Quantity Survey Take-offs
Labor Estimation
In addition to materials, quantity survey take-offs also consider the labor requirements for construction tasks. This includes estimating the number of labor hours or days needed for various activities, such as excavation, framing, electrical work, plumbing, and finishing.
Subcontractor Services
Some construction projects involve subcontractors who perform specialized tasks like plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC installation. The take-off process includes quantifying the work that subcontractors will perform.
Equipment and Machinery
For certain construction activities, heavy equipment and machinery may be required. Take-offs account for the rental or usage of such equipment, including factors like the number of hours or days needed.
Waste and Contingencies
Quantity survey take-offs also consider factors like waste and contingencies. Waste factors account for materials that are typically wasted during construction due to cutting, spoilage, or other reasons. Contingencies are allowances for unforeseen circumstances or changes in the project scope.
Specifications and Drawings
To perform accurate take-offs, quantity surveyors rely on project specifications, architectural drawings, engineering plans, and other relevant documents. These documents provide detailed information about the project’s scope and requirements.
Software and Tools
Quantity surveyors often use specialized software and tools to streamline the take-off process. These tools can help automate calculations, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.
Cost Estimation
Once all the quantities are determined, quantity surveyors use unit costs (cost per unit of
measurement) for materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractor services to calculate the total project cost. This cost estimation is a critical component of project budgeting.