Five Keys To Winning Your Next Project with Quantity Takeoffs
- November 27, 2021
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- By admin

Quantity takeoffs involve breaking down the entire project into a detailed list of activities and material quantities alongside their feasible prices. These cost estimates are then added to curate the material cost of the project, which then gets factored for overhead, surcharge, material waste, labor costs, and contingency costs.
Besides streamlining construction processes, quantity takeoffs also help construction project managers ensure the project remains on track and within budget while optimizing workflows and preparing for contingencies. However, errors, cost fluctuations, unforeseen circumstances, missing items, and even minor mistakes in calculations can easily render the takeoff redundant, leading to the project getting sabotaged and eventually coming back to haunt contractors and their reputation.
This is how it goes: high estimates will make the bid go to someone else, and an estimate that is too low will help you win the bid, but you will definitely wish it would have gone to someone else. If you think getting an accurate project estimate is challenging, here are a few things to keep in mind to get precise and accurate quantity takeoffs.
#1- Understand the Primary Purpose of Quantity Takeoffs
They are prepared at various stages of a project’s life cycle, which is why the estimator must understand the level of detail needed to match the project’s unique requirements. A takeoff report can act as a brief during the conceptual phase, whereas preparing takeoffs for bidding, change order approvals, and material procurement can all have different requirements. The clear purpose needs to be understood to achieve the desired quality.
#2- Foster Open Communication Throughout the Process
Another factor that significantly affects the quality of takeoffs is how well the communication is streamlined among all the stakeholders involved in the project. Hence, it is critical to curate a systematic way of keeping a record of all important communications. Traditionally, emails were used to raise requests for all the information required, but today, the industry has evolved with the technological revolutions. It has adopted new software solutions that allow everyone to complete the process of raising questions or providing relevant answers within the system. The only thing to keep in mind here is that all changes in takeoffs should hence be properly referenced to avoid confusion.

#3 Look For the Right Takeoff Software
There are numerous software options available in the market today. However, choosing the right tool is key to accurate and high-quality takeoffs. Look for software solutions that fit the needs of your business in the construction industry. The right software will utilize the details in construction documents to determine and generate a detailed list, including all the materials required for successful project completion. Customization options in reliable software and tools enable the estimator to make the right adjustments to uphold the quality levels.
#4 Store Data in Cloud-Based Systems
All stakeholders must be on the same page, and this is only possible if all relevant data is managed and stored in the cloud. It helps streamline a realistic, competitive, and profitable bid.
#5 Embrace ‘Esti-modeling’ Using BIM
3D modeling and BIM solutions are inextricably linked. Time, materials, cost, and all other vital information distinguish Business Information Modeling (BIM) from 3D modeling. BIM solutions have made estimation a lot more profound than the traditional Excel templates and spreadsheets.
If your goals include winning more projects with high-quality quantity takeoffs, you can rely on outsourcing solutions by ADDMORE Services. We have a team of highly skilled professionals that offer a wide range of affordable services, including construction project management, quantity surveying services, construction cost estimates, 2D and 3D CAD drafting services, Revit design services, takeoff estimating services, real estate rendering, architectural drafting services, Primavera modeling services, BIM services, and more.
Connect with us to learn more about our cost-effective pricing models before getting started.