The specifics of a mechanical takeoff may vary but the overall procedure is similar. The estimator begins by carefully reviewing the plans and blueprints. This is done manually if using physical blueprints or digitally if using takeoff software.
The takeoff process quantifies construction materials for the project. This helps contractors confidently create an estimate and proposal for the job.
Blueprints and Plans
Having the correct blueprints and plans is essential to conduct a successful mechanical takeoff. Whether you use a physical copy or takeoff software, a thorough review of the plans should be completed before starting your materials count. This allows estimators to understand the project and develop a strong understanding of the design, dimensions, symbols, and notations used in the plans.
Oftentimes, blueprints have a scale written on the title page to ensure accurate measurements. It is important to check or set this scale before you begin the takeoff process, as otherwise, your estimates could be off by a significant amount.
Once you have the correct scale, it is time to start identifying and measuring the different elements of the project. For example, if you are taking the quantity of cladding materials, it is important to identify all the walls, windows, and doors on the plan. This will allow you to calculate the total surface area you will need for your cladding materials.
Once you have a list of all the different areas and lengths, it is time to determine the cost of each material. This can be done by using a calculator or by taking the total cost of the entire project and applying it to each individual material. It is important to add the cost of any labor that will be required to install the materials, as well.
Measurements
A good construction estimating process will include the list of all the raw materials, like wood, concrete and steel needed to complete a project. It will also include a quantity for each material and a price for each item. A contractor will then add up the total cost of the materials for the project. This is the process known as a takeoff.
There are two kinds of manual and digital construction takeoffs. Both offer the same information, but they vary in their data management processes. A manual takeoff requires the estimator to physically review the blueprints and make educated assumptions about the quantity of materials. This takes a lot of time and effort and is prone to human error.
A digital takeoff is much more convenient, but it still requires careful attention to detail. The takeoff software calculates category totals and several line item portions automatically. This simplifies the estimating procedure and saves the contractor a ton of time. These takeoffs can be used to establish budgets for financial planning, determine the viability of a project and even secure construction contracts. In the end, accurate takeoffs can help reduce the financial risks associated with a project and strengthen a contractor’s competitive edge. This is important for all builders. Inaccurate estimates will lead to expensive mistakes and even potentially catastrophic accidents such as the Gimli Glider accident.
Counting
Counting is the process of reviewing plans and determining how much material is needed to complete the project. This can be done manually using paper plans or digitally with takeoff software tools that perform auto counts. Once the measurements and quantities have been determined, they can be turned into a cost estimate. This is where the estimator accounts for other costs including labor hours, overhead, sales tax, and markups to create a quote that can be presented to clients.
A thorough and accurate material takeoff is crucial for any construction project. It requires a meticulous examination of the architectural and engineering drawings to determine the precise amount of materials needed to bring a design to life. It is also important for cost estimation, resource planning, and scheduling to ensure a smooth construction process from start to finish.
Several factors can lead to mistakes and errors during the takeoff process. These can include miscalculations, omissions, and confusion over unit conversions. Regardless of whether you are performing a manual or digital takeoff, it is essential to follow a consistent and detailed procedure for estimating.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you create a more efficient and effective mechanical takeoff. It will save you time and money by ensuring that your estimate is accurate, comprehensive, and clear. It will also help you make better decisions about how to approach the job and ensure that your bid is competitive.
Organizing
Regardless of whether you perform a preliminary, detailed, or as-built takeoff, you must accurately quantify the amount of materials required to bring a design to life. This process involves an in-depth examination of the architectural and engineering drawings, ensuring that all necessary components are accounted for. Proper takeoff can facilitate cost estimation, resource planning, scheduling, and a smooth construction process from start to finish.
While there are several different methods of taking off, ranging from manual processes to digital tools, it is important to choose the method that best fits the needs of your team. For example, manual methods often require the use of physical tools like rulers and scales to measure dimensions on paper, which can be time-consuming and susceptible to human errors in measurement and calculation. Digital methods, on the other hand, can save time and provide greater accuracy with automated calculations.
Besides speeding up the process and increasing accuracy, digital technology can help you make more informed decisions with data-driven insights. Kreo, for example, is a digital construction estimate software that provides an intuitive platform with advanced measurement tools and automatic unit conversions to streamline the entire process. In addition, Kreo’s iterative approach encourages adjustments and revisions, making it easy to tailor to the specific needs of each project. Furthermore, it supports multiple file formats to ensure that your team has access to the data they need on any device.