Quantity

Take-offs

Chapter 3
Measuring Quantities
Generally

Objectives

Upon completion of this chapter, you

will be able to:

Define the quantity takeoff process

Explain the process of measuring net in
place and why this process is adopted
Describe how takeoff items are
composed
Discuss the level of accuracy required
for a takeoff

Objectives (contd.)

Discuss the use of assemblies in the

takeoff process
Discuss the role of computers in the
takeoff process
Calculate the area of regular and
irregular plane shapes
Calculate the volume of a variety of
solid figures

Objectives (contd.)

Given the dimensions of a building plan,

calculate the centerline length of the
perimeter trench/footings/wall

The Quantity Takeoff

Process of measuring work

Series of quantified work items

Design is broken down

Items are measured according to rules
Standard format enables easier evaluation
Method of measurement can be shared

What Is Measured?

Takeoff: work quantities are

measured

Not material quantities

Quantity takeoff for cost estimate

Measurements are made net in place

Provides sufficient pricing information
Includes items that dont involve
materials

Units of Measurement

Two systems in North American

construction

English system
Metric system

Estimators are advised to work

entirely in one system

Mixing increases probability of error

Item Units

Basic categories:

Number
Length
Area
Volume
Weight

Measuring Net in Place

Quantities are calculated using sizes

and dimensions

Indicated on drawings
Reasons:

Consistency
Objectivity
Unit price contracts
Comparisons of operation efficiencies

Takeoff Rules

Takeoff item components:

Dimensions

Descriptions

Define the size or quantity

Classifies the item

To be effective, preserve flexibility

While keeping pricing and efficiency in

mind

Accuracy of Measurement

Quantity takeoff

Should accurately reflect amount of

work

Level of accuracy pursued

Depends on costs and benefits of

attaining high accuracy

Extra time may not be justified

Must be balanced

Organization of the Takeoff

Generally follows sequence of work

activities

Contract drawings usually presented in

this sequence

Measure concrete before excavation work or

Begin with excavation measurement

Assemblies: component considered

separately

Distinguished after project is divided into

parts

Estimating Stationery

Specially printed forms

Designed for each estimating procedure

Used to increase productivity

Contributes to accuracy of estimate

Number of different formats

Quantity takeoff

Recapped onto separate sheets for

pricing

Takeoff and recap

Figure 3.3 Sample Pricing

Sheet (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.4 Stationery for Combined

Takeoff and Pricing (Delmar/Cengage
Learning)

Formulas/Perimeter Centerline
Calculations

Figure 3.5 Perimeters and Areas of Plane

Shapes
(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.6 Volumes of Solid

Figures (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.7 Plan and Section of Wall

(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.8 Plan of Corner of

Wall (Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.9 Plan and Perimeter

Calculation of Wall (Delmar/Cengage

Figure 3.10 Plan of

Exterior/Interior Corner

Learning)

(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.11 Wall

Plans and Perimeter
Calculations
(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Figure 3.12 Wall Plans

and Perimeter
Calculations
(Delmar/Cengage Learning)

Summary

Quantity takeoff

Process of measuring work of a project

Uniform rules

In the form of a list of quantified work items

Contained in measuring notes

Order of takeoff

Follows construction sequence