What does deducting openings refer to in estimating?

Deducting openings refers to the practice of subtracting the area of openings, such as doors and windows, from the total area being estimated for a construction project. This is essential because openings reduce the usable surface area for various applications, including flooring, roofing, and wall finishes. Estimators must account for these openings to provide an accurate assessment of materials needed and costs involved.

By doing so, the final estimate reflects the actual amount of material required rather than inflating it with unnecessary quantities that wouldn't be used due to the presence of these openings. In the context of budgeting and project planning, this practice ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, aligning with the project's true scope.

The other options do not accurately describe the concept of deducting openings. For instance, adding the area of doors would lead to an overestimation, while calculating the volume of enclosed spaces and estimating the total surface area for painting pertain to different processes in estimating.