KORArticles and guides
Practical guides on takeoffs, estimating and construction scheduling, and honest software comparisons.
How to calculate construction activity durations from quantities (production rates and crews)
The simple formula to turn a measured quantity into a duration in working days (quantity ÷ production rate ÷ crews, rounded up), with a worked example for framing, drywall, roofing and finishes.
Read ›October 27, 2026Bluebeam alternative for residential takeoff: takeoff, estimating and scheduling in one tool
Bluebeam Revu is built to mark up and measure PDFs. KOR does takeoff, estimating and scheduling in the browser, in English and French, for CA$69 a month with 3 users. A side-by-side cost comparison, with sources.
Read ›October 27, 2026Common takeoff mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Unconfirmed scale, walls measured twice, rounding wall by wall, waste counted twice, mixed units, an old drawing revision: the most common takeoff mistakes, with worked examples and how to avoid each one.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do a concrete takeoff (footings, foundation walls, slab)
A step-by-step method to calculate concrete in cubic metres, formwork and rebar for strip footings, foundation walls, slabs and isolated footings, with a complete worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to build a residential construction schedule (durations, links and critical path)
How to build a construction schedule that holds up: durations in working days, finish-to-start, start-to-start and finish-to-finish links with lags, milestones, critical path and float, with a worked example done by hand.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do a drywall takeoff (walls, ceilings, taping and waste)
A step-by-step method to calculate drywall sheets for walls and ceilings, taping and waste, with a complete worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do a siding takeoff (vinyl, wood, fibre cement, brick)
A method to calculate vinyl siding, wood or fibre cement boards, metal siding, brick, soffit and fascia, including trim, with a complete worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026General conditions in a construction estimate: what to include
A checklist of general conditions for a residential job (site staff, trailer, toilet, temporary heat, dumpsters, permits, insurance), how to quantify each line, and a worked example for a 16-week house.
Read ›October 27, 2026GST, HST, PST and QST in a construction estimate in Canada
Sales tax rates by province, where taxes go in an estimate (after overhead and profit), and a complete worked example, with the most common mistakes.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to estimate a house in Québec: the steps from bid documents to final estimate
The steps of a new-home or renovation estimate in Québec, from receiving the drawings to sending the price: reading the documents, takeoff by trade, pricing, general conditions, overhead, profit, GST and QST, review. With a checklist.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do an insulation and vapour barrier takeoff (walls, ceilings, rigid board)
A method to calculate batt insulation for walls, attic insulation, 4x8 rigid boards, acoustic insulation and vapour barrier, with a complete worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026Material list for your supplier: how to prepare a clear quote request
How to turn your takeoff into a material list a supplier can price quickly and correctly: materials grouped, sales units, studs named by length, deliveries and alternates.
Read ›October 27, 2026Overhead, profit and contingency: how to calculate them in a construction bid
The difference between general conditions and overhead, how to work out your overhead percentage from your annual numbers, then profit, contingency, GST and QST, with a worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026PlanSwift alternative: takeoff, estimating and scheduling in one tool
PlanSwift does takeoffs, on Windows. KOR does takeoffs, estimating and scheduling in the browser, in English and French, for a fraction of the price. A side-by-side cost comparison, with sources.
Read ›October 27, 2026Statutory holidays and the construction holiday in a Québec construction schedule (2027 dates)
How to account for statutory holidays, the summer construction holiday and the winter break in a Québec construction schedule, with 2027 dates and worked examples of dates being pushed back.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do a roofing takeoff (x/12 pitch, shingles, membrane, ridge)
A step-by-step method to go from plan area to true roof area with the pitch factor, then calculate shingle bundles, underlayment, ice and water membrane, starter strip and ridge cap, with a worked example.
Read ›October 27, 2026Takeoff and estimating software: 2026 comparison for residential contractors
KOR, PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, STACK, Togal.AI, Buildxact and e-Plans compared on what matters to a Canadian residential contractor: full estimate, schedule, French support and the real cost for a team of 3. With sources.
Read ›October 27, 2026How to do a wall framing takeoff (studs, plates, sheathing)
A step-by-step method to calculate studs, plates and sheathing for a 2x6 wall from a length measured on the plans, with a worked example.
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