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The difference between material and quantity takeoffs.
When you talk to any successful contractor, they will tell you that the first step in really growing your construction company is nailing down your estimating and takeoff workflow. Without precise measurements, counts, and supply details, all of your hard-earned profit will go straight into material overages and change orders. A robust construction takeoff software is going to make a world of difference for your construction company, but first you need to know your terminology. Plenty of contractors mix up material and quantity takeoffs, so here’s what you need to know.
What is a Material Takeoff?
A material takeoff is a general type of measurement that happens before estimating a construction project. This can include standard units of measures like the square footage of a section of wall or flooring. And as the name suggests, material takeoffs are focused primarily on the materials needed for a construction project and do not take into account additional labor, equipment, or overhead costs.
What is a Quantity Takeoff?
A quantity takeoff is a more detailed report of items that comprise the entire construction assembly. A square foot of wall is broken down into counts of studs, plate material, exterior sheathing, and screws. A quantity takeoff provides a purchase list that you can take to your supplier to order materials. They are more exact and allow your entire team to see what it will take to finish the project. Some quantity takeoffs also include overhead charges like on-site office space, equipment rental, and site fencing.
Estimating Takeoff Software for Material and Quantity Takeoffs
For most of construction history, estimates and takeoffs were done by hand. This manual process involved long site walks, paper and pencil, and mental calculations. Prone to human errors, this less efficient method has been upgraded as technology advances. Today, there are several construction takeoff software options, but which one works best for your company so you can win more bids?
With 1build construction takeoff software, you get both the quick results of a material takeoff and the power of a more robust quantity takeoff. Using our Rapid Estimate function, your takeoff is automatically connected to the 1build cost database, and you can get a rough estimate of your project in just a few minutes. When you are ready to get into the nitty gritty, use our area, line, and count tools to count every outlet and stud, then either use 1build’s prebuilt assemblies or detail your own custom line items. The 1build construction estimating software platform is flexible for any type of takeoff, so you don’t miss a thing, and don’t lose a dollar.
The 1build library offers thousands of materials, so you are able to create an estimate that matches not only your architectural plans, but also the client specifications. And with our live and local price database, your takeoff isn’t just connected to national numbers, each item is auto-populated with the local material and labor cost.
The best way to learn is by trying 1build for yourself. If you are ready for a personalized demo, you can find a time here and walk through your own project in the 1build construction estimating software platform.
