What Is a Construction Takeoff and Why Is It Essential Before Bidding?
The problem has been around for a long time and is a common one for any individual who has been in the construction sector. A contractor conducts a competitive bid to win a contract, but after submitting the bid, finds out that the materials quantities were low. All of a sudden, you find that you have to pay more for your goods, you have less time to make them, and your profits start to take a hit.
Many times, the problem is a single omission, an inaccurate Construction Takeoff.
Contractors have to have a definitive idea of the project’s requirements before bidding on it. A detailed takeoff measures all materials, labor quantities, and construction parts required for a task.
What is a Construction Takeoff?
Construction Takeoff refers to the process of evaluating project drawings, specifications, and plans. It identifies the material amount needed to complete a project.
Estimators consider all aspects of the design, from the concrete through drywall, lumber, steel, roofing, flooring, doors, and windows to finishes. The amount of quantities collected as a result is then used to provide a detailed cost estimate.
If a plane cannot be taken on with accuracy, prices are reduced to the best imaginings of the customer.
In today’s competitive construction marketplace, it’s not advisable to estimate.
Why Construction Takeoffs Are Important Before Bidding?
If the dates and details given in a bid are inaccurate, then the bid is inaccurate. All cost calculations based on quantities are also impacted if they are wrong.
A good take-off supports contractors to:
- Create accurate budgets
- Submit competitive bids
- Reduce material waste
- Improve procurement planning
- Minimize project risk
- Protect profit margins
Detail takeoffs give many contractors the confidence to bid on projects since they will know what the projects actually call for before offering up any bid.
A Common Mistake Contractors Make
Another common industry trend is the lack of precise quantity analysis and the use of rough square-foot pricing.
For instance, a contractor can quote a business remodeling based on a past job without studying the planning drawings. Walls, special finishes, or structural changes, if added during construction, can greatly increase the “stuff” load.
This leads to expense surprises and budget shooting overs.
Here’s the easy, but essential solution: Do a full Construction Takeoff before preparing an estimate.
Mini Case Study: From Cost Overruns to Accurate Bidding
A regional contractor frequently bids on education facility initiatives. The company used a large amount of existing project data, avoiding detailed quantity takeoffs, thus saving time. This strategy proved to be effective at first. But as construction went into progress, a few projects suffered due to material shortages and adjustments in materials’ prices. The company’s takeoff process was subsequently streamlined and codified before each bid. Planning was carefully considered, and materials and work scope were quantified by the estimators.
This yield was apparent. It boosted bid accuracy, predictable buying, and higher profitability of projects.
As thoroughly illustrated as this before-and-after situation is, this is a morale booster across the construction industry: “If you get the quantities right, you get the budget right!”
Perks of Professional Takeoff Services
The volume of construction projects is increasing over time. Careful planning, several trades, and varying specs need to be attended to during the estimating process. An organized report and precise quantities measured by a professional estimating company can deal with this complexity for contractors.
Many contractors outsource estimating services to trusted professionals like SMA Estimating LLC to help them secure competitive bids. Their professional estimators offer peace of mind by ensuring quantity calculations while enabling them to concentrate on project management and business development.
Moreover, the industry professionals of SMA Estimating LLC provide project analysis in every detail and maintain the quality of the estimates.
Choosing the Best Construction Takeoff Company
Not every takeoff provider is the same. You need to check a contractor on several aspects to decide which one is the Best Construction Takeoff Company.
Key considerations include:
- Project experience on comparable types of projects
- Understanding of construction drawings
- Accuracy and quality control procedures
- Fast turnaround times
- Clear, concise, and orderly reporting
A reliable take-off provider is a part of the contractor’s estimation group.
Pro Tip
Always compare the takeoff with the Project Specifications. Drawings give quantities, specifications have requirements which can have a large influence on cost. If both sources are used together, it results in a more comprehensive estimate.
Conclusion
A Construction Takeoff is so much more than just a quantity report. One of the most critical steps before bidding and it is the base of a successful construction estimate. When it comes to accurate takeoffs, contractors can lower risk, ensure better budget accuracy, and also position themselves to be more competitive in the market. Given that construction projects are becoming larger in size and scope, having complete takeoff services provides a definite benefit to the contractors who invest in the services. The bottom line is that when bidding, ensure your quantities are correct before you submit any bids. Sometimes investing in a thorough takeoff today can save some money tomorrow!