TOOL-02 · EXAMPLE TOOL

Photo Takeoff

Early on there are no drawings, so estimates are rules of thumb that get corrected later, when changes are expensive. Photo Takeoff turns a photo and one measurement you know into a scaled workspace: mark runs, areas and items, and the quantities and costs update as you go.

EXAMPLEAn example of the kind of tool I build. Yours is designed around your own rules and data.

FIG. 1

How it works

EXAMPLE DATA

PHOTO + SCALE

PH-01front wall · door = 36 in
PH-02ceiling · tile = 24 in
PH-03no reference size

TAKEOFF — PH-01

scale set from doorOK
runs marked7
waste factor appliedOK
fits standard spoolOK
verdictTAKEOFF READY

DRAG A LINE, EVERYTHING RECALCULATES

QUANTITIES

CABLE · 412 FTPH-01
DEVICES · 14PH-01
NEEDS A MEASUREMENTPH-03

NO SCALE, NO NUMBER. NOTHING GUESSED.

SPEC SHEET

DOES: Turns photos and one known measurement into a scaled workspace for quantities and costs.
INPUTS: Photos, one known dimension, your materials and rates.
AI SCOPE: Optional. Spotting the reference object to set the scale, which you confirm.
FAILS: Safe. Photos without a reliable scale are held for a measurement.
EXPORTS: Marked-up photos with the takeoff and quote.
OWNER: You, at handover. Full source and docs.

EXAMPLE SCENARIO

A low-voltage installer quoting a shop fit-out from the customer's photos

BEFORE

A site visit just to rough out a quote
Cable and materials guessed with a generous allowance
Overruns discovered halfway through the job

AFTER

Customer photos scaled from one known measurement, like a door width
Runs and devices marked on the photo; lengths and materials calculated
Quote sent the same day, with the marked-up photos attached

SIGNS YOU NEED THIS

Rough quotes need a site visit
Material allowances are padded "to be safe"
Your estimates and your actuals rarely match
Problems get discovered after the order is placed

USEFUL FOR

Electricians & low-voltage
Flooring & finishing
Landscaping & fencing
Signage & installs

START HERE

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