Material takeoffs are one of the core components of construction cost estimates. They’re crucial for projects of all sizes and types and can range from being relatively straightforward to complex. For those in the AEC sector that do not regularly prepare takeoffs, the process can seem quite obscure. This guide will help you learn everything you need to know about material takeoffs.

A comprehensive material takeoff generally comprises a list of every type of material including, siding, concrete, framing lumber, drywall, roofing, hardware, trim, and windows. Since you will need to procure materials for your project based on this estimate, you must hire a reliable quantity surveyor from a reputable firm to avoid ambiguity or discrepancies. Ballpark  guestimates can give you leeway with materials that can be reused later, but you’ll need to pay for them upfront, which can cramp up the cash flow.

Adding a significant markup to cover the costs can price your company out of the job. An accurate construction takeoff with projected increases in material costs helps the contractor buffer in all costs while ensuring they do not incur losses. It helps protect the contractor’s bottom line and helps ensure no materials are missed, and there’s no error resulting in too little, too much, or no material at all. Simply put, an inaccurate construction takeoff can destroy a project’s profitability and timeline.

Material estimators and quantity surveyors used to use blueprints and drawing plans to generate takeoffs by manually calculating the volume, length, and area of various quantities for a long time. Today, CAD  and other technological advancements  have changed the process. Highly qualified quantity surveyors are now shifting to advanced techniques like BIM (Building Information Modeling) due to its increased accuracy. Moreover, software like AutoCAD, Planswift, and BIM have also resolved the old-age problem of productivity dips. However, it is noteworthy that, although digital takeoffs are generated using digitized tools, the accuracy is still at the mercy of human experience and knowledge. So, it’s important to partner with reliable professionals that possess the relevant skills needed for precise material takeoffs.