How to Set the Correct Scale on Takeoffs
Before you can begin accurately measuring your project, you must ensure your takeoff is set to the correct scale. Houzz Pro offers two primary ways to do this — Standard Scale Detection or a Manual Calibration.
Standard Scale Detection is best when the architectural scale is clearly printed on the plans (example: 1:50 or 1/8"=1' 0"). Houzz Pro will use AI to automatically locate the scale written on the drawing and apply it.
Manual Calibration is the most accurate method for scanned documents or PDF files where the original scale might have been distorted. It is also helpful when the scale is unknown or the original plan doesn't mention scale.
Standard Scale Detection
If your plan includes a pre-defined scale, Houzz Pro will use AI to locate the scale written on the drawings and automatically apply it. While the scale will be automatically adjusted, please ensure it's accurate before proceeding with your takeoff.
To review, navigate to the Page Settings section at the bottom of the page drawer in your takeoff.
Here, you can adjust the Measurement option to either Imperial or Metric. Under Page Scale, select the specific scale that matches your plan, such as 1/4 inch equals 1 foot (the most common scale).
If you are making changes to an already set scale, a screen will appear asking to confirm the change.
Select Update This Page if you only want to change the scale for the selected page.
Select Update All Pages if you want to change the scale for all pages.
Houzz Pro will now adjust the scale for your takeoff.
Please Note: Keep the following in mind when using AI scale detection:
- If a page contains more than one scale, AI will not be able to auto-detect the scale. In these cases, the scale will default to the standard scale (1/4"=1' 0"), and a banner will display on the page to alert you.
- If the detected plan scale is in Metric but your takeoff settings are in Imperial (or vice versa), AI will automatically convert the detected scale to match your takeoff settings.
Manual Calibration
If your plan doesn't list a scale, or if the file has been resized and the standard scale is no longer accurate, you can manually calibrate it using a known measurement, like a doorway or a wall length.
To do this, navigate to the Page Settings section at the bottom of the page drawer in your takeoff. Click Find Scale.
A screen will appear with instructions. Click Find Scale.
Measure a known length directly on the canvas — click on one corner as your starting point, drag your mouse to the next corner as your ending point. Double click to finish the line.
A screen will appear where you can input your known measurements in the text boxes.
Select Set On This Page if you only want to change the scale for the selected page.
Select Set On All Pages if you want to change the scale for all pages.
Houzz Pro will now automatically calculate the scale for your takeoff based on that single measurement.
Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to verify your scale by measuring another known distance on the plan after you’ve set it.