How to create the most accurate material takeoff
This process is known as takeoff — or material takeoff (MTO) — and is an essential part of the estimating process. For a small one-off job, an experienced builder should be able to estimate the materials required in his or her head. A more thorough process is necessary for major construction projects, however. It is important to approach the task in a methodical manner in order to achieve the most accurate approximation possible. As well as providing a precise estimate for yourself and your client, this will also help the job run smoother on the ground by ensuring that your workers or contractors have everything they need.
It is worth noting that, while a thorough takeoff will improve your estimate, there will be other factors to take into account. These include your office overhead costs, shifts in market prices for materials and various other expenses.
What to count
Essentially, the takeoff should quantify all the materials needed to complete the building, structure or project. This does not include assets such as tools and equipment, which are also required to do the job but should include all the physical materials that go into the project. This could be raw materials such as concrete, timber or sand, as well as prefabricated materials; bricks, lengths of electrical cable, plumbing pipes and light fixtures.
