A construction takeoff is the process of breaking down the quantities of the materials, labor hours, as well as the equipment required for the construction of the project. Takeoff plays a significant role in the process of construction. An accurate takeoff will expand profitability, reduce overhead, and speed up construction.
For contractors, a reliable takeoff is the foundation of an accurate construction estimate. When it comes to construction, a takeoff will provide you with a complete roadmap. If quantities are missed, duplicated, or measured incorrectly, the error can carry directly into the bid price, material orders, labor calculations, and ultimately project profitability.
What Is a Construction Takeoff?
A simple definition of the construction takeoff is that it is a process to quantify and measure the volumes of the materials and other components. Using drawings and blueprints, engineers and experts conduct the takeoff of a construction project. For example, a residential framing takeoff may identify:
| 2×4 and 2×6 lumber | Structural beams | Wall studs |
| Floor joists | Roof rafters | Sheathing |
| Headers | Blocking | Fasteners |
Why Is a Construction Takeoff Important?
The importance of the construction takeoff cannot be overstated. A takeoff is more than a material list. It establishes the quantity baseline used throughout the estimating and bidding process.
Accurate Material Quantity: The major purpose of the quantity takeoff is that it provides complete details about the material quantities. It helps to purchase components in the right and required amount.
Improves Bid Accuracy: Material quantities directly impact the cost of the estimate. Small changes in the quantities can increase the cost of the project, which reduces the chances of winning a bid.
Reduces Material Waste: When you have materials in the required amount, it will reduce material wastage. Accurate measurements help contractors order appropriate quantities while accounting for reasonable waste factors.
Supports Labor Estimating: A takeoff also helps you support labor estimates. The reason behind that is that the amount of drywall installed can help determine the labor hours required for installation.
What Does a Construction Takeoff Include?
The exact contents depend on the project and trade, but a complete takeoff generally includes the following information:
| Concrete | Lumber | Steel |
| Drywall | Roofing | Insulation |
| Flooring | Paint | Masonry |
| Piping |
How Does a Construction Takeoff Work?
A professional takeoff generally follows a structured process, including reviewing the project documents, identifying the scope, measuring quantities, applying waste factors, cross-checking the drawings, and converting quantities into cost.
Step 1: The goal is to understand the complete project before measuring individual quantities, including architectural drawings, structural drawings, MEP drawings, civil plans, and specifications.
Step 2: The estimator determines which trades and materials fall within the contractor’s scope. This includes stonework, concrete, masonry, framing, roofing, doors and windows, and finishes.
Step 3: The estimator measures the required quantities from the drawings. Depending on the trade, measurements may include: length, area, volume, count, and weight.
Step 4: Construction materials often require additional quantities because of cutting, breakage, overlaps, installation conditions, and other jobsite factors.
Step 5: It is important to organize quantities by trade, material, location, drawing, assembly, and cost code.
Step 6: The estimator compares related drawings to identify discrepancies.
Step 7: The completed takeoff becomes the foundation for pricing, and the quantities multiply with limited material price.
A simplified estimating formula is:
Material Cost = Quantity × Unit Material Price
The overall estimate may then incorporate:
Direct Cost + Labor + Equipment + Subcontractors + Overhead + Profit = Bid Price
Construction Takeoff vs. Construction Estimate
Here is the difference between takeoff and estimate.
| Construction Takeoff | Construction Estimate |
| Measures quantities | Calculates project cost |
| Focuses on scope and materials | Includes material, labor, equipment, subcontractors, overhead, etc. |
| Produces quantities | Produces dollar values |
| Usually comes before pricing | Uses takeoff quantities for pricing |
| Answer: “How much?” | Answer “How much will it cost?” |
Who Uses Construction Takeoffs?
| General contractors | Subcontractors | Construction estimators |
| Developers | Home builders | Remodelers |
| Specialty contractors | Material suppliers | Design-build firms |
| Construction managers |
FAQs About Construction Takeoffs
What is a takeoff in construction?
A construction takeoff is the process of measuring and listing the quantities of materials and work required for a project based on drawings and specifications.
What is the purpose of a construction takeoff?
A takeoff provides accurate quantities for estimating material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs before preparing a bid.
What is the difference between a takeoff and an estimate?
A takeoff determines how much material or work is required, while an estimate determines how much it will cost.
Who performs construction takeoffs?
Construction estimators, general contractors, subcontractors, builders, and specialized estimating firms commonly perform takeoffs.
What information is needed for a construction takeoff?
Estimators typically need architectural and structural drawings, MEP plans, specifications, schedules, project notes, and the latest addenda.
Can construction takeoffs be done digitally?
Yes. Digital takeoff software can measure lengths, areas, counts, and volumes directly from electronic drawings, making the process faster and easier to revise.
How accurate should a construction takeoff be?
A takeoff should be as accurate as the available drawings and specifications allow. Every quantity should be checked for scale, scope, duplication, omissions, and applicable waste.
Do takeoffs include labor costs?
Usually, a material takeoff focuses on quantities. Labor costs are generally calculated separately using the takeoff quantities, production rates, and labor rates.
What trades require construction takeoffs?
Nearly every construction trade can require a takeoff, including concrete, framing, roofing, drywall, masonry, painting, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Why do contractors outsource construction takeoffs?
Contractors may outsource takeoffs to handle large drawing sets, tight bidding deadlines, specialized scopes, or periods when their in-house estimating team has limited capacity.