Simplify Construction Takeoffs and Estimating with Connex

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Zooming In and Out
3. Setting Scale and Calibrating Drawings
4. Setting Up Project Groups
5. Measuring Walls
6. Measuring Shapes with Polygon and Rectangle Functions
7. Counting Objects with the Can Function
8. Deductions and Avoiding Doubling of Measurements
9. Finding Perimeter and Duplicating Groups or Shapes
10. Adding Parameters and Completing Takeoffs
11. Cloning Pages and Renaming
12. Reviewing and Quoting
13. Inputting Inclusions, Exclusions, and Customer Information
14. Adding Unit Price and Additional Costs
15. Checking Blue Boxes and Adding Margin
16. Previewing and Sending Quotes
17. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the features and tools on Connex that can help You with quick take-offs and submitting accurate bids for construction projects. We will guide you through each step, from setting up your project groups to completing the take-offs and sending professional quotes. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to utilize Connex effectively and efficiently.

Zooming In and Out

One of the first things you need to do when using Connex is to navigate the drawings by zooming in and out. We will Show you how to use the plus and minus buttons located in the bottom-right corner of the screen to zoom in and out. This feature allows you to focus on specific areas of the construction project and get a clear view of the details.

Setting Scale and Calibrating Drawings

To ensure accurate measurements, it is essential to set the correct scale and calibrate the drawings. We will walk you through the process of setting the scale and calibrating the drawings on Connex. This step is crucial for precise measurements and avoiding any discrepancies during the take-off process.

Setting Up Project Groups

Creating project groups helps you organize your measurements and keep track of different aspects of the construction project. We will demonstrate how to set up project groups on Connex, including naming the groups, assigning colors for better visual identification, and adding frequently used groups to your favorites list for easy access.

Measuring Walls

Measuring walls is a fundamental part of the take-off process. We will show you how to use the line tool on Connex to measure walls accurately. You will learn how to start and finish the measurement, drop markers to change direction, and view the total measurements of walls in the measurements drawer.

Measuring Shapes with Polygon and Rectangle Functions

In addition to measuring walls, Connex offers functionality to measure shapes that are not symmetrical. We will cover the polygon and rectangle functions, which allow you to measure areas of irregular shapes. We will guide you through the steps of measuring shapes using these functions, including dropping markers, changing directions, and obtaining area measurements.

Counting Objects with the Can Function

The can function on Connex enables you to count objects such as power outlets, fans, and data points. We will demonstrate how to Create a new count icon, assign a name and color to it, and choose an icon to represent it on the canvas. Once your count icon is set up, you can easily click on the objects you want to count and view the total counts in the measurements drawer.

Deductions and Avoiding Doubling of Measurements

Sometimes, you may need to deduct an area from the overall total to avoid double-counting or overlapping measurements. We will explain how to use the deductions feature on Connex to subtract specific areas from the total measurements. This will help ensure accurate and precise take-offs, improving the accuracy of your bids.

Finding Perimeter and Duplicating Groups or Shapes

Connex provides the functionality to find the perimeter of any area and duplicate groups or shapes. We will show you how to check the box beside a group or shape, access additional parameters, and find the perimeter of an area. You will also learn how to duplicate groups or shapes, saving you time and effort when working on similar projects.

Adding Parameters and Completing Takeoffs

In this section, we will explore how to add parameters to your measurements to enhance the accuracy of your takeoffs. We will discuss adding heights to walls, which can be useful for calculating the total square footage of walls. Additionally, we will explain how to input depth for concrete measurements to obtain the total cubic yards of concrete needed for a project. These parameter additions will streamline your takeoff process and provide more accurate estimations.

Cloning Pages and Renaming

As your takeoffs progress and the canvas becomes cluttered, you may find it helpful to clone pages and give them new names. We will guide you through the process of cloning pages on Connex, allowing you to work on separate takeoffs without losing any previous measurements. This feature enables better organization and smoother workflow within the platform.

Reviewing and Quoting

Once your takeoffs are complete, it's time to review and generate quotes for your clients. We will demonstrate how to review your measurements, combine groups for a project total, and input vital information such as inclusions, exclusions, and customer details. You will also learn how to import unit prices and add additional costs to your quotes. This section will provide you with valuable insights into the review and quoting process on Connex.

Previewing and Sending Quotes

After reviewing and finalizing your quotes, Connex allows you to preview them before sending them to your clients. We will show you how to preview the finished quote, ensuring that all the necessary information is accurate and complete. You will also learn how to input contractor details and send the professional quote directly to their inbox. This final step will streamline your quoting process and leave a positive impression on your clients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Connex offers a comprehensive set of tools and features to facilitate quick take-offs and precise bidding for construction projects. By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to efficiently navigate the platform, measure various elements, organize your measurements, and generate professional quotes. Connex empowers you to streamline your workflow, ultimately saving time and improving the accuracy of your bids.

Highlights

• Zoom in and out to focus on specific areas of a construction project.
• Set the correct scale and calibrate drawings for accurate measurements.
• Organize measurements with project groups and favorites for easy access.
• Measure walls, shapes, and objects using intuitive and precise tools.
• Deduct areas and avoid double-counting for more accurate take-offs.
• Find perimeter, duplicate groups, and add parameters to enhance estimations.
• Clone pages to work on separate takeoffs and maintain organization.
• Review measurements, input inclusions and exclusions, and generate quotes.
• Preview and send professional quotes to clients with ease.
• Connex provides a comprehensive solution for efficient and accurate construction bidding.

FAQ

Q: Can I change the scale after calibrating the drawings on Connex?\ A: Yes, you can easily adjust the scale by accessing the settings and recalibrating the drawings if needed.

Q: Is it possible to import unit prices for specific items in the quote on Connex?\ A: Yes, Connex allows you to import unit prices to automatically populate the quote. However, manual input is also available if necessary.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the count icons on Connex?\ A: Absolutely! Connex provides options to choose different icons for count icons, allowing you to personalize their representation on the canvas.

Q: Does Connex support multiple sets of plans for a single project?\ A: Yes, you can work with multiple sets of plans within the same project on Connex, making it easier to manage complex construction projects.

Q: Can I review and adjust the quote before sending it to the contractor?\ A: Yes, Connex provides a preview feature that allows you to review the quote and make any necessary adjustments before sending it.