Quantity takeoff software is the primary method used to generate estimates on construction materials and labour.
The faster and more accurate estimates are, the greater the chance you can win bids and keep projects within budget.
Whether you are working on a single residential property or a commercial build worth millions, the pre-construction phase of any project is pivotal to its success. It is during this time that labour, materials and cost estimates are arranged.
Estimates provide a roadmap to how your project will unfold and gives investors greater insights into where their money is going.
Estimating is done at several levels, from quantity surveyors working on building plans, to contractors forecasting labour and material needs.
Quantity take-offs should be carried out on every construction project. They will provide you with greater insights into your spending and cost analysis.
Why construction projects need Quantity takeoffs:
Construction projects whether big or small, face two primary hurdles. These impact a company’s bottom line and its reputation.
Exceeding costs and time overruns. A delayed project will cost more money and both of these impacting each other will only harm your reputation whether you are a contractor, quantity surveyor or subcontractor.
If these issues are due to your negligence when it comes to labour and material estimating, it means you have made a mistake with your quantity estimating.
Why companies have adopted quantity takeoff software
Reviewing 2D drawings, CAD and image files, an estimator breaks down segments of a project to see what materials and labour will be required for each area.
A time-consuming task in the past, most if not all construction companies now employ some sort of quantity takeoff software that rapidly produces more accurate takeoffs.
BIM and 3D modelling software have provided the best leap forward for quantity take-off software in recent years.
Imported data can be viewed in 3D modelling to provide a more in-depth look at building requirements.
With an established price list and material quantities confirmed, cost estimates can be produced almost automatically.
This provides those bidding and those producing cost estimates for investors with a huge advantage.
You may know quantity takeoffs by a different name:
You may be wondering why Quantity takeoffs sound very similar to other forecasting methods to produce construction estimates. That is because Quantity takeoffs may also be called:
- Construction takeoffs
- Material estimating
- Material takeoffs
- Material counts
- Quantity surveying
- Estimating takeoffs
- Earthwork takeoffs
These are all the same so there is no reason to look for other software to help assist you with the same process.
Quantity takeoffs provide construction projects with a wide number of benefits and quantity take-off software only contributes to these benefits:
Cost tracking:
Knowing projected costs will allow you to budget and plan accordingly. If certain costs are too high, you can inspect estimates to see where overruns are taking place.
You can provide more competitive tenders and cost estimates, potentially securing a lucrative role and you can examine areas of cost-saving to increase your bottom line.
Communication:
Communication breakdowns can hurt all industries but particularly the construction industry.
Visible cost estimates will provide suppliers, yourself and other stakeholders with a clear view of cost direction and where finances are being placed.
If there are issues, the involved parties can revert to the quantity takeoff and resolve issues in the shortest amount of time.
Credibility and increased projects:
If your company continually provides accurate, competitive estimates you will win more bids and improve your business’s credibility. Thus securing even more contracts.
Two Quantity takeoff methods:
Manual and digital quantity take-offs now work hand in hand. If your business is solely relying on manual takeoffs, you will be slower, less accurate and cost your business money.
That is not to say there is no need for manual actions regarding takeoffs.
We will look at both below and you will see how quantity takeoff software makes estimates faster.
Manual takeoff:
Manual take-off estimators will need an eye for organisation, mathematics and patience.
This is because they deal with a plethora of plans, information and files. Estimators whether contractors or QS will deal with information from architects, electricians and other utilities, drawings and CAD plans.
Using traditional measurement and estimating techniques with pen and paper will produce results, but it will be far slower and prone to human error.
Quantity takeoff software:
With Quantity takeoff software you can scan and import multiple file types. This includes 2D drawings, image files and CAD. Tools such as Cubit can produce 3D modelling and BIM for advanced viewing and takeoff.
A more visual and easier to read information package is produced by quantity takeoff software.
You can use inbuilt price lists and takeoff systems to see exactly what materials you will need and where.
Changes can also be made and viewed in real-time, with estimates updated automatically.
The time and costs saved here can be immense for any construction project.
How to find the quantity takeoff software for your business:
Not all quantity takeoff software is built equal.
It’s important to find software designed for your industry which can be used by your team.
Investing in software which is difficult to use and cannot integrate with existing systems will cost you time and money.
The two things quantity takeoff software was developed to eliminate.
Use free trials and talk to industry colleagues to see what software they use for accurate and fast results.
Final Word:
Quantity takeoffs can make or break construction projects. It is important to be as accurate as possible with estimates to save on overspending and minimise the risk of shortages regarding labour and materials.
While pen and paper methods may have worked in the bets, the competitive edge between companies means you must adopt takeoff software for your business.
Eliminating human error and producing automated results ensures your results are faster and more accurate.
