if you program correctly.

[Nate Joseph]

Yes I agree. I believe that the program is capable  but admittedly I haven't spent as much time as I would like tweaking it. The lumber supplier is 84 Lumber. If someone wants to create a custom SoftList output report for me, that would closely match 84 Lumber, I'll be glad to pay for your time

[David Zawadzki]

In 40 years of building custom homes I have never gotten an accurate lumber take off from any of the dozens of lumberyards I have used building houses in multiple states. Curious Why do you want to match 84 Lumber’s take off?

[Nate Joseph]

We predominantly get our lumber form them and the quantities are not always accurate as you mentioned. I would like to compare SoftList printout to 84's to see how much of a variance there is and sort of to double check to see what's being ordered.

[David Zawadzki]

Eric, can’t you do an analysis from current or previous jobs? And then make the necessary adjustments to match your current framing crew?

I have had framing crews who seem think their main objective was to fill the scrap dumpster, and others who used every scrap of wood possible for back framing, bracing, etc. with minimal waste.

Good luck with your quest.

[Nate Joseph]

David, I'm trying to do that right now. I'm trying to generate accurate plans for a "close enough" materials list, then I'm comparing it to the lumber yards quote and then trying to compare it to what is actually being used in the field. We all know that at the end of the day, the materials that's actually used is what matters. Your comment about filling the scrap dumpster made me laugh, but its true. Even if I could nail down the exact quantities of material being used, I'm not the one building it and who knows what the contractor or their subs might do. My main goal to get the big ticket items fairly close to have a reasonable expectation of the cost and to quickly compare my figures to the lumber supplier's and flag any obvious discrepancies ... whether its on their end or mine.