Takeoff Live PDF, an automated quantity survey estimating tool that ensures accuracy, increases productivity and produces superior visual support for the contractor bidding process, has become part of the residential landscape architecture curriculum of Mercer County Community College in Mercerville, N.J.
“Introduction to Residential Landscape Architecture” instructor Christopher W. Kendzierski, CLA, introduced Takeoff Live PDF to his students after using it with his staff at Eric’s Nursery and Garden Center, where he is manager of the Landscape Division.
Digital takeoff is rapidly becoming the industry standard in lieu of measurement from printed plans. Digitizer technology has significant limitations, including costliness, time intensiveness and equipment footprint. Takeoff Live PDF accepts scans and photos of paper drawings, allowing users to set parameters and execute estimates onscreen using a mouse. Contractors can even snap a digital photo of the plan prints and use the picture directly from the camera.
“As a business manager, I was trying to make changes so that we could execute more effective and accurate takeoffs,” said Kendzierski, a career landscape architecture professional for more than two decades. “We downloaded the Takeoff Live PDF trial version from the web site, finding it simple to learn and use, cost effective and efficient.”
Since beginning to use Takeoff Live PDF in his professional environment, Kendzierski has noted a more than 100-percent increase in his division’s bidding output, while allowing his existing staff to focus more on design quality.
Kendzierski took Takeoff Live PDF to his classroom environment because it offered a multi-faceted opportunity for students to begin learning how to estimate bids for projects, while allowing him to introduce the computer as a tool in residential landscape architecture.
“Aspiring residential landscape architects need to be exposed to the realities of accurate bidding early in their training,” said Kendzierski. “Establishing a reputation for reliable job estimates is critical for getting repeat bid requests, and will increasingly be a factor in verifying LEED certification claims. This tool both educates students and provides them a platform that is practical throughout their careers.”
