Material Takeoff: What Is It ? Why It Is Essential in Construction

Arguably one of the most essential documents to ensure a construction project’s success, a material takeoff (MTO) is a thorough list of the materials required for the scope of work for construction projects of all calibers. Also referred to as a construction takeoff, quantity takeoff, or simply a takeoff, it is no question that this crucial element is imperative to ensure proper project estimation. 

Why Material Takeoff Is So Important 

Material takeoffs are a non-negotiable part of any construction project. The person or team preparing an estimate relies solely on the information provided to determine the total cost for materials. With the ability to completely dislodge a project’s budget, workflow, or even completion, material takeoffs are vital for all parties involved to initiate and oversee a project from inception to completion. 

Your bids are only as good as your estimates, and your estimates are only as good as your takeoffs. It is no secret that if the materials required, the specific type of materials and the count, volume, or description of each are off in any capacity, it could negatively alter the course of the project and its budget.  

Let’s Breakdown a Material Takeoff 

We know that a material takeoff is a comprehensive list of all materials required to complete a project correctly. Still, it also provides a pointer as to the total labor costs connected with installing the materials listed. While a material takeoff does include all raw and prefabricated items that will be used in construction, it does not include the equipment and/or tools that may be needed in addition to the materials themselves. That is what differentiates the takeoff from the actual estimation, as it solely covers the materials and their parameters: 

Count: For individual items like sink faucets, light fixtures, and doorknobs, the material quantity takeoff specifies how many of each are needed. 

Length: Along with the basic dimensions, the material takeoff provides the length for items such as pipes and cables (as well as the quantity of each). 

Area: The surface area information for substances such as flooring and paint that are required for a complete material takeoff. 

Volume: For projects like a parking lot, the volume of asphalt per yard is critical information needed for the material takeoff.  

Manual Versus Digital Takeoff 

In the history of takeoffs, the only option for achievement has been entirely manual—meaning that the general contractor or estimator tediously enters and counts every single material vital for the project. If you are unfamiliar, this is typically done by using brain power to pull the necessary information from architectural plans and blueprints, which can take an obscene amount of irreplaceable time.  

Manual takeoffs are also more prone to user errors regarding quantity, product description, and other minute details that make all the difference. Paper blueprints can be expensive to produce and can also cause issues regarding the ever-changing nature of projects and their demands. This is where the incredible power of digital takeoff makes its grand entrance. 

Huge technological advances in commercial construction software have made the material takeoff process extremely efficient and accurate. Digital takeoff software not only achieves the obvious perk of saving hours of time completing meticulous tasks, but it also includes the perks of easy project replication, automated identifying and counting, and real-life updates and changes easily accessible to the entire team involved. 

The Digital Takeoff Process 

Although the workflow of a digital material takeoff varies depending on the program you are using, the type of project, and other related factors, the MTO begins its course by uploading a digital blueprint to an online portal. All pertinent information is then directly pulled from the plans into the estimation software, which produces an exhaustive list of the raw materials required to complete the takeoff process—in a fraction of the time it takes to perform the takeoff manually. 

Digital Takeoff & Estimation Solutions 

PlanSwift 

PlanSwift is a program for general contractors that conducts takeoff and estimation in just seconds—and is trade specific to accommodate everyone’s needs. Easily drag and drop material and labor assemblies into a material takeoff and easily export or print to share. 

On Center 

On Center caters to bringing accurate On-Screen Takeoff to provide estimators more speed and accuracy to contractors. With a few clicks and drags of a mouse, estimations become swift and seamless. 

QuoteSoft 

Geared toward specific industries, QuoteSoft brings digital takeoff to the worlds of mechanical, piping, plumbing, HVAC, and ductwork trades. This cost and labor estimation software provides estimators with a cloud-enabled tool to save time and create more accuracy.