Construction Material Estimation and Quantity Takeoff: The Objectives & Solution

 Before a vendor starts a construction project, the vendor has to know the types and quantities of the various materials essential to complete it. This is essential for ensuring a proper estimate of the costs and material requirements and also to provide an indication of the labor costs associated with the construction of the materials, 

This process is known as construction material estimation and quantity takeoff, or simply takeoff - an essential part of a construction project estimation process. 

Compilation of material estimates may serve for a smaller project, but a more complete process is vital for major construction projects. A methodical approach to task completion is necessary to achieve the most accurate estimate of the costs and materials for every construction project. 

What does a construction material takeoff document include?

A construction material estimation and quantity takeoff document provides a comprehensive list of all the essential materials to complete a project. It includes a list of all materials necessary to carry out the project, no matter what it is, but doesn’t include any assets, such as tools and equipment. Those will also be necessary to finish the job but should include any and all raw and prefabricated tools, such as sand, concrete, timber, bricks, electrical cables, plumbing pipes, and light fixtures, among others. 

What is the difference between material takeoff and quantity takeoff?

A materials takeoff is used to calculate the quantity of materials you need to purchase to construct a particular item of a project. It differs from a quantity takeoff for a cost estimate in three substantive ways:

A material takeoff rarely includes sufficient information for actual pricing. 

Quantity takeoff measures gross quantities. 

Many work items measured in a quantity takeoff do not involve materials at all. 

This is why when takeoff is being referred to, it refers to the process of quantity takeoff, which measures the work of a project as a series of quantified items. 

How is construction material estimation and quantity takeoff performed?

The traditional way of performing construction material estimation and quantity takeoff involves manual interference. It makes use of traditional paper blueprints and plans, including general architectural drawings, an electrical schematic, a plumbing schematic, or something else. 

The digital method of performing construction material estimation and quantity takeoff  is streamlined and allows users to analyze a set of blueprints and enter the measurements and quantities. 

The Takeoff Process Solution:

The accuracy in the process details tends to vary depending on a variety of factors, which may include the type of job, the scale of the job, and your specialization as a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering estimator. However, the general process tends to remain the same when there will be slight differences in drawings and specifications.

For more information on construction material estimation and quantity takeoff services, you may contact PQS Canada, specialized in Single family, duplexes, commercial and residential multifamily townhomes, mid & Highrise Tower projects, retaining structures, Institutional, Industrial, Airports, Roads & Highways, Bridges & culverts and Government Projects​​​​..