#Quantity takeoff example series#

3 Primary Takeoff Methods: Manual, Digital, and Estimating Service.

Learn the Best Method to Produce an Accurate Quantity Takeoff What Is a Construction Quantity Takeoff?Īccording to the Dictionary of Construction Terms, a construction quantity takeoff, in theory, is “the estimation of quantities for a contract from plans and drawings which are then recorded in the bill of quantities” (305).

In practice, however, a construction quantity takeoff is a term commonly used in the industry to describe one of its most essential functions: the process by which a cost estimator reviews a set of plans during preconstruction in order to “take off” measurements from these plans to forecast construction costs. The term takeoff actually evolved from the phrase “taken off,” which loosely translates to “measured.” Only by taking the information “off” documents can estimators convert information from drawings into a list of items with quantities that can be measured. While performing a quantity takeoff, estimators “take off” information from common contract documents: including architectural drawings, structural engineering drawings, plumbing drawings, site water reticulation and drainage drawings, electrical drawings, and HVAC drawings.ĭespite the fact quantity takeoffs are so common in the industry there is still some confusion over what the process entails. But a quantity takeoff is actually not the process of estimating materials directly.įor example, many assume a quantity takeoff refers only to estimating materials or that the process simply consists of reviewing a set of project plans and then quantifying information about the physical materials the architect, engineer, or draftsperson specifies to build the project.

#Quantity takeoff example series#

In fact, according to expert David Pratt, in his detailed analysis of the term in the Fundamentals of Construction Estimating, a quantity takeoff is actually the process of measuring the work of a project in the form of a series of quantified work items, which includes both labor and materials. 3 Differences between Materials Takeoff and Quantity TakeoffĪ materials takeoff, used to calculate the quantity of materials that needs to be purchased in order to construct a particular item of a project, differs from a quantity takeoff for a cost estimate in three substantive ways: The confusion regarding quantity takeoff stems from the fact that takeoffs are often referred to in the industry by many names, and these names are used interchangeably even though they can refer to different things:įor example, although materials takeoff and quantity takeoff are most often treated in the industry as identical processes, they’re actually two different processes that should be distinguished from each other.In cost estimate quantity takeoffs, measurements are made “ net in place” whereas materials takeoffs measure gross quantities.A materials takeoff also rarely includes sufficient information for actual pricing.For example, “100 cubic yards of 3000 psi concrete” may be adequate for a materials takeoff, but information about what the concrete is to be used for is required in a cost estimate takeoff.Many work items measured in a quantity takeoff do not involve materials at all.A good example is “Hand Troweling,” which only has a labor price associated with it. In this case, what needs to be measured is the plan area of concrete that needs to be trowelled. More importantly, a quantity takeoff is also not an isolated activity, but is just the first of six steps necessary to complete a detailed and accurate project cost estimate: There is no material associated with it and therefore to consider when creating the takeoff.įor these reasons, when we refer to “takeoff” in this guide, we’ll be specifically referring to the process of quantity takeoff, which measures the work of a project as a series of quantified items.

Step 1: Takeoff quantities–the work to be performed by a contractor is measured in compliance with standard rules of measurement.

Step 2: Recap quantities–the quantities of work “taken off” are sorted and listed to comply with the CSI MasterFormat or other standard to facilitate the process of pricing.

Step 3: Recap pricing–prices for the required labor, equipment and materials are entered against the quantities to determine the estimated cost of the contractors work.

Step 4: Subcontractors work pricing–prices are obtained from competing subtrades who quote to perform the work of their trades.

Step 5: General expenses pricing–the costs of the anticipated project overheads are calculated and added to the estimate.

Step 6: Estimate summary–all estimated prices are summarized.