What is an Item

En Español

An item represents a specific material, equipment, labor, subcontracting, or other cost. Items can be generic, like Finishing Labor or Primer, or very specific, like Douglas Fir 2”x4”x10’.

When items are added to a takeoff, STACK is able to use the coverage rate from the item information to convert the takeoff data - measurement and counts - into a designated purchase unit, which is displayed for you on reports and estimates. This gives you very detailed information to help determine the total cost, labor, and quantity of materials needed for a job.

STACK provides over 10,000 pre-built items you can use to quickly add material, labor, equipment, and/or subcontracting costs directly to your takeoff. STACK also gives you the option to access items from 1build or BNI so you can apply regional cost data to your Material and Labor Estimates.

You can also create your own custom items if you need to incorporate specific costs that are unique to your work.

Items can be found and created in the Libraries section of STACK.

TIP: If you often use several items together, consider using assemblies.

See below for more info on:
Item Information

• Item Details
• Cost Types
• Notes
• Assemblies

Item Information

This is an example of the Item Information screen in STACK and descriptions of the optional and required information fields.

Item Name

1 - Item Name(required, text - 120 characters max)
This is the name of the item. The Item Name is located at the top of the item information screen. When you create an item, the default name will be New Item and it will be highlighted in blue. Click on the name and type in the name you want. The name can be as general or specific as your needs require. The material is commonly used as a starting point. Example: Drywall or 4 X 8 Drywall

TIP: Once you save an item, a link icon will appear next to the item name. It allows you to copy a link to that item's information screen.

Item Details

2 - Item Number (optional)
A number of your choosing to reference the item. The Item Number can be used in the Search Items bar in the Library to help you locate the item.

3 - Measured Coverage (required, numeric)^
Shows how many Units of Measure are in a Purchase Unit.

4 - Unit of Measure (required, dropdown)^
This is the type of measurement output intended for the item (Takeoff Measurement Type). This field determines which type of takeoff can use this item. You must choose one of the listed values from the dropdown.

5 - Purchase Coverage (required, numeric)^
Shows how many purchase units it takes to cover the listed Measured Coverage. (The number entered is usually 1.)

6 - Purchase Unit (required, dropdown)^
How you purchase the material. Example: Gallon, case, box, bundle, sq ft, 5-foot section, etc.
STACK provides a list of the most common purchase units, but you can create a custom purchase unit.

TIP: If you want to be able to estimate the labor hours needed for a job, you must have an item with a Purchase Unit of Hours. 

7 - Item Description (optional, text - 255 characters max)
You can enter a description of the item, how it functions, or any requirements/specifications. This description will only appear on the Item Information screen, not on reports or estimates.

Cost Types

8 - Cost Type(required, checkbox)
Identifies the type of item created. Check the box next to each Cost Type that you want to apply to the item. You must select at least one, but can apply multiple cost types to each item.* Equipment, labor, material, and subcontractor are preloaded options, but you can also create custom Company Cost Types in Account Settings/Company Settings. The data for each selected cost type will appear on the Estimate Worksheet, Item Reports, and Material and Labor Estimate.

*If your purchase unit is a measurement (sq ft, lin ft, etc.) with one to one coverage rate, you can avoid creating separate items by applying multiple cost types like material AND labor to one item.

If your purchase unit is a physical item (board, tube, gallon, etc.), you can apply multiple cost types to the item, but it might be easier to create separate items to represent the material, labor, equipment, etc.

9 - Accounting Code(optional, text or numeric - 255 characters max)
This could be a code assigned by your billing or accounting department, QuickBooks Online Item info, a part number, SKU number, or any code you want associated with the item. You can enter a different code for each cost type you choose.

NOTE: You must enter an Accounting Code for each selected item cost type if you want to export STACK estimates to QuickBooks Online.

10 - Unit Cost (optional, numeric)
The default price of the item. This is typically your purchase price, but you can include markup in the amount. You can enter a different unit cost for each cost type you choose.

Notes 

11 - Notes  (optional, text or numeric)
You can enter any additional information about the item that you want to document You can format the notes -change the text size, bold or italicize text, create bulleted or numbered lists, and include hyperlinks. Notes will only appear on the Item Information screen, not on reports or estimates.

Assemblies

12 - Assemblies (auto-populates)

This lists any assemblies using the item. You can click to open any listed assembly.

Related Articles

Add or Remove Items from a Takeoff
Create, Edit, or Delete Custom Items
Bulk Import Custom Items to STACK
What is an Assembly
Create a Custom Assembly

If you need additional assistance, please Contact Us.