| A bill of materials is a compiled list that specifies the | | | | calculated to square inches and then divided by the |
| materials used to build a building or residence. When a | | | | amount of square inches in a masonry block. Most |
| contractor or home builder prepares to build, they | | | | masonry block manufacturers have the formula to |
| first use a mathematical process to calculate the | | | | tell how much mortar is needed to put the blocks |
| amount of lumber, doors, shingles, windows, etc., will | | | | together. The footings are calculated by the amount |
| be needed to complete the project. | | | | of cubic yards are contained in them. |
| The process starts with the floor plan where studs | | | | Next the doors, windows, counters & cabinets, |
| and plates are calculated using the linear dimension of | | | | plumbing fixtures, are counted along with the |
| the walls. This process is used to calculate both the | | | | electrical outlets, light fixtures, switches, wire lengths, |
| interior and exterior walls. | | | | receptacle boxes, and all other remaining items. |
| Afterwards, exterior sheathing and interior sheetrock | | | | These items are summed up by the number of times |
| is calculated by multiplying the height of the walls by | | | | they appear on the plan. The wiring is calculated by |
| the length which results in a square footage figure | | | | length measurements from one fixture to the next. |
| which is divided into the amount of sheets used. This | | | | There are specific formulas or methods used to |
| process is also used for the floor decking and ceiling | | | | finally end up with a list that can be carried to a |
| sheetrock. Then trim for the baseboard and openings | | | | building supply for pricing. Sometimes the building |
| is calculated using the length of the walls. | | | | supply company will complete this list for you in order |
| The foundation or basement is generally figured in | | | | to insure your business. |
| the same way. In other words the wall area is | | | | |