The term “Construction Takeoff” is synonymously used for material takeoff or quantity takeoff. You may have heard these terms before or you might be a beginner in this industry, spending time in understanding them. Construction estimating is all about resource cost forecasting and for a correct estimation, a clear picture of materials is vital for addition to the list. Where other sections matter in the total estimation of the project, the takeoff in construction also holds immense importance. For a minute you must be thoughtful of this phenomenon just because you lack the concept behind it. No problem, grasping this full stretch will let you know what the takeoff is for a construction project.
What Do You Mean by Construction Takeoff?
Broadly speaking, a takeoff in construction refers to a detailed list of minor to major materials for usage in the entire project from start to end. It takes with it the associated additional cost of all the helping materials and labor that are used in the completion of the project. Material forecasting is the most crucial step of the whole construction process on which a bid win is dependent. Contractors or estimators, inside or outside the construction business, are indulged in deriving accurate quantities estimation. For contractors, takeoffs mean a lot. They attach different rationales to these for application later in the project. Eager to know about all that? Here it is.
Preparation of A Bid Proposal
A contractor is always in a search of a bid-winning situation. He/she can make it possible only when they have an absolute material calculation in hand. Therefore, if you lack the collection of valuable material data, there is a high possibility of overbidding or underbidding. In case you overbid, you will miss an opportunity for the bid approval and if you underbid, you will suffer a monetary loss.
Project Cost Estimation
Figuring out the actual material needs for a project is essential in deriving the final cost estimates. Only a good guess doesn’t work here. Contractors have to be vigilant while performing quantity takeoff. Once you get to know about your material needs, you can easily associate other cost factors to the list that includes labor man-hours, wastages, taxation, permits, and miscellaneous costs for project completion.
Purchase of Material
When contractors step into any new or renovation project, they require a basic understanding of the material to buy. This has nothing to do with the bid proposal or estimates generation but has a great impact on the business profitability. Less material purchased can increase the expenditure of purchasing trips and also they have to face work delays. On the other hand, a splurged material purchase can cut out the profit margins.
So, what we have learned from this is that material takeoff in construction is significant in all cases. It lets you perform more precisely and accurately throughout the project cycle. By doing so, you also become wise in your time and money management.
Takeoff versus Estimates
Many of us use the terms takeoff and estimates synonymously. In reality, there is a huge difference between both. Before going further, it is better for you to make your perception clear regarding these. This will help you in gaining true insights hidden behind the concept of material takeoff.
Quantity takeoff or Material takeoff refers to the process of gathering information about the material resources required in the construction project along with their allocated quantities. This section is devoid of entering other costs that are part of estimates.
On the contrary, estimates hold an exhaustive list of entire cost elements that a contractor has to cope with till the project end. It includes construction takeoffs and other costs associated with labor, waste material, utilities, equipment, legal permits, taxes, traveling, and other contingent costs. Estimates take the quantified resources’ as their foundation and build the whole calculation structure on it. Without a proper takeoff process, estimates are baseless.
Importance of Takeoff in Construction – Who Performs It
The more exact the material takeoff is, the more accurate will be the final cost projections. It portrays a clear vision in front of all the parties linked to the construction project regarding the material cost portion. More specifically, it holds great value for investors who are more into knowing the precise details as they are going to spend from their pockets.
Contractors or subcontractors are accountable for valuing material quantities for the project. They are professionals holding specialization in this field. A single loophole can turn out to be a gigantic financial risk for them. An accurate takeoff performance can lead the contractor to become more competitive in the industry. A contractor most often handles the takeoff procedure on its own but sometimes attaches an estimator who then allocates specified costs to the material heads mentioned in the proposal by the contractor.
Approaches to Perform Construction Takeoff
Takeoff in construction is performed by the way of two techniques, namely manual and digital. Contractors in the past used to perform manual calculations for estimating the material requirements of the project. With the advancement in technology, software has now made the job easier for everyone.
Manual Construction Takeoff
In this type of approach, contractors take the help of the project blueprints to estimate the material resource requirements. They make rough estimates based on the scope of the project and blueprint dimensions. A highly technical contractor carries out this process, as it includes complex equation calculations and statistics that only an expert can handle. It takes a great time and effort to complete and may be prone to errors even after cautious judgments.
Digital Construction Takeoff
At present, estimators while performing construction estimating services take the help of estimate software to ensure 100% accuracy. By using such software, contractors can generate takeoff documents in a relatively quick manner. You just have to put in your project details in the BIM or any takeoff software and it will specify the material resources needed for a project. You can rely more on the results opted through the digital method compared to the data obtained from the manual technique.
