Estimating Room Finishes

Drywall Estimating

BidMagic construction estimating software lets you click on each surface to determine the types of construction finishes that you'll apply to each surface.

Click in the Wallboard diagram to indicate the surfaces that will receive new interior drywall or other interior surface materials.

HINT: Darken any surface getting new framing, unless you plan to leave the bare framing exposed.

Darken the floor if it will be getting new subflooring, underlayment, or other structural sheathing.

NOTE: If the floor is a concrete slab, darken it only if you're applying wood subflooring on top of the slab (with or without sleepers).

Darken any walls getting new wallboard, paneling, or other interior surface materials.

Darken the ceiling if it will be getting new wallboard, ceiling tiles, ceiling panels, or other surface materials.

In an existing room, any surfaces getting new wallboard or subfloor will also be added to the 'suggested' quantity for gutting, since you'll probably be removing what is already there, first.

Trim Estimating

Click in the Trim diagram to indicate the surfaces that will be getting new trim materials.

Darken the floor if it's getting carpet, tile, vinyl, hardwood, or some other finished floor material.

Darken any walls getting baseboard, apron moulding and/or crown moulding.Insulation

Click in the Insulation diagram to indicate the surfaces that will be insulated.

Darken the floor if it is being insulated with fill between the joists, or board insulation over or under a concrete slab.

Darken any walls (interior or exterior) getting fill between the studs or board insulation on either surface.

WARNING: If applying interior sound-proofing insulation between two rooms, make sure that insulation for that wall is only darkened in one of the rooms!

Darken the ceiling if there will be insulation of any kind over it--whether in ceiling rafters or roof framing.

WARNING: If insulating the ceiling under an upstairs floor, include insulation in either the upstairs floor or the downstairs ceiling, but not both!

Paint Estimating

Click in the Wallboard diagram to indicate the surfaces that will be painted. Surfaces receiving polyurethane or some other 'paint-like' finish should also be darkened.

NOTE: Painting of exterior surfaces in remodeling projects will be handled on the Finish Dimensions card.