Quantity Takeoffs: How to check work with multiple scales across multiple sheets

I would like to start out by saying I am a relatively new user on Bluebeam who has been strictly using it for quantity takeoffs for exterior cladding. I have done a deep dive or even begun to grasp the resources or features at my disposal, so if my question seems basic that's just my understanding level right now.

I do almost all my takeoffs from client sent PDF architectural drawings. Depending on sheet detail there are multiple scales across different sheets which is typical(elevations, wall sections and partial floor plans).
I like to use all this information to come up with accurate takeoffs for budgetary pricing. But I am having trouble checking my work because I am getting different lengths and area measurements for the same space on different sheets.

What am I doing wrong?

Yes they are different scales and I am sure it is because I am a novice Bluebeam user, but I would love some help.

Find more posts tagged with

Revu

Takeoffs

Accepted answers

All comments

Jason Artley

This can be tricky, but you've come to the right place!

The key to working with multiple scales per sheet is to utilize Viewports. Using the Measurement Panel, you'll see a Viewports section at the bottom. Click the + sign, and you'll be prompted to select a region to apply a scale to. This scale can be different than the rest of the sheet. Any measurements placed in that area will use the viewport scale.

Doug McLean

I never take off the same area on different sheets, mostly because I don't trust that the drawings are scaled correctly. You should also never fully trust the scale that is shown on the page. Trust but verify is the workflow here. Always do a quick measurement of a known item to see if the scale is correct.

Do your takeoffs from the smallest scale possible and you SHOULD be ok; 3/8" to 1' or 1/2" to 1' is usually pretty good. That being said, I do do Takeoff on RCP's which is generally a lot bigger than that, but I'll never do a takeoff on an RCP and an Enlarged RCP (for example). I'll use the Enlarged plan only.
Revu is a computer and as such it doesn't really make math errors, so it will add things up correctly as they are sorted. There is really no need to double check your work on another plan type.

Quick Links

Recently Asked Questions

Imagination Emporium Photos from Unbound
Hey everyone For those that attended Unbound back in October, I was wondering if anyone had all the photo's from Duncan Wardell's presentation. I'm specifically looking for the one with the Asian dumpling building. I SWEAR I took photos of all of these but do you think I can find them? If you have this photo, please upload…
Quantity Takeoffs: How to check work with multiple scales across multiple sheets
I would like to start out by saying I am a relatively new user on Bluebeam who has been strictly using it for quantity takeoffs for exterior cladding. I have done a deep dive or even begun to grasp the resources or features at my disposal, so if my question seems basic that's just my understanding level right now. I do…
Overlaying Markup Across Pages
Hi, I was wondering if it is possible to overlay markup across pages in a way that when a change is made on one page, all the other pages update. This would be exceptionally useful when planning routes of pipes etc between floors. (Bluebeam Revu) Any help would be much appreciated!
Revised Sheets showing up in new Batch Slip Sheet and causing Matching errors.
Hi All, I am trying to add revised sheets to my Set(.bex) using Batch Slip Sheet. The problem is when I hit the Match Pages button I am receiving error messages (See images below). I believe the problem is coming from BB including previously revised sheets in the Current Files column of the Match Pages window. Am I doing…
Zoom Scroll on Split screen tabs affecting both tabs
When I zoom on one tab the other tab is adjusted as well. I am using my mouse scroll to do this. I also just updated to the latest version of Bluebeam. Is there a fix for this? Is anyone else experiencing this?
Default measurement to m
When taking off quantities in lengths i prefer to use m rather than mm. Is there a way to set this as the default for all my take offs
Segmentlängen als Excel Export um Baugrubenpolygone für Baugrubenaushub-Automatisierung
Hallo, ich bräuchte Hilfe bzgl. der Polygonlängen - Messung in Revu 21. Ich habe eine automatisierte Baugrubenkalkulation in Excel aufgestellt, in der ich anhand der Polygonfläche des Gebäudegrundrisses die Volumina und Flächen ermittelt bekomme. Aktuell tippe ich die Koordinaten in Excel händisch ein, welche ich von PDF…
Bluebeam thinks I’m on a free trial even though I have an active Basics subscription
Hi everyone, I’m running into an issue on a new laptop and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this. I have an active Bluebeam Basics subscription, but when I sign into Bluebeam on my new laptop, I get a message saying my free trial has expired and that I need to upgrade to keep using the software. The same…
Polyline and polygon curves are not being drawn as shown.
Hello! I am trying to get curves to draw when using the polyline and polygon markup tools and they show up like they are going to be drawn as a curve but then when I click along they 'revert' as a straight line. To clarify, when using either markup tool, I hold 'Ctrl' then click and drag to create the curve/arc that I want…
Mark up a locked drawing
Several Municipalities are requesting the PDF's be Unlocked so they can mark-up and add their stamps. Much to Engineers sealed drawings, they do not want them unlocked. I tried scanning and sending them, but they are still locked. Can a blank mark-up layer be added before or after password protecting the drawing?