Creating Assemblies

Overview

Assemblies in zzTakeoff allow you to group multiple materials, labor items, and costs into a single reusable unit. Instead of adding individual items to every takeoff, assemblies let you apply a complete set of components at once, improving speed, accuracy, and consistency across projects.

Assemblies are commonly used for walls, windows, doors, flooring systems, glazing systems, or any repetitive construction component.

When to Use Assemblies

Use assemblies when you want to:

• Standardize material and labor calculations
• Save time on repetitive takeoffs
• Apply multiple cost items at once
• Maintain consistent estimating across projects
• Quickly build detailed estimates from takeoff quantities

How to Create an Assembly

Step 1: Open the Assemblies Section

1. Go to the Estimate or Assemblies panel.
2. Click Create Assembly.
3. Enter an assembly name.

Example:

• Interior Wall Assembly
• Storefront System
• Curtain Wall Section

Step 2: Add Assembly Details

Enter basic information:

• Assembly Name
• Description
• Category
• Unit of Measure (LF, SF, EA, etc.)

Click Save.

Step 3: Add Items to the Assembly

1. Click Add Item
2. Choose from:

• Materials
• Labor
• Equipment
• Subassemblies

1. Enter:

• Item Name
• Quantity
• Unit
• Cost

1. Click Save

Repeat until all components are added.

Example Assembly

Storefront Assembly

Includes:

• Aluminum framing
• Glass panels
• Sealant
• Labor installation
• Fasteners
• Anchors

When applied to a linear takeoff, zzTakeoff automatically calculates all associated materials and costs.

Editing an Assembly

To modify an assembly:

1. Open the Assemblies panel
2. Select the assembly
3. Click Edit
4. Add, remove, or update items
5. Click Save

Changes update wherever the assembly is used.

Applying an Assembly to a Takeoff

1. Create or select a takeoff
2. Choose Apply Assembly
3. Select the assembly
4. Assign it to the takeoff
5. Save

The assembly will now calculate materials and costs based on the measured quantity.

Best Practices

Use Clear Naming

• Exterior Wall - 6" Metal Stud
• Curtain Wall - Standard
• Storefront - Ground Level

Keep Assemblies Organized

Group by:

• Trade
• System
• Project Type
• Material Category

Reuse Assemblies

Create standard assemblies that can be used across multiple projects.

Update Costs Regularly

Keep material and labor pricing current to ensure accurate estimates.

Tips

• Create assemblies before starting large takeoff projects
• Use subassemblies for complex systems
• Keep quantities proportional to the unit of measure
• Test assemblies on small takeoffs before full use