1. Confirm what you received
- Check the drawing index against the sheets in the set. Missing sheets are common.
- Download every addendum and note what each one changes.
- Confirm the bid date, bid form, alternates and unit prices required.
2. Read the front-end and Division 01
General requirements quietly add cost: phasing, working hours, temporary facilities, testing, closeout documents and warranty terms. Price them before they surprise you.
3. Match the schedules to the plans
Door, window, finish, fixture and equipment schedules rarely match the floor plans perfectly. Note every conflict, price the most likely condition, and list it as a clarification or RFI.
4. Find the scope boundaries
Look for items that fall between trades: blocking, firestopping, equipment connections, owner-furnished items, demolition and patching. These are where bids lose money.
5. Set up the takeoff the way you'll bid it
Decide before you start how quantities should be split: by building, floor, phase, alternate or bid item. Re-sorting a finished takeoff takes far longer than setting it up right.
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