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Top 5 Features You Need In Construction Takeoff Software
Every preconstruction process varies, but most involve a phase of analyzing plans from an architect or engineer, taking measurements, and creating a list of needed materials and labor. This is typically referred to as takeoff, and it often gets lumped together with the estimating phase. But working with professional estimators and contractors, we recognize that takeoff is a critical element of accurate construction estimating. Builders have shared their feedback about what they need most in a construction takeoff tool connected to their estimating software, so here are the five key features you need in construction takeoff software.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
A takeoff in construction is the process where contractors determine how much of each material they will need to complete a project. Many also refer to it as a quantity or material takeoff.
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Construction takeoffs provide a list of all the materials necessary to complete a project and their associated costs. Materials are the first on the list in a construction takeoff is the list of materials, which is sometimes referred to as a quantity takeoff.
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Quantity take-offs (QTO) are a detailed measurement of materials and labor needed to complete a construction project. They are developed by an estimator during the pre-construction phase. This process includes breaking the project down into smaller and more manageable units that are easier to measure or estimate.
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A quantity takeoff involves finding the quantity of items needed to complete the project, while a detailed estimate requires a complete set of drawings and estimates the entirety of the project.
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1. Cloud-based Takeoff Access
A construction project can take you anywhere, so your takeoff needs to be able to travel with you! The entire good takeoff platform, including construction estimating software and construction takeoff tool, is cloud-based. That means there shouldn’t any software to download, and you need access your takeoff dashboard from any browser, even on a tablet or mobile device.
Cloud-based takeoffs created in 1build are also secured beyond basic software standards, so you know your data is secure and ready for you whenever you need it. You can also add multiple users to your account, so your entire team can add measurements from the field and office, creating a robust takeoff of any architectural plan.
2. Easy Plan Upload
Are you ready to upload your documents or plans and start a construction takeoff? No matter the size or type of plans, A good construction takeoff software should be ready to provide accurate takeoff. You can upload plansets as images, PDFs, or zip files. Once your files are uploaded, you can reorder and rename each page so your takeoff stays organized. The software should include the option to add multiple documents to the same takeoff, so you can combine photos, sketches, electrical plans, and site work drawings together. Are you working on a big construction project? The page search feature of takeoff software makes it easy to find what you are looking for, no matter how many pages are in your planset.
3. Commonsense Measurement Tools
To keep every count organized and visible, use the color and pattern selection feature. Each takeoff measurement can be assigned a different color, and then a texture, such as wood flooring, can be added as well, so nothing in your plans is overlooked.
With good takeoff software, you can measure any type of element in your planset, using the line, area, and item count tools. With the line tool, you are able to measure any line within your determined scale and save it as a takeoff item that will connect to your estimate.
Using the area tool is as simple as clicking each corner to create any perimeter—we’ve seen builders use this tool for flooring, countertops, roof areas, or determining total conditioned square footage of a space. Item counts are perfect for adding up pipe elbows, electrical outlets, doors, and coping.
4. Dynamic Local Pricing
When you have your construction takeoffs in place, it’s time to tie those measurements and counts to real materials, labor, and equipment. With good takeoff software, you don’t have to wait on subcontractors to estimate for you or look up your numbers in outdated, dusty price books. Instead, you have instant access to the data library, with specific costs loaded for your project’s county. A good software rate includes material cost by unit, labor rate, and production rate, and every section is able to be manually adjusted to fit your crew.
5. Professional Help When You Need It
Does your company need a construction takeoff and estimate to bid on the next project, but you are out of time? Or maybe you’re chasing a big construction project that needs some additional expertise? With a good construction estimator network, you can hire a professional estimator with experience in your specific set of trades. Then you’ll work with your estimator in the takeoff software platform to clarify your scope and layout of any specific building material needs. Once the estimate is completed, it’s published to your dashboard, and you can even duplicate it if you ever have a similar project and need a head start!
Process To Get Construction Takeoff Report
Here I am going to share some steps to get your construction takeoff report.
