Quantity takeoff in construction estimates the quantities for a contract from the drawings and construction plans to forecast the upcoming construction costs. An accurate quantity takeoff helps the team stay on budget while ensuring time management and effective cost tracking.
Quantity takeoff is a complicated process that is prone to errors and reworks. They are made right from the start, i.e., during preconstruction, and are frequently adjusted throughout the estimation process.
This article discusses a few tips to improve the quantity takeoffs during construction cost estimation.
Tips to Improve Quantity Takeoffs in Construction Estimation
Few leading strategies that can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the quantity takeoff process are mentioned below.
1. Reduce and Remove Manual Quantity Estimations
Performing quantity takeoffs manually is extremely time-intensive. In the manual method, the estimators commonly use spreadsheets and excel templates to calculate quantity takeoff. This process also carries high possibilities of human error and risk while inputting the data.
By using construction software, the quantity takeoff process is performed more accurately within a fraction of time. In addition, all takeoff software comes with customization options that can be adjusted by the estimator and used as per requirements.
The use of digital quantity takeoffs helps to perform the following task involved in manual takeoffs within a fraction of time:
- Repeating takeoffs
- Manual counting of items
- Reviewing the plan
- Performing takeoffs on multiple items in the same area
2. Use of Building Information Technology (BIM)
BIM for quantity takeoffs is a step beyond the above-mentioned pure digital takeoffs. BIM employs a model-based takeoff procedure to create more accurate quantity takeoffs. For example, Assemble, eTakeoff, and Cubit are some examples of BIM quantity takeoff software that follow a model-based quantity takeoff procedure.
BIM makes an efficient planning process by using accurate visual and specification data from the project.
3. Consider Fluctuating Costs of Materials
The cost of construction materials keeps on fluctuating. Therefore, a quantity takeoff that does not consider unexpected costs of construction materials accurately would affect the profit and schedule of the project.
By determining the factors, area, and the time when costs increase, the material cost can be estimated for the worst-case scenario. This would help to achieve more precise quantity takeoffs.
4. Optimizing Workflows
With the increase in the scope of the project, the number of takeoffs also increases. This condition demands every individual to manage the whole process.
Workflow can be efficiently optimized using cloud-based tools to manage the takeoffs.
The use of cloud-based takeoff technology saves and edits the information in real-time. Cloud-based technology saves the time lost for conducting meetings and errors caused due to miscommunication.
5. Use of Master Checklist
A master checklist includes all the potential items included in a usual takeoff. These items are common for all takeoffs whose omission can lead to project overruns. So a master checklist can be used as one-piece advice for any estimator. In addition, a master checklist can be updated regularly to account for items missed before.
6. Integration With Construction Estimation Process
Quantity takeoffs can be integrated with the cost estimation process using certain takeoff software. The integration of takeoff software into the estimating program helps to quickly implement material cost adjustments and other changes in the estimate. This process saves time and labor.
Quantity takeoffs are necessary to analyze the overall project scope and project budget. Using the right takeoff strategies and technologies, as mentioned above, are the top ways to enhance the quantity take process.
FAQs
Quantity takeoff in construction estimates the quantities for a contract from the drawings and construction plans to forecast the upcoming construction costs. An accurate quantity takeoff helps the team stay on budget while ensuring time management and effective cost tracking.
Quantity takeoffs can be integrated with the cost estimation process using certain takeoff software. The integration of takeoff software into the estimating program helps to quickly implement material cost adjustments and other changes in the estimate. This process saves time and labor.
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