Quantity Take Off
Quantity Take Off
• The first part of a quantity takeoff involves putting together a list of all of
the materials required for a project. This will include all raw materials,
like lumber, concrete, asphalt, and steel. In addition to raw materials, the
quantity takeoff will include any prefabrication in construction that are
necessary for the project.
• Example: materials like lumber, the quantity takeoff would include
what specific type of lumber the job requires, the length and width of the
lumber, and may include the total weight of the required lumber for
shipping considerations.
Quantity takeoffs fulfill two basic functions in a construction
cost estimate
Once prices for each material have been determined, the estimator will
then produce a total material cost estimate. Most often, the person
preparing the quantity takeoff will markup the total material costs. How
much or little of a markup occurs will depend on a number of factors,
and can be a key determinant of whether a bid is accepted or rejected. A
markup for material costs is necessary for most projects to ensure a
project remains profitable for the contractor.
Types of Quantity Takeoffs
Some software has the capability, price information can be drawn from a
database of current prices populated by the contractor. Alternatively, some
takeoff software can draw cost data from online construction cost
databases such as RS Means. Once prices are applied to each material, the
estimator can dynamically adjust the price to account for material cost
increases.
Benefits of Digital take-offs
• Digital takeoffs help reduce errors associated with quantity takeoffs.
• digital takeoffs take much less time to produce.
• Quantity takeoffs don’t just save time when creating a takeoff, but they also
save time when a quantity takeoff has to be adjusted. This happens
frequently during projects. Digital takeoff software allows for a rapid
turnaround time if adjustments are necessary.
• Digital quantity takeoffs require less specialization to complete than a
manual takeoff.
References
1. Book Fundamentals of Construction estimating.
2. https://proest.com/what-is-a-quantity-takeoff-in-construction/
3. https://www.quora.com/What-is-quantity-takeoff.