In construction, a quantity takeoff is fairly straightforward to describe. Quantity Takeoff Services are essentially material estimates. The architect, engineer, or draftsperson specifies the physical materials required to be assembled based on the project plans.
In addition to quantity takeoffs, the following terms are often used in construction:
- Takeoff estimates
- Takeoffs for construction
- Takeoffs for earthwork
- Material takeoffs
- Estimation of materials
- Material counts
- Surveying of quantities
The quantity takeoff is always material-specific, no matter what you call it. In general, quantity surveyors and takeoff specialists don’t consider other needs associated with a project, such as labor, overhead, permits, insurance, equipment, or incidental costs along the way. To get an accurate cost estimate, they typically focus on isolating material requirements from the whole process.
The concept of quantity takeoff has changed due to technology, and computerization has been extremely helpful for larger construction companies.
1. MATERIAL TAKEOFFS MANUALLY
A material takeoff form of this type is the simplest and oldest. Construction drawings specify every type of material and quantity on the construction drawings, which are then manually taken off by the estimator. However, data management requires a lot of time, and human error is common. To ensure accuracy, the estimator should be familiar with materials, have experience estimating, and be skilled at determining how much material to use. In manual methods, paying close attention to detail is essential.
2. TAKEOFFS OF DIGITAL MATERIALS
Relatively new technology in the construction industry uses computers to analyze and apply databases to material takeoffs. As computerized building models and digital takeoffs became increasingly sophisticated, CAD-based programs became the standard in the late 1980s and 1990s. In large and complex projects, digital takeoffs are faster and more accurate than manual methods. So, it is the technical proficiency of the takeoff technician as well as the ability to apply the takeoff information into cost-based calculations that qualify the technician to perform the takeoff.
A quantity takeoff can involve a lot of complex processes. The purpose of these tools is to manage data accurately, and that is their only purpose. Whether you use a digital takeoff program or a manual one, you must accurately record the materials you need. Price structures must also be meaningful at the end of the proposal.
QUANTITY TAKEOFFS: WHO NEEDS THEM?
A quantity takeoff must be done by everyone involved in organizing a construction project. Tail-end qualification isn’t material takeoffs. The bidding process begins with these documents, which provide accurate financial and material information for the proposal of a realistic contract.
The cost and the amount of material you will need for your project must calculate regardless of its size. Build roads, utilities, and infrastructure for a single-family home, a subdivision, or something else entirely. As a first step, you have to remove the materials and understand what you have to work with. Then you have to predict how much the final bill will be.
Many must do quantity takeoffs besides architects, engineers, and construction managers. Building anything requires material calculations and price estimates, no matter your industry. The following professionals perform materials takeoffs:
- Smart city designers and urban master planners
- Architects of tunnels and subways
- Renovators and builders of residential homes
- Engineers working on railways and metro systems
- Naval architects and offshore engineers
- Landscape architects and landscapers
- Engineers who work on roads and highways
- Construction managers and general contractors
- Contractors in the energy and utility industries
- Mechanics, structural engineers, and civil engineers
- Designers of buildings and architects
QUANTITY TAKEOFF: HOW TO DO IT
Quantity takeoffs in building construction are made up of steps, just like every other aspect of the construction process. People can learn material takeoffs if they have the time and resources to train in their systems before applying their skills in the field.
Costs can be high when learning on the job. In manual takeoffs, omissions, misinterpretations, and faulty calculations are especially prone to errors by humans. In the same way, digital takeoffs can fail if the input source is incorrect or the program operator does not apply sound principles when taking them.
Quantity takeoffs must consider two ends to be meaningful. It is possible to compound mistakes by choosing one path over another. The wrong input calculation will lead to the wrong result, and the wrong output calculation will lead to wasted time, money, and resources.
The quantity takeoff process should follow a proven method. Whether you use a manual or digital takeoff method, this formula has been around for years. An accurate quantity takeoff consists of two parts:
1. INPUT
Accurate material takeoffs and plans must fill out with accurate information. Your takeoff technician is essential to managing data, regardless of whether your architect still draws blueprints by hand or your CAD operator creates three-dimensional models of buildings. First, blueprints or computerized takeoff software must fill out with precise information.
While your takeoff team uses their best efforts, they don’t have much control over the situation. An estimator is normally not responsible for preparing original concepts, working drawings, or CAD layouts, regardless of the project type. A building chain member usually designs and specifies a project. However, an astute takeoff technician can spot irregularities and make allowances for them during the data management process. The input stage of the process requires this control.
2. OUTPUT
The output stage of data management involves performing material takeoffs. Material estimation is important at this stage because output transforms concepts into physical entities. Software printouts are the foundation for successful bids.
It is here that the person or team in charge of takeoff has control. The material takeoff identifies, quantifies, and attaches pricing schedules to materials. The results of this systematic approach are accurate and fair proposals.
Construction data management professionals convert material takeoff data into construction schedules based on valid pricing structures. However, the estimate might be based on values from local suppliers or subcontractors, particularly for small projects. However, estimators often use the national pricing system in large building proposals. So, quality data for a quantity takeoff is readily available to takeoff professionals.
QUANTITY TAKEOFFS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Material takeoff professionals or quantity surveyors face unique challenges. They must convert two-dimensional plans into three-dimensional images to quantify them. Quantity takeoffs are accurate in two dimensions and three dimensions.
A surveyor must visualize the concept when using manual takeoff methods. A technician still needs to manage this data, even with digital takeoff methods. However, a takeoff professional uses these formulas to determine the number of construction materials:
- Unit count. Even though it is the simplest task of the takeoff, it is easy to overlook something when counting units. Lighting fixtures, pipe fittings, and door knobs are counted when planning a building. To calculate the gross total, they multiply the total unit price by the total number of units.
- Linear length. There are total lengths or runs for materials such as lumber, steel, and piping. It isn’t easy to unitize these building products. Estimators in this category will combine material lengths and gross values.
- Surface area. Surface area materials must still estimate accurately in two dimensions. No matter the materials, it is floor covering, roof covering, or flatwork stone. Calculate the length times the width to determine the value.
Professionals who perform material takeoffs pay careful attention to their two- and three-dimensional calculations, but they know that the figures eventually support two additional construction dimensions. In construction projects, time and cost are also important dimensions. The accuracy of material takeoffs is essential due to time and cost considerations.
Conclusion
Quantity Takeoff Services Professionals are a group of experienced and knowledgeable engineering teams who will provide you with accurate data so that you can manage your business and build your projects without worrying about construction estimates.
Takeoff Professionals is responsible for providing you with the best takeoff services possible. A simple material list complementing your proposal can be useful if you are a small-volume builder. A comprehensive plan may be required for cutting, hauling, and filling earthworks. Whatever your need, TakeOff Professionals can provide you with the best material takeoff information to help improve your productivity.
