IFC Takeoff · Cost Engine

From IFC Geometry
To Itemized
Trade Cost.

Upload an IFC file — or use the shared project building — and Takeoff · Cost parses it entirely in the browser, classifies every element by trade, and runs it through a state-aware rate matrix to produce a line-itemized cost estimate.

Core Capabilities

What Takeoff · Cost Does

The engine reads real IFC STEP files client-side — no server round-trip, no file size limits from an upload API. Elements are quantity-taken, matched to one of 24 CSI-aligned trade classifications, and priced against a rate table for the selected US state and building type.

📦
Browser-Native IFC Parser
Parses IFC STEP files directly in the browser via WASM — walls, slabs, columns, beams, doors, windows, and 30+ other element types.
🏷️
24 Trade Classifications
Every element is auto-classified into a CSI-aligned trade — foundation, framing, MEP, finishes — so quantities roll up into a real bid structure.
🗺️
50-State Rate Matrix
Cost-per-unit rates vary by state and building type. Switch states and the whole estimate re-prices without re-parsing the model.
🏢
Commercial & Residential Types
9 commercial building types (office, retail, warehouse, hospitality, data center...) and 7 residential types, each with its own cost factor.
✅
Model Audit & Confidence Report
Flags unclassified or ambiguous elements before they silently get dropped from the estimate, with an overall confidence score for the takeoff.
🔗
Shared Building Layer
The same parsed model and entity IDs feed 4D Scheduling — quantities and schedule tasks always describe the same physical elements.

How It Works

The Cost Engine, Step by Step

Two engines run in sequence: one turns geometry into quantities, the other turns quantities into priced line items.

01
Quantity Takeoff
IFC Element → Trade Quantity
What it does

Walks every element in the parsed IFC tree, reads its geometry and properties, classifies it into one of the 24 trade groups, and derives a real quantity — square footage of drywall, linear feet of framing, count of doors — not just an element count.

Output
A quantity-by-trade table: e.g. 4,200 SF drywall, 380 LF wall framing, 22 doors, 340 SF roofing — ready to price.
02
Cost Pricing
Trade Quantity → Line-Item Cost
What it does

Each trade quantity is priced against the rate matrix for the selected state and building type. Change the state or building type and the whole estimate recalculates instantly — no re-parsing the model.

Output
A full itemized cost estimate broken down by trade, with a grand total ready for the Cost tab or export.

No Model Yet?

Start With a Ballpark Instead

Not every estimate starts with a finished IFC model. Quick Estimate is a fallback screen inside this module — answer a handful of building-profile questions and get a trade-by-trade cost ballpark in minutes, residential only.

Quick Estimate · No IFC Required
Ballpark it by trade, then continue to the real takeoff whenever the model's ready
Building type and square footage carry over automatically when you're ready to load an actual IFC model.
Explore Quick Estimate →

Integration Points

Connected Across PRIME

4D Scheduling Shares the same parsed IFC model and entity reference IDs — no duplicate upload, no drift between what's scheduled and what's priced.
Quick Estimate Fallback mode for when no IFC model exists yet. Building type selected there is handed to this engine's cost params on "Continue."
Sector Gate Commercial or Residential (chosen once per session) sets which building types and default project buildings are available here.
Model Audit Runs automatically after parsing — surfaces unclassified elements before they silently disappear from the trade totals.

No Model Yet

Try Quick Estimate first

Get a trade-by-trade ballpark now, upload the real IFC model whenever it's ready.

Explore Quick Estimate → Back to PRIME