Estimation | How to Create an Assembly

Assemblies combine all the costs for a particular install so that you can estimate projects quickly and consistently. You’ll connect your takeoff measurements directly to your estimating workflow and automate cost calculations specific to your standard practices.

There are four overall steps to building an assembly.

Each step is required and must be completed to build an assembly

Make sure you've already completed the key takeoff measurement for your install (for example, measuring floor area for Luxury Vinyl Tile). This foundational measurement is critical since your assembly will reference it later.

Click the Assemblies tab at the top of the screen.

Click Add Assembly in the header menu.

Choose Create Assembly from the dropdown.

Name your assembly clearly and descriptively based on the project and install type (for example, "LVT + Adhesive + Labor").

Select the Measurement Type (such as Area, Linear, or Count) that matches your takeoff tool. Example: For flooring, select Area.

Use the Cost Item Library to search for and add materials, labor, or equipment items you need.

If preferred or needed, create a new cost item from scratch using Add New Cost Item, and fill in all the required fields, beginning with the item name.

For example, in the description:

Specify waste percentages as needed—such as 10% for LVT and adhesive, and 5% for labor—to make sure you cover overages.

If you know pricing per unit, enter the unit prices for each cost item:

Add tax if applicable.

Assign an item type to each cost item

Example: We used Material for the tile and adhesive, then used Labor for the LVT Labor. Doing this helps you track expenses.

Set the correct Unit of Measure for each item, matching how you buy or charge for it (e.g., "Boxes" for tile, "Each" for adhesive bucket, "Square Feet" for labor).

Click the Save icon on each cost item to save changes to your assembly’s cost items.

For each cost item, build a formula that converts your takeoff measurement into the appropriate quantity for ordering or costing. All Cost Items MUST have a Formula.

Click the formula (fx) icon to open the Formula builder.

Step 3.2: Name Your Formula

Give your formula a clear, descriptive name (for example, "Boxes of LVT" or "Area by the 54 sf").

Build your formula using the Simple Variables (like "Area") and math operators.

For instance, divide the total area by the box coverage (54 sq ft) to calculate how many boxes you need.

Click Test Formula to preview the result; round up if you want to purchase whole boxes only.

Once you’re satisfied, click Save and Apply To Cost Item.

Repeat for other cost items, such as dividing by 850 for a bucket of adhesive, and simply using only the simple Variable "area" for labor. Remember to Save and Apply each formula you create.

When all cost items and formulas are finalized, click Save Changes at the bottom of the cost item list.

Don’t leave the page without saving, you will lose your work!

Go to your takeoff area. Right-click the relevant measurement. Click Send to Assembly from the menu.

Choose the appropriate assembly for your measurement type.

Check off your destination estimate tab—either an existing one or create a new page. Then click Add.

The Insert Values box will come up, review the generated information, make any changes, fill in any blank boxes, and then click Insert Values.

Check your project estimates to view the results.

You’ll see quantities and estimated costs for all the materials and labor included in your assembly.

The Assembly you created will be available to you and your team to use on all future Takeoffs, unless deleted by the creator.

If your material coverage rate isn’t always the same, update the formula to use a custom variable.

For example, flooring is commonly purchased in a wide variety of square feet per box. Custom Variables allow you to enter the unique coverage rate for an item when utilizing an assembly on a measurement.

Complete Steps 1 and 2 of Creating an Assembly or Edit an existing assembly

Go back to the Assemblies tab and find your assembly. Click the Edit icon.

Step 1.1: Open Formula Builder

Open the formula builder for the relevant cost item that is purchased at a variable coverage rate.

Click Custom Variables on the right, then Create New.

Name and Save your new custom variable.

Step 1.2: Use the Custom Variable

Replace the hard number (like 54) in your formula with the new variable by clicking the green plus sign on the customer variable to the left.

Update the formula name if needed and save the changes. Apply to the cost item and save your assembly.

Step 2: Test the Updated Assembly

Follow the normal testing steps by sending the measurement into the assembly

Note: When you get to the Insert Values box, the Custom Variable we created is empty; enter the squarefoot coverage per box for the current product on this project. Then click Insert Values.

This lets you adapt your calculations for variability in your supplies and coverage rate.

Go to your Project Estimating Page to review the results.

You’ll notice that changing the coverage rate automatically updates the quantity needed for each item, making your estimate as accurate as possible.

Assemblies save you time and ensure accuracy—build them once, then reuse across projects for fast, consistent estimating. Start building your assemblies to streamline your workflow and improve every estimate.