How To Do Quantity Takeoff?

QUANTITY TAKEOFF IN CONSTRUCTION

Quantity takeoff is the process of quantifying materials and labor from construction drawings to calculate costs. It is the key to accurate budgeting, tendering, and resource planning in construction projects.

If you are a contractor, estimator, or developer, understanding how to perform a detailed quantity takeoff is the only way to minimize cost overruns and bid accurately.

UNDERSTANDING QUANTITY TAKEOFF

WHAT IS QUANTITY TAKEOFF?

QTO is the precise listing of resources, workforce, and machinery required for the accomplishment of a construction venture. Generally, it is based on architectural and engineering drawings. In the realm of cost estimation and bidding, QTO is of utmost importance.

WHY QUANTITY TAKEOFF MATTERS

Takeoff spells out the following:

Proper project financing

Clear procurement

Controlled waste

Less danger of mistakenly bidding too high or too low

An incorrect takeoff can result in unforeseen cost blowouts, delays, or even legal disputes between clients and contractors.

STEPS IN THE QUANTITY TAKEOFF PROCESS

Review Drawings

Look at the entire drawing to get a full understanding of the job.

Break Down the Project

Divide the work into smaller parts (by floor, area, or trade).

Measure Quantities

Use software or manual tools to get dimensions.

Record Measurements

Store data in takeoff sheets or spreadsheets.

Cost estimation and quantity takeoff are deeply interconnected. Mistakes in quantity estimation can lead to unrealistic bids and financial losses.

That’s why many construction firms Outsourcing Quantity Takeoff Services to reduce workload, improve material accuracy, and maintain consistent documentation resulting in smoother execution and better bids.

KEY TERMINOLOGY IN QUANTITY TAKEOFF

BOQ (Bill of Quantities): A structured document listing quantities and item descriptions

UOM (Unit of Measure): Units like m², ft³, kg, etc.

Takeoff Sheets: Forms used to record quantities

Waste Factor: Extra percentage to cover material loss

TYPES OF QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Manual Takeoff

Uses paper blueprints, rulers, calculators

Time-consuming but suitable for small projects

Digital Takeoff

Uses software like PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, Revit

Faster, more accurate, and allows quick edits

Hybrid Approach

Combines manual methods with digital tools for accuracy

REQUIRED TOOLS AND SOFTWARE

Traditional Tools:

Scale rulers

Graph paper

Colored pencils

Software Tools:

Bluebeam Revu

PlanSwift

On-Screen Takeoff

Autodesk Revit

READING AND UNDERSTANDING DRAWINGS

To do quantity takeoff properly, you need to understand:

Architectural Drawings

Floor Plans

Elevations

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT IN QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Area: m², ft²

Volume: m³, yd³

Length: m, ft

Weight: kg, lb

Count: pcs, sets

ORGANIZING THE SCOPE OF WORK

Use the CSI MasterFormat to organize work by trade:

Division 03: Concrete

Division 06: Wood

Division 21–28: MEP trades

This avoids overlaps and omissions.

TAKEOFF FOR SITE WORK

Includes:

Clearing and grading

Excavation

Utilities

Pavements

Landscaping

Tip: Account for soil expansion or contraction.

TAKEOFF FOR CONCRETE WORKS

Measure:

Foundations

Slabs, beams, columns

Formwork and reinforcement

Units: volume and weight.

TAKEOFF FOR MASONRY WORKS

Measure:

Brick/block walls

Mortar and sand

Lintels and insulation

Include waste and corner-cut bricks.

TAKEOFF FOR STRUCTURAL STEEL

Calculate:

Beam and column lengths

Connection plates and bolts

TAKEOFF FOR ROOFING SYSTEMS

Measure:

Roof area

Insulation, membranes

Drainage elements

Adjust for slope and overlays.

TAKEOFF FOR DOORS AND WINDOWS

Count and record:

Door/window sizes

Frames and hardware

Special requirements (e.g. fire ratings)

TAKEOFF FOR FINISHES

Break down by room:

Flooring: tile, wood, carpet

Walls: paint, paneling

Ceilings: treatments

Include prep, primer, and coats separately.

TAKEOFF FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Include:

HVAC units

Ductwork

Insulation

Refer to mechanical schedules and risers.

TAKEOFF FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Account for:

Switches and outlets

Light fixtures

Panel boards

Conduits and cabling

Mark by circuit or room.

ACCOUNTING FOR WASTAGE AND LOSS

Material Typical Waste %

Concrete 5–10%

Brickwork 10–15%

Tiles 10%

Drywall 5%

Adjust based on complexity and packaging.

QUALITY ASSURANCE IN TAKEOFF

Double-check entries

Cross-verify with specs

Use checklists

Maintain version history

Early error detection prevents future losses.

DIGITAL TAKEOFF BEST PRACTICES

Layer drawings per trade

Use color-coded measurements

Link specs to takeoff lines

Automate repeat items

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

Using incorrect scales

Double-counting items

Missing cutouts/openings

Ignoring site constraints

Use templates and checklists to reduce risk.

FAQS ABOUT QUANTITY TAKEOFF

Q1: Is Quantity Takeoff the same as Cost Estimation?

No. Takeoff measures quantities; cost estimation applies unit prices.

Q2: What is the best software for takeoff?

PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and Revit are widely used depending on your project size and team.

Q3: Can Quantity Takeoff be outsourced?

Yes. Many firms outsource to improve accuracy and save time.

Q4: How often should a takeoff be updated?

Update with every drawing or scope revision.

Q5: What skills are needed for quantity surveyors?

Drawing interpretation, math, software use, attention to detail, and trade knowledge.