What are the best practices or standards for quantity take-offs in your industry or region?

When it comes to Quantity take-offs, the understanding & reading of drawings plays major role, by giving time to read and understand drawing type is getting the job done early. There are types of drawings on different stages of project from the engineer & their consults.

First of all understand that at the time of pre construction quantity take-off we just have design drawing so we need to go with that and understand the type of drawing then rename it with drawing name, CSI Code, Trade Name to avoid confusion.

One of the first steps in QTOs is to understand the types and contents of the drawings you are working with. There are different kinds of drawings, such as design drawings, construction drawings, shop drawings, and as-built drawings, each with a different purpose and level of detail. You should know how to read and interpret the symbols, scales, dimensions, notes, and references on the drawings, and how to cross-check them with other documents, such as specifications, contracts, and codes. You should also be aware of any revisions, changes, or errors that may affect the QTOs.

For computer-aided method use the top notch software's like PlanSwift or Bluebeam. and after loading the drawings rename the pages with respect to CSI format which is the best practice to start the project.

The most common and critical process in QTOs and construction management are takeoffs of materials, labors & other resources required for a project measured and calculated, common methods which involves manual measurement which is a traditional method involving measurement from drawings often used for smaller projects or preliminary estimates, then the Takeoffs software 2D & 3D takeoffs such as PlanSwift, BIM Models Autodesk TT.

Depending on the complexity and scope of the project, you may use different methods for QTOs, such as manual, computer-aided, or hybrid. Manual methods involve using rulers, calculators, and spreadsheets to measure and calculate the quantities from the drawings. Computer-aided methods involve using software, such as BIM, CAD, or QTO tools, to automate or facilitate the QTOs. Hybrid methods involve combining both manual and computer-aided methods to achieve the best results. You should use the method that suits your project's requirements, budget, and accuracy level, and that complies with the industry or regional standards.

Another important step in QTOs is to organize your data in a clear and consistent way. You should use a standard format, such as CSI MasterFormat or Uniformat, to classify and group the items according to their categories, such as divisions, sections, and sub-sections. You should also use a standard unit of measurement, such as imperial or metric, and a standard level of detail, such as lump-sum or unit-price, to present your quantities. You should also document your sources, assumptions, exclusions, and contingencies, and provide a summary and analysis of your QTOs.

The final step in QTOs is to check your work for accuracy and completeness. You should review your QTOs against the drawings and other documents, and verify that you have included all the relevant items, and that you have measured and calculated them correctly. You should also compare your QTOs with other sources, such as historical data, benchmarks, or peer reviews, and adjust them if necessary. You should also check for any discrepancies, errors, or omissions, and correct them before finalizing your QTOs.

The last but not least best practice for QTOs is to communicate your results effectively to your clients, stakeholders, and team members. You should present your QTOs in a clear and concise way, using tables, charts, graphs, or reports, and highlighting the key information, such as total cost, quantity breakdown, and variance analysis. You should also explain your methodology, assumptions, and limitations, and provide supporting evidence, such as drawings, specifications, or calculations. You should also be prepared to answer any questions, feedback, or requests for clarification that may arise from your QTOs.

The final best practice for QTOs is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You should stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and standards in your industry or region, and seek opportunities to enhance your QTOs. You should also seek feedback and learn from your mistakes, and apply the lessons learned to your future QTOs. You should also network with other professionals, join associations or forums, and participate in training or certification programs that can help you advance your QTOs.