Well, now they know you cant use 8% for every estimate. Width and length of the material both factor into waste. I convince our shop estimators/sales to list the waste factor on the work order. I also wanted to know up front if I was required to leave back a specific amount of attic stock. That's frequently in the specifications. So I may cheat a layout one way or another and also be extra frugal with the offcuts when I'm aware we're "tight".
We had the joke that when the estimators tell you it's tight that means they know it's short.
We had the joke that when the estimators tell you it's tight that means they know it's short.
I use graph paper and if a wall length is 26' 4 3/16", then that's exactly what I write down.
I can add or round up later. My drawings are like an architect drawing. More messy with all my numbers, and I draw in all the walls...... with that, if the customer decides on new base, I have the walls to scale.
Also, if a job like tomorrow's job is 50 miles away, it's hard to go check a measurement. If something looks off, I can back check a measurement from a different set of numbers.
All I do for the shop is draw the layout, give them the square footage. I even subtract a portion of the kitchen or bathroom cabinets. They know how measure, so THEY add the percentage.
I'd just like to know if there is some sort of industry standard % used for 5 inch planks and if it's different with wide planks like these 9 inchers. So far for 3 or 4 years this system has worked. Wide planks are getting more popular.
For carpet, I give them a layout including seam locations, linear feet of carpet to order including a cut sheet detailing the carpet cuts.
I add 4" to each carpet cut.
I tell them if furniture needs moving, or if anything else like prep or trims are needed.