If there are any steps missing from the Scope of Work, the estimator’s takeoff will omit materials needed to get the job done. So estimators should take time to familiarize themselves with the Scope of Work before beginning their estimate.

It’s also a good idea for estimators to visit the construction site before beginning their estimate. While the specific site may not have an impact on the materials that get included in the quantity takeoff, it can determine what pieces of equipment will be needed to complete the project and how long the construction team will need to do their work.

Buildings built on hills will require more equipment, effort and time to transport materials up to the jobsite than buildings built on flat ground. Also, weather and time of year may impact the work. For example, it is much more difficult to dig a foundation in winter than summer, and it will be harder to complete framing when it’s raining as compared to mild weather. All of this will have to be taken into account in order to estimate labor hours and equipment rates accurately.

The heart of a construction estimator’s job is the quantity takeoff. It gives line-by-line costs for the types and amounts of materials needed to build a structure. But creating a takeoff involves more than just a list of standard materials. It also requires being familiar with the local market for materials. Some materials may be more economical in certain areas, like wood in regions near lumber mills. Choosing the right materials to match the project’s locale can be a savvy way for estimators to work with a tight budget.