An integral part of creating a detailed cost estimate for a construction job involves deciding the total material costs. The takeoff is used by the estimator to understand what materials they need for a project and how much those will cost. Manually performing takeoffs is time-consuming and requires a high degree of skill and considerable experience.
Luckily, today’s estimators can produce digital takeoffs with construction takeoff software. There are many advantages that construction takeoff software provides during the preconstruction process. So, exactly what are the benefits of using this type of software? Check out the below features to see how takeoff software automates many of the processes that are used in producing a material takeoff.
Automatically Processes Required Materials from Blueprints
To begin the construction takeoff process, the estimator will read the blueprints or design documents to determine the required materials. If this was being done manually, it would require a highly skilled individual to be able to read, understand, and interpret the blueprint.
With takeoff software the design blueprints are uploaded into the software, reviewed, and a list of required materials is generated. Takeoff software reduces the skill barrier for providing a detailed cost estimate. It also provides a more accurate process and saves time for the person preparing the estimate.
Simple Calculations
Not everyone is skilled at math. Manually creating a construction takeoff requires knowledge of mathematics and quite a bit of time to check and recheck the material quantities.
Takeoff software simplifies this process by integrating the calculating function into the program itself. The material is picked from the document and the software automatically calculates the quantity required for the material.
Easily Adjust Materials, Quantities & Prices
Takeoff software allows the user to make vital changes to the materials, quantities and material pricing. This is an important feature because material takeoffs usually undergo many adjustments before a bid is accepted.
With digital takeoff software, updating the quantity or price can easily be accomplished with one click. This streamlines the whole estimating process by allowing the estimator to easily update and provide a new takeoff.
Integrates Takeoff & Estimating
With takeoff software, the takeoff production can be integrated into the cost estimate process. The estimator is able to use one program and quickly create a material takeoff. Since this is one step in the estimation process, they can continue working on the same estimate.
The estimator does not have to transition from one program to another in order to work on takeoffs and estimates, which saves time and labor. When the takeoff software is integrated into the estimating program, adjustments can quickly be implemented, and material costs will adjust to reflect those changes in the estimate.
Subscribe below to receive more tips and tricks like these from the free, bi-weekly Bid Coach newsletter to streamline your construction bid process and win more projects.
