Construction Takeoff Services

We deliver an Excel workbook organized by CSI MasterFormat division, with a summary tab and detail tabs for each division. We also provide a PDF takeoff report and a marked-up plan set with color-coded overlays showing the extent of each measurement. The Excel workbook includes formulas so you can adjust waste factors and unit costs. If you need a different format, such as a CSV for import into estimating software, tell us and we will confirm. We can also provide a breakdown by trade if you are subcontracting. For example, we can group all Division 03 concrete items separately from Division 05 metals. Just let us know your preference when you send the drawings.

We add waste factors as separate lines so you can see the base quantity and the allowance. Typical waste ranges are 5–10% for concrete, 5–10% for framing lumber, 10–15% for roofing on hip and valley roofs, and 5–10% for tile and flooring. You can adjust these to your own standards in the Excel workbook. For example, if your company uses 7% for concrete waste, you can change the multiplier. We also note when waste is already included in a quantity, such as formwork where we add 5% for edges and bulkheads. If you prefer waste to be included in the base quantity, we can do that instead. Just specify your preference.

Yes, we can extract quantities directly from a BIM model, but we still verify against the drawings for items not modeled or modeled incorrectly. If you send a model, we will use it as a starting point and check dimensions and counts against the 2D sheets. We do not create BIM models. We can work with IFC, RVT, or NWD files. However, models often lack details like rebar, firestopping, or misc metals, so we supplement with manual takeoff. We also check for model accuracy by comparing key dimensions to the drawings. If discrepancies exist, we flag them and use the drawings as the governing document. This ensures your quantities are based on the contract documents.

Most projects turn around in 24–48 hours. Rush service is available for an additional fee. The exact time depends on the size and complexity of the project and the completeness of the drawings. We confirm the schedule when you send the set. For a typical single-family home, we can deliver in 24 hours. For a large commercial project, it may take 48 hours or more. If you have a bid deadline, tell us the date and time, and we will prioritize accordingly. We also offer phased deliveries if you need partial quantities early. For example, we can send footing and foundation quantities first while we finish the rest.

We measure all divisions in the set, from sitework to electrical. If you only need one trade, we can scope to that division. For a single trade, see our Quantity Takeoff Services. For a full project, we measure every division shown on the drawings and specifications. This includes Divisions 02 through 33, as applicable. For example, we measure Division 03 concrete, Division 05 metals, Division 08 openings, Division 09 finishes, and Division 22 plumbing. If a division is not applicable, we note it as not in scope. We also measure general conditions items if they are shown, such as temporary fencing or final cleaning.

We log every sheet and flag missing sheets or uncoordinated sets before measuring. If dimensions or grid lines disagree, we reconcile them and note the conflict in the assumptions. You may need to request clarifications from the design team, and we will list those items for you. For example, if the architectural ceiling height conflicts with the structural beam depth, we note it and use the more restrictive dimension for quantities. We also check for missing sections, details, and schedules. If a sheet is missing, we note it as an exclusion and measure what is available. This prevents delays and ensures you know what was measured.

Pricing depends on the project size, complexity, and turnaround. We do not have a starting price because each project is different. Send us the drawings and your deadline, and we will provide a fixed quote. We use ZIP-code-adjusted material and labor pricing when pricing is requested. For a takeoff only, we charge based on the square footage and number of sheets. For a full estimate, we include labor and material costs. We also offer volume discounts for multiple projects. To get a quote, use our Get an estimate form or email us the plans. We respond within one business day.

No, the takeoff provides quantities only. Unit costs and labor rates are part of our Construction Cost Estimating Services. If you need pricing applied to the quantities, we can provide that as a separate service. The takeoff is designed so you can plug in your own unit costs. We can also provide a blank Excel template with formulas for you to enter your costs. If you need help with pricing, we can refer you to our cost estimating team. The takeoff includes all the quantities you need, such as cubic yards of concrete, tons of rebar, and square feet of formwork.

We use a fixed measurement sequence, check against specifications for items not shown on plans, and mark up the plans so you can see what we measured. We also include an assumptions and exclusions list. While we cannot guarantee accuracy, our process is designed to catch common gaps and reduce errors. For example, we double-check dimensions against multiple sheets and verify counts against schedules. We also have a second estimator review the takeoff before delivery. If you find an error, we will correct it promptly. Our goal is to provide quantities you can rely on for your bid.

Yes, we measure alternates and unit-price items as separate scopes in the workbook. They are clearly flagged in the summary and detail tabs so you can price them independently. This is important for bids that require additive or deductive alternates. For example, if an alternate calls for a different roofing membrane, we measure both the base bid and the alternate quantities. We also separate unit-price items, such as rock excavation, so you can apply your own unit costs. If you need alternates broken out by division, we can do that. Just let us know which alternates you are pricing.

For a single trade, we recommend our Quantity Takeoff Services, which is scoped to one division or trade. This page covers full-project takeoffs across all divisions. If you need multiple trades but not all, we can customize the scope and confirm which divisions to include. For example, you might need Divisions 03, 05, and 09 only. We can provide a takeoff for those divisions and exclude the rest. We will note the scope in the assumptions. This approach is cost-effective and gives you the quantities you need without paying for divisions you are not pricing.

We ask for the civil set and measure site utilities, paving, and grading under Divisions 31 and 32. If the civil set is not available, we note it as an exclusion and can measure it later when issued. This prevents the site package from being left out of your bid. For example, we measure sanitary sewer, storm drain, water main, and paving quantities. We also measure earthwork cut and fill if provided. If the civil set is issued separately, we can integrate it into the main takeoff. Just send us the civil drawings when they are available, and we will update the takeoff.

Yes. We measure all divisions in one pass, so a single set yields concrete takeoff services (footings, walls, slabs, rebar), steel takeoff services (beams, columns, deck, connections), and MEP takeoff services (pipe, duct, conduit, fixtures). Each line carries its unit of measure and CSI section, and the material takeoff is separated from labor hours so you can price or buy directly. If you only need one trade, we can scope the takeoff to that division.

Yes. Electrical takeoff services cover feeders, branch conduit, wire, devices, panels, and lighting by fixture type; drywall takeoff services cover board by thickness and type, joint compound, tape, corner bead, and framing at linear feet. We read the bid documents together so wall types drive both the drywall and the device counts, which prevents the double-count and omission errors that show up when trades are measured separately.

We start with plan reading and an on-screen takeoff, then apply unit price and labor hours from RSMeans data adjusted to your ZIP code. That gives you a construction estimate for contractors to review, extend, and mark up. For bid estimating, we also separate alternates and unit-price items so your bid form matches the quantities. The takeoff and the pricing stay on separate tabs, so you can change a unit price without re-measuring.