[Vince]

In the process of downloading it now @DavidCutler .
I watched the launch webinar yesterday and things didn’t go to plan with regards the new headers and footers. However, the new functionality for splitting areas, combining areas, etc. looks like it could be really handy – so I thought I’d test that out.

[Vince]

@troy-degroot all of my workflows have something built in for collecting data for use at valuation time.

For drainage, I use a “Location” column to allocate markups to plots or groups of plots. The lasso tool gets used for the allocation part. Once the csv gets imported into my spreadsheet using Power Query then all of the measures are allocated on the plot by plot basis – formulas then automatically create my payment breakdowns.

For foundations, I use Spaces to allocate the works to housetypes. In my spreadsheet I enter the details on a plot by plot basis and then reference the Space name. I do things this way as, in the spreadsheet, I add other details such as finished floor level, top of concrete, bottom of concrete, void depth, etc.. This way I can very quickly see the cost implications of if I added more masonry but less concrete, etc.. Once again, Power Query and formulas automatically create material schedules as well as payment breakdowns.

For my brickwork & scaffolding workflow, I use Spaces combined with a custom column called “Lift” and some Text Boxes. The custom column is used to allocate details such as 1st Lift, 2nd Lift, First Floor, Superstructure, Top Out, etc.. The Text Boxes are used for the Plot Numbers that the measures within that Space will apply to. This way, I end up with plot by plot measures that are accurately broken down into the correct lifts. Formulas and a bit of Power Query then automatically create my payment breakdowns.

There are a few other inbuilt things which make things easier as well, including additional details for the markups e.g. my foundations workflow has a markup called “Oversite 1” and it is just a simple area measurement. In the spreadsheet there is a table of oversite details. Oversite 1 will have further details such as 75mm Fibre Reinforced Screed, 150mm Insulation, DPM, 150mm Insulated Beam & Block Floor. On hitting refresh in Excel, Power Query then creates all of the new material items and applies the measure from the Oversite 1 markup.

From my point of view, all of the data is collected at day 1 when the initial measures are completed – there really shouldn’t be anything further to do to create all the data that you need to track progress and complete accurate valuations.

[Vince]

Not really niche tools @troy-degroot but, I do have 5 different profile for measuring groundworks alone. Not only to limit the number of tools in the tool chests but mainly in order so I can collect as much info in the custom columns as possible – automatically wherever possible.

[Vince]

They’ll be mad if they don’t let you present @troy-degroot !

Unfortunately, a bit to far for me to come and see you though.

[Vince]

I have a monthly reminder to do a complete backup of Bluebeam – not had to use it yet but don’t want to risk somehow losing all of thse profiles.

[Vince]

I use custom tools in order so the markup reflects the items being counted.
As for the method of counting that depends on how many items there are as well as item being counted – things like road gullies on a large housing site will be done via visual search whereas piles to a house or block of flats will be done manually.

[Vince]

Learn the basics then experiment. You may have a specific output that you are initially trying to generate but, if you do those two things first, then you might discover that you can produce a whole load of extra data that will help you, all with very little or no extra input.

[Vince]

Hi David,

Yes, it does appear to be rather good.

I’m using it to offset oversite areas for pile mats – mark up the oversites but if they are closer than say 3m use a ‘thin’ area to join them together. Then simple ask Bluebeam to offset by whatever distance you want and create a new markup. The can then be changed to the piling mat tool with the magic wand.

Very quick and also very accurate!

[Vince]

I never went any further with the 50 Shades @DavidCutler but this one may be worth a revisit at some point – I’m sure it can be improved upon.

[Vince]

The JavaScript for the rental company sounds impressive @troy-degroot !

[Vince]

I don’t think it is quite the same thing unfortunately, this year it was only really a half day event – still great though!

[Vince]

I use Microsoft To Do – with working for lots of different people there are so many tasks to remember but To Do works really well.

[Vince]

Hi @DavidCutler – yes – at the 2:00 mark I’m using the magic wand to change the new perimeter markup into the kerbs from my Tool Chest.

[Vince]

It will change all of the information to that of the new tool @DavidCutler .

Therefore, you have to be careful of one thing – if you have already entered any information into custom columns then this will be lost.

This is a small price to pay for everything else being changed in one go though.

I’ll try to do some demos of how I’m using this feature soon.

[Vince]

@DavidCutler I have tried out a couple of other things as well using Claude – some work but some don’t.

One interesting one, I asked Claude to look at a set of duplicated markets in a 60 page (well that is what I think it was) document. Then, after pointing to the open file, I used a line of code as follows: –

“With the “Area Measurement” markups, any that are within a Space ending with ” – PILED” need to be changed to “Ground Beams – Type 1” markup and the remainder want to be changed to the “Foundation Footprint” markup.”

It worked!