Material Takeoff vs. Cost Estimate | BuildBetterEstimates

Contractors often use "takeoff" and "estimate" to mean the same thing, but they're different products. Ordering the wrong one either leaves you with numbers you can't bid from or has you paying for detail you didn't need.

What a material takeoff includes

A takeoff is a list of quantities measured from the drawings: cubic yards of concrete, square feet of drywall, linear feet of pipe, and counts of doors, fixtures and devices. Each item is referenced to the sheet it came from and grouped by trade or CSI division.

A takeoff does not include prices. It tells you how much of everything the project needs, not what it will cost.

What a cost estimate adds

A cost estimate starts from the takeoff and applies pricing to each line: material cost, labor hours and rates, and equipment. It then adds the costs that aren't on the drawings, such as general conditions, overhead, contingency and profit, to reach a bid number.

When a takeoff is enough

You're a supplier quoting materials and already know your own prices
You're a subcontractor with reliable in-house labor rates and just need the quantities counted
You want to check quantities on a sub's or supplier's quote

When you need a full estimate

You're a general contractor pricing multiple trades and need a complete bid
You're bidding in a new market where you don't have current local pricing
An owner or lender needs a budget to approve financing
You need to compare subcontractor bids against an independent number

A practical middle ground

Many of our clients order a full estimate for the trades they self-perform and takeoffs only for the trades they'll send out to subs. The takeoff quantities then become the basis for leveling the sub quotes when they come in, so you can spot a sub who has missed scope or double-counted it.

Not sure which you need? Send us the plans and tell us how you plan to bid. We'll recommend the right scope with your free quote.