Question

What would a generally accepted Trade Order for compiling a Builder's Take Off would be?

Answer 1

Que) What would be generally accepted trade order for compilling a builder's take off would be?    Ans)   This process is known as takeoff — or material takeoff (MTO) — and is an essential part of the estimating process.

Essentially, the takeoff should quantify all the materials needed to complete the building, structure or project. This does not include assets such as tools and equipment, which are also required to do the job but should include all the physical materials that go into the project. This could be raw materials such as concrete, timber or sand, as well as prefabricated materials; bricks, lengths of electrical cable, plumbing pipes, and light fixtures.

Different contractors might have a diverse range of requirements when it comes to compiling their takeoff. A roofing specialist will use different materials than a concrete contractor, for example, but the principles of takeoff are broadly the same.

There are four key types of measurement required for the takeoff in most construction projects.

• Count

The estimator will need to count the numbers required for specific individual items. These could be anything from the number of light fixtures required for a given building to the number of studs necessary to finish the project.

• Length

Some items, such as cables and pipes, are measured primarily by length. You will also need to know other dimensions, such as diameter, but this information will be included with the type of material required.

• Area

Some materials will require a measurement of the surface area. This could include elements such as flooring, cladding, or an estimate of the amount of paint needed for a given structure.

• Volume

Measurements of volume may be needed for some materials, such as the amount of asphalt used per yard or the concrete required to lay a foundation.

There are two main types of takeoffs

1. Manual takeoffs

Many construction design professionals still use traditional paper blueprints and plans, and it’s possible to conduct an accurate takeoff from these materials.

2. Digital takeoffs

While it’s possible that manual takeoffs can be used to produce an accurate estimate, they can be complex and laborious. They can also throw up errors if you get a measurement, count, or calculation wrong.