Read the spec first
Start with 04 20 00 Unit Masonry. List each unit type, its size, color and maker. Read the mortar and grout types. Read what the section includes: flashing, weeps, cavity insulation, reinforcing and cleaning. Then read the structural notes for grout and rebar spacing.
Sheets and schedules that carry the count
- The floor plans. They give wall lengths and wall types.
- The exterior elevations. They show heights, openings, bands and patterns.
- The wall sections. They show the assembly, the flashing and the bond beams.
- The structural sheets. They give the vertical bars, the grouted cells and the lintels.
- The door and window schedules, for opening sizes.
- The masonry details, for control joints and anchors.
Steps in order
- List each masonry type from the spec and the wall sections.
- Measure the wall length for each type from the plans.
- Take heights from the elevations and sections. Work out the gross area.
- Subtract the openings by your own rule. Write the rule down.
- Convert the net area to units for each unit size.
- Measure bond beams, flashing and control joints by length.
- Work out the grout volume from the grouted cells and bond beams.
- Measure vertical and horizontal rebar. Count the lintels and anchors.
Count, length, area or volume
- Count: units, lintels, anchors, special shapes and embedded items.
- Length: bond beams, flashing, control joints, joint reinforcing and rebar.
- Area: each wall type, cavity insulation, cleaning and sealer.
- Volume: grout and mortar.
Conflicts to find, and what to exclude
- The spec gives one grout spacing. The structural notes give a closer spacing.
- The elevations show a band or pattern that the wall sections do not.
- Openings on the elevations do not match the door and window schedules.
- Steel lintels appear on the structural sheets. Nobody states who supplies them.
- Cavity insulation and air barrier appear in your section and in Division 07.
State if scaffolding, hoisting and winter protection are in your number. Qualify the mockup and the final cleaning. Exclude sealers and sealant joints unless your section lists them. Check any unit allowance and what it covers.
Trade takeoffs · Updated 11 Nov 2026