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What Are Takeoffs in Construction?

Construction takeoffs are estimates used by estimators to map out labor, material and equipment costs in order to submit competitive bids.

Modern construction projects leave no margin for error, so in order to generate accurate estimates and maximize bids, it's essential that you know how to undertake takeoff successfully.

What is a takeoff?

Takeoff is the practice of identifying all materials needed to complete a commercial construction project. This requires considering dimensions, quantities, and associated costs for each item identified as needed in a takeoff. Once complete, an itemized list is generated which details every material identified along with its associated costs.

Quantity takeoffs can be completed manually with paper blueprints and scale rulers, but estimating teams also have the option to utilize digital takeoff software that saves them both time and provides access to historical data that could help guide future projects.

As with any material, there are various forms of takeoffs depending on its material requirements. Surface area takeoffs typically involve two-dimensional calculations that use length times width and calculate areas within plans, whereas cubic volume takeoffs can be used to estimate earthworks and concrete pour volumes by multiplying length times height; physical weight calculations are another common way of quantifying materials such as circuit boards, backfill and drywall.

What are the main people involved in takeoffs?

Accurate construction takeoffs are essential to any successful project; yet their creator may remain unclear. Here is some insight into who makes these estimates and their processes of creation.

Takeoff involves identifying raw materials required to build features, and adding manufactured fixtures that contribute to a project. Contractors need to know how much money will be spent on raw materials like drywall, wood and concrete as well as prefabricated items like lights and cables for their projects.

Estimators have long used manual material takeoffs on blueprints with pencil and paper for data management purposes, which is time-consuming and error prone.

Contractors often perform cubic volume takeoffs on earthworks, concrete pours and insulation projects requiring three-dimensional calculations that involve length times width times value applied to total. Furthermore, they often undertake unit count tasks including counting individual light fixtures, pipe fittings and door knobs that add up to total line item figures before being multiplied by trade market prices to produce an estimate for materials.

What are the main types of takeoffs?

Construction takeoffs are one of the cornerstones of cost estimating. A builder uses this process to analyze a project blueprint and ascertain what kinds of materials they'll require; then creates a list that helps them estimate project expenses.

Takeoffs can vary depending on how they're performed; some involve manual takeoff, which takes time and attention to detail; others use digital takeoff software, which speeds up the process significantly and can be completed more quickly.

An accurate takeoff relies on being material-specific; that is, only including physical items specified by architects, engineers or draftspeople in their construction plans. A takeoff should not include details like labor costs or permits as this would make the calculation too complex and increase chances for error; rather the focus should remain on identifying all raw materials needed for completion of the project.

What are the benefits of takeoffs?

An accurate construction takeoff provides builders and project managers with many key benefits. First of all, it allows for more precise estimates that ensure a project moves forward using appropriate materials in sufficient amounts.

Reducing waste - both financial and environmental. This is due to overestimating the quantity of materials necessary, which could result in excess stock and additional expenses.

Accurate material taking-off helps contractors plan for future material price fluctuations and budget accordingly, thus avoiding unexpected inflationary costs.

No matter whether you complete your construction takeoff manually or using digital tools, it is crucial that all results be kept for future reference and saved for reference should any disputes arise during your project or plans appear to change unexpectedly. Furthermore, doing this provides valuable insights into your estimating process long after your work has concluded.

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Originally published: 

January 26, 2024

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Justin Ankus

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