Façade Takeoff: ETICS, Render and Cladding Areas from the Elevations

Calculating the ETICS area: formula and example

The façade area is length times height for each elevation. From that, you deduct the openings that the contract does not measure over, and the plinth if it has a build-up of its own. An example: an elevation is 12.00 m long and 9.00 m high, so the gross area is 108.00 m².

• Plinth 12.00 m × 0.50 m = 6.00 m²: own build-up, own item
• Eight windows of 1.25 m × 1.50 m = 1.88 m² each: under 2.5 m², measured over
• Window band 4.00 m × 1.50 m = 6.00 m²: deducted
• ETICS area: 108.00 m² − 6.00 m² − 6.00 m² = 96.00 m²
• Reveals, separately by length: windows 8 × (2 × 1.50 m + 1.25 m) = 34.00 m, window band 2 × 1.50 m + 4.00 m = 7.00 m

Without measuring over, the area would be 80.96 m², 15 m² less on a single elevation. PlanReader delivers the façade area without openings and every window and door individually. You add back the openings you measure over.

What PlanReader takes off the elevations

You upload the elevations as PDF and choose the “Facade (elevations)” template or describe in your own words what you need. PlanReader captures:

• Façade areas by build-up and finish: for example render, ETICS and cladding, including plinth and reveals, each with its area.
• Openings as cut-outs: window and door openings are taken out of the areas.
• Windows and doors: captured individually and marked on the plan, so you can measure over or deduct openings according to your bill of quantities.

Whether you need only the ETICS, one elevation or all of them is up to you.

Every area marked on the plan

PlanReader draws every area it captures onto your elevation. You see at a glance which section counts as ETICS, which as render and which as cladding, and where something is missing. Whatever you see differently, you change directly on the plan: adjust, add or delete an area. The Excel export picks up every change.

The takeoff as an Excel list

The Excel list shows the façade areas per build-up and finish and the windows and doors individually, for one elevation or for all plans in the project. Because every quantity is drawn on the plan, it can be traced: against the bill of quantities for your bid, and towards the client when you invoice.

DIN 18345, DIN 18350 and DIN 18351: the rules in brief

When a German construction contract includes the VOB, ETICS is measured to DIN 18345, render to DIN 18350 and ventilated rainscreen cladding to DIN 18351. For façade areas, these rules matter most:

• Area: billed by area; ventilated façades by the outer dimensions of the cladding.
• Measuring over: openings up to 2.5 m² each are measured over; larger ones are deducted.
• Reveals: for ETICS, reveals are billed separately by length, whatever their size.

If your bill of quantities sets its own measurement rules, those apply. This is why PlanReader delivers the openings as well, and you decide under your contract how they go into the quantity.

How it works

• 1. Upload the elevations: upload PDF elevations and set the scale on the plan.
• 2. Choose the template: “Facade (elevations)” or a job of your own, for example “ETICS areas and plinth only”.
• 3. Check on the plan: every area is drawn on. Your team checks, adds and corrects.
• 4. Take over the Excel: the takeoff goes straight into your estimate.

PlanReader does the groundwork; checking and approval stay with your team.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate the façade area for ETICS?

Length times height for each elevation, minus the openings that are not measured over and minus the plinth if it has a build-up of its own. Under DIN 18345, openings up to 2.5 m² are measured over and reveals are added separately by length.

Are the openings already deducted?

Yes. PlanReader takes window and door openings out of the façade areas and lists windows and doors individually. You add back the openings you measure over under your contract.

Which drawings do I need?

The elevations as PDF, one per side of the building. You set the scale on the plan. For interior areas, use floor plans; see the painting takeoff.

Quantity takeoff by trade

More articles in this series:

• Painting and plaster: calculating wall, ceiling and façade areas
• Drywall: wall areas for one side or both
• Screed, tiles and flooring: room areas and floor build-up
• MEP, electrical and HVAC: counting fixtures, measuring runs
• Shell construction: walls by material, masonry and concrete
• Road and civil works: paved areas, gutters, sewers and manholes

All features at a glance: quantity takeoff from PDF drawings with PlanReader.