Accurate estimates and contracts

Guide to takeoff in construction: How to, benefits & the best software

Graphic showing a construction takeoff on a computer.

What does your construction takeoff process look like? The purpose of a takeoff is to compile a detailed list of materials you’re going to need for each job. Investing time in this step will add hours back to your day and reduce the chances of errors down the line. The best way to ensure accuracy from the very start of a project is to use construction takeoff software.

What is a takeoff in construction?

A takeoff in construction is a thorough listing of materials needed to complete a job. Then the construction materials are measured to calculate an accurate job cost. A construction takeoff is the very first step in the estimation process.

Why takeoffs are important for construction teams

Creating a construction takeoff can be a painful and time-consuming process; however, it’s worth it in the end. Here are the top four reasons to start a construction project with a takeoff:

1. Submit a good bid

Taking the time to measure materials and estimate costs means the best bid for your clients. Accurate bids win jobs. 

2. Make smarter purchasing decisions

Measure twice and don’t over buy. Material quantity is essential for knowing costs on your project. The more complex the project, the more important it is to have detailed calculations.

3. Account for material price changes

Has the price of steel gone up? Is there a lumber shortage? Get into the nitty gritty of material measurements and research before sending the bid. This allows you time to up the budget or make necessary material swaps.

4. Boost project profitability

Being on target with your construction cost estimation will give you and your clients confidence the project will stay on budget. And with a detailed takeoff, you can trust your profit projections. Smart planning means money in your pocket.  

How to nail the takeoff in construction

Takeoffs can be performed either manually or digitally. What’s the difference?

A manual takeoff looks like paper blueprints, a ruler and pencil in hand scribbling notes and questions to follow up on later. A digital takeoff means using a construction takeoff software. Think of this software as a digital estimating solution that quickly and accurately calculates material needs and costs.

Now that we’ve determined why a digital takeoff is necessary, here’s a step-by-step guide to a construction takeoff:

1. Review project plans

Be sure blueprints are accurate, label project type as “new build” or “renovation” and assess project site conditions.  

2. Define the list of required materials

List all raw materials and internal fixtures needed for the project scope and type. While accounting for lumber and steel, don’t forget to also include everything from wiring to doors and built-in shelving.

3. Create a list of accurate measurements

This is the step when you let the software do the computing. Just set the scale and your construction takeoff software will determine the measurements based on your digital blueprints. Voilà!

4. Determine the material quantities

Another critical step and another step to let your software do the work for you. Determine material amounts by using a feature called “assemblies”. Click and measure a wall, for example, and the program will calculate the number of windows and door frames. Much more accurate than using a ruler and pencil. 

5. Estimate the costs

All measurements are saved within the project and cost estimates are computed for you. If something changes in the plans, just update it in the platform and costs are automatically adjusted. Once these accurate estimates are ready to go, they can be exported directly into your proposal. 

What is construction takeoff software?

Construction takeoff or cost estimating software is a technology designed for contractors to estimate project costs. It’s an essential component of any construction project because it gives you and your client a firm, accurate outline of the total costs for materials.

In Buildertrend, takeoff tools allow you to plan and manage your projects within one cohesive platform. This includes the ability to upload digital blueprints, record measurements and create fast and accurate estimates.

Buildertrend is your go-to construction management software. Think of it as a central hub for all your project needs: sales, project management, financial tools and customer management.

Why you need to use construction takeoff software

Depending on the size and scope of the project, construction takeoffs can range from relatively simple to incredibly complex. Using takeoff software is one of the best ways to start your construction estimate, and here are four reasons why.

1. Improve accuracy with digital measurements

At a time when material costs are at a premium, the margin for error is small. It’s essential to ensure the measurements for your construction projects are as comprehensive and accurate as possible. Using takeoff software is your key to success when it comes to estimating and bidding precisely.

Think of how many times you’ve been interrupted by a phone call or someone onsite while you’re in the middle of measuring. How long did it take you to get back to where you were? Did you have to start over? With takeoff software, you’re able to measure directly from the blueprints using a scale tool. Digital, color-coded calculations for every room keep your estimates organized and accurate, so nothing gets missed.

2. Save time and money with fewer errors

Increasing measurement and estimation accuracy on your jobs will ultimately save you time and money. Manual, repetitive tasks that would have taken hours can now be done in a fraction of the time. Counting objects like doors, windows and fixtures is now a thing of the past.

The digital blueprints available in takeoff software means less miscommunication and rework. Instead of hunting for the differences between revised blueprints, the digital overlay feature highlights the changes for you. With paper blueprints, it’s easy to miss the little details that may have shifted, but with digital drawings, you’ll catch mistakes before they happen.

If you’re doing the math, that means less labor costs, fewer risks, a higher bid win ratio and happy clients. This competitive advantage won’t just save you money – but will hopefully bring in some new business.

3. Increase efficiency with better communication

We’ve established that paper blueprints can leave room for error, and one of the main reasons is the lack of communication. Printing project plans is expensive.

Blueprint printing costs range from 6 cents to $25 per sheet. Multiple sheets and multiple copies are needed per job. If you need four copies of a 25-page project blueprint, for example, you could be spending nearly $2,500 just for one job.

And while minimizing the number of copies you need helps save money in the short term, it may end up costing you more in the long run. By digitizing your blueprints with takeoff software, you don’t have to worry about reprinting the latest version. Your whole team will have access to updates in real time, so everyone’s on the same page.

Keeping your project plans updated with cloud-based software will increase the efficiency of your team and save you money. You can minimize the cost of physical paper copies, and there will be a lower chance of mistakes due to miscommunication.

4. Give yourself a competitive advantage

In an industry as competitive as construction, the more you can do to stand out, the better. Implementing takeoff software will give you an advantage over your competitors who are still using a manual estimating process. Being able to create estimates quickly will allow you more time to review and even present bids ahead of schedule.

With takeoff software, you can beat out the competition and feel confident knowing you’re presenting your clients with the most accurate costs for their projects.

Let Buildertrend’s construction management platform enhance your digital takeoff process.

Why is takeoff software the answer for your construction business?

With Buildertrend, construction professionals can manage every step of their project in one seamless platform. Simply upload your digital blueprints to the app to fine-tune your estimates faster than ever. Set your scale, export your measurements and quickly calculate your material costs, labor needs and budget expenditures.

Complete speedy preconstruction work with Buildertrend’s construction takeoff software and take advantage of all the project management and financial features. Invoice subs with our QuickBooks feature or communicate with clients directly from your profile. Takeoff is just one piece of the puzzle.

Once you have a digital estimate created with your takeoff software, you can easily add the information to Buildertrend. Adding your material costs to our construction platform will allow you to seamlessly manage your cost codes and budget. Keep your clients up to date on changes, request online payments, and get jobs done on time.

Really, it’s as simple as that.

If you’re ready to invest in digital blueprints, create speedy estimates and experience the best construction management software on the market, we’ve got you covered. Schedule a demo with Buildertrend today to learn more.

Takeoff in construction FAQs

A construction takeoff is just part of the bidding process. A takeoff uses the blueprints to draft a detailed list of materials and costs for the project. Once this is complete, the estimating can begin. An estimate is an extensive process that determines the overall cost of the project beyond just material quantity and prices.

Contractors and subcontractors are the main people involved in performing a takeoff because they have the experience to determine materials and amounts. Sometimes a contractor may work with an estimator who will take the material quantities and fill in the estimated material prices. 

A construction takeoff is a detailed listing of material amounts and costs. All materials — including raw and manufactured fixtures — must be tallied for a successful construction takeoff.

About The Author

Meghan Townley Meghan Townley is a freelance copywriter for Buildertrend.

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