Material takeoff is the process of systematically quantifying the types and quantities of materials needed to bring construction drawings to life. It involves referencing blueprints and plans to create a list of lengths, areas and volumes for each project component.
Manual material takeoffs are time-consuming and prone to human errors. It’s critical for construction professionals to stay informed about industry standards and the latest technology for accurate quantification.
Blueprints & Plans
The first step in a material takeoff is thoroughly reviewing project documentation, including architectural plans and structural drawings. Then, identifying all the materials required for the project and accurately quantifying them based on the scope of work.
This can be done manually using paper blueprints and a set of scales or with specialized cost estimating software. Regardless of the method used, it’s important to adhere to standard construction industry guidelines and best practices. This will ensure accuracy and minimize the risk of errors and inaccuracies.
It’s also essential to understand the different units of measurement used for each type of material, so there is no confusion over what measurements are being recorded or how they’re being calculated. This can help eliminate errors associated with miscalculations, omissions, and conversion mistakes. Additionally, it’s essential to properly estimate waste factors for all material types.
Whether using paper or digital plans, the process of counting all necessary materials begins by determining and setting the scale on the blueprints. This is an essential step in any material takeoff, as it’s crucial that the measurements are accurate. Then, a professional must determine the area of each element on the plan, such as floors or walls, and measure lengths like pipes or cables. Some materials require an estimation of volume, such as concrete or liquids, which must be measured in cubic feet (cu ft) or meters (cu m). Finally, it’s essential to identify any special requirements for the project and note them appropriately.
Master Checklist
Accurate material takeoff is a vital process in construction projects. It ensures that materials are accurately identified, quantified, and listed on the project’s blueprints. However, the quantification process is a complex task that involves many different factors. Understanding the challenges and pitfalls can help construction professionals to avoid errors during material takeoff.
Regardless of whether the material takeoff is being performed manually or with digital tools, there are several key components that must be considered. These foundational components lay the groundwork for a successful quantification process.
The first step in a material takeoff is preparing the list of materials required for the project. This typically involves reviewing the design drawings, calculating quantities and adjusting for any wastage. Once the material requirements are determined, the preparer must assign a price to each of these items. This will often involve securing bids from various vendors to obtain accurate pricing information.
The next step is conducting field verification of the actual materials installed on site. This is known as an as-built material takeoff and compares the actual quantities of materials used with the initial estimates provided during the preliminary or detailed material takeoff. It also provides valuable insights into material usage patterns and potential discrepancies that could have impacted costs. This type of assessment is especially important for larger projects that require significant shipping and transportation costs.
Cloud-Based Takeoff Software
A material takeoff is an essential part of any construction project. While it is typically produced manually, today’s estimators and contractors can make the process more efficient with takeoff software.
Digitalizing blueprints with takeoff software helps reduce the need for expensive printer and paper costs as well as minimizing errors due to miscommunication between team members. Plus, the ability to track changes in real-time ensures that everyone is working with the latest version of a plan.
Takeoff software can also help to speed up the estimating process, enabling estimators to beat out the competition and feel confident that they’re presenting their clients with thorough and accurate estimates. With the option to store and use templates, time-saving features like auto-count, area measurement, and volume measurement, and a library of pre-built assemblies and items, the amount of work required on each estimate can be minimized.
Many takeoff tools, such as 1build, are cloud-based and can be accessed on any device with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for specialized hardware or IT infrastructure, and provides a scalable solution that can grow as your business does. The 1build platform is secured beyond basic software standards, ensuring that your data is safe and ready for use from any location, whether you’re on site or in the office. The software is compatible with all major operating systems and offers custom takeoff tools for different trades, including framing, electrical, concrete, flooring, HVAC, landscape, masonry, and painting.
Accessibility
Material takeoff can be accomplished via a variety of methods, catering to the preferences and needs of each project, as well as construction professionals. From traditional manual approaches to cutting-edge digital tools, each method has advantages and considerations.
Manual material takeoff involves a physical analysis of blueprints and other project documents to visually measure dimensions of components and calculate quantities. This is a time-consuming data management process that’s also prone to human errors.
As a result, it’s easy to miss an item or count it more than once, leading to inaccurate material takeoff results and costly mistakes. Using the wrong unit of measurement can also lead to inaccurate estimates, so it’s important to stick with consistent units throughout the takeoff process.
Regardless of the takeoff method, it’s essential that all estimators understand and adhere to established industry standards. This helps reduce the likelihood of errors in calculating materials and ensures that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
With access to expert material takeoff services, contractors can elevate the efficiency and precision of their project estimation processes. This ultimately allows them to bid more accurately, boosting bidding opportunities and ensuring on-time project completion. Whether you’re working with manual or digital takeoff software, TOPS can help your team maximize the benefits of this vital data management step.