How to do a lighting takeoff, step by step
The documents to gather, the order to count in, and the check against the fixture schedule before bid day.
Guides
Guides for lighting estimators
How to read the drawings, count the lighting and price it, written for estimators. The examples come from a real run on a public bid drawing.
How to read a lighting fixture schedule
Marks, catalog numbers, voltage, mounting and remarks: what each column means for the price and the labor.
Counting home runs and branch conduit
Home-run arrows and circuit tags, branch conduit at scale, drops and conductors, from a real traced sheet.
Labor units for lighting fixtures: how to build your own
What a fixture labor unit covers, which types need their own, and how to set units from your own job records.
Estimating lighting from a reflected ceiling plan
Ceiling types, grid, heights and open areas: what the reflected ceiling plan changes in a lighting estimate.
A lighting takeoff checklist
Documents, schedule, counts, emergency, controls, wiring, pricing and final checks, in one printable list.