MODULE 3 Qty Takeoff

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MODULE 3

QUANTITY TAKEOFF
Before we proceed to the procedures on how to estimate construction material
quantiies, it is best to understand some terminologies in cost estimating. Read and
understand this module to achieve this. You may also conduct personal research if
necessary.

3.1. WHAT IS QUANTITY TAKEOFF

The quantity “takeoff” is an important part of the cost estimate. It must be


accurate as possible and should be based on all available engineering and design data.
Use of appropriate factors for material quantity takeoff based on research, personal
experience and/or agency standards is highly recommended. Accuracy and
completeness are critical factors in all cost estimate. An accurate and complete
estimate establishes accountability an dcredibility of the cost engineer, therefore,
providing greater confodence in the cost estimate. The estimate contingencies for
programming purposes reflect the estimate confodence.

3.2 IMPORTANCE OF QUANTITY TAKEOFF AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

The quantity of material in a project can be accurately determined from the


drawings and specifications. The estimator must review each sheet of the drawings, and
specifications for material properties and specifics, and calculate the quantity of material
and record the amount and unit of measure. Each estimator must develop a system of
quantity takeoff that ensures that a quantity is not omitted or calculated twice. A well-
organized check-list of work called as “Program of Works” will help reduce the chances
of omitting an item. The estimator must, also, add an appropriate percentage for waste
for those items where waste is likely to occur during construction. The material quantity
takeoff is extremely important for cost estimating because it often establishes the
quantity and unit of measure for the costs of labor and contractor’s equipment.
3.3. Quantity take-off: Why?
Owner perspective:
- Initial (preliminary) estimate of the project costs at the different stages of the
 project.
- Preparing the BOQ as a requirement of the contract documents.
- Estimating the work done for issuing the contractor payments.
 Contractor perspective:
 Cost Estimating 24 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi
- Pricing different work items.
- Identifying the needed resources (Labor, Equipment, etc.).
- Project schedule.
- Preparing invoices for work done.
- Subcontractors’ payments.
- Review and control of crews’ production rates.

3.4. QUANTITY DEVELOPMENT

After the scope has been analyzed and broken down into construction tasks,
each task must be quantified prior to pricing. Equal emphasis should be placed on both
accurate quantity calculation and accurate pricing. Quantities should be shown in
standard units of measure and should be consistent with design units. Assistance for
preparing “takeoffs” may be provided by others within the organization in support of cost
engineering; however, the responsibility for the accuracy of the quantities remains with
the cost engineer. Distinction should be made between “net” quantities without waste
versus quantities that include waste or loss. This is necessary to ensure duplication
does not occur within the estimate.
The detail to which the quantities are prepared for each task is dependent on the
level of design detail. Quantity calculations beyond design details are often necessary to
determine a reasonable price to complete the overall scope of work for the cost
estimate. A simple example would be fabrication waste material that is a material cost to
the project. Project notes will be added at the appropriate level in the estimate to explain
the basis for the quantity calculations, to clearly show assumed quantity allowances or
quantity contingencies, and to record quantities determined by cost engineering
judgment that will be reconciled upon design refinement. Use the following
recommended guidelines in quantity development:
- Coordinate the quantity takeoff process and plan with the estimator.
- Ensure full project scope is reflected within the estimate.
- Include a list of materials in quantity takeoffs.
- Utilize a process that easily records the quantity development, i.e., document
source and date, estimator name and date, location within the project,
demonstrated calculations and additions such as waste or loss.
- Use a systematic approach similar to the construction methodology required.
- Check scales and dimensions on each drawing sheet.
- Highlight or mark drawing areas where quantities have been determined to
ensure all scope is captured but not double counted.
- Consider items that have no material but still require cost, e.g., job office
overhead (JOOH), task setup, training and certifications, and labor preparation.
- Develop quantities within a reasonable range for the work using decimals where
critical.
- Add a certain amount of waste, loss, drop off, or length related to the material
purchases for a bulk order. Ensure this addition is separate from the original
quantity measured.
- Select a natural stopping point during work interruptions.
- Coordinate with designers if the design appears in error, if a better approach is
discovered, or a value engineering process is warranted.

3.5. BILL OF QUANTITIES

The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is defined as a list of brief descriptions and estimated
quantities. The quantities are defined as estimated because they are subject to
admeasurement and are not expected to be totally accurate due to the unknown factors
which occur in civil engineering work. The objective of preparing the Bill of Quantities is
to assist estimators to produce an accurate tender efficiently and to assist the post
contract administration to be carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It
should be noted that the quality of the drawings plays a major part in achieving these
aims by enabling the taker-off to produce an accurate bill and also by allowing the
estimator to make sound engineering judgments on methods of working. Sample of
BOQ is attached in the classroom.
The bill of quantities, when completed, is traditionally presented in trade format; that
is, in a given order, for example:
- Demolition and alteration
- Groundwork
- Concrete work
- Masonry
- Etc.
Notice that in the example BOQ the preliminary works comes first before the major
construction works as in the list above.

Also, the bill of quantities is classified into the following work groups:
- Civil works which includes: Earth works (leveling, excavation, backfilling,
transportation of excavated soil);
- Foundation works (plain and reinforced concrete, piling foundations); Brick works
(internal and external);
- Skelton reinforce concrete (columns, beans, slabs and stairs); Water proofing;
Staircases;
- Plastering, Flooring; Painting; Metal works (windows, doors, accessories); etc.
- Sanitary works which includes: Water feeding systems; Internal and external
plumbing works; Finishes of plumbing works; etc.
- Electrical works which includes: Electrical cables; Wiring; Accessories; Internal
connections; etc.
- Mechanical works which includes: Air conditioning systems; Elevators; etc.
3.6. MEASUREMENT PRACTICE

It is vitally important that measurement practice applied to buildings is both


accurate and
consistent. There are a number of situations that require a quantity surveyor to measure
and record dimensions from both drawings as well as on site, depending on the stage of
the project. In order to standardize measurement rules and conventions, there are a
number of standard codes and methods of measurement that are available. These are
outlined below.

There are various approaches to measurement for bills of quantities and these are as
follows:
- Each (numbers): Piles, doors, Windows, Precast concrete, etc.
- Length (meter): Windows sills, Pipes, Skirts, stair steps, etc.
- Area (Square meter): Flooring, painting, plastering, Brick walls (12 cm or less),
- etc.
- Volume (Cubic meter): Brick walls (>12 cm thick), Excavation, Backfilling,
- Reinforced Concrete, etc.
- Weight (Ton): Metallic works, Reinforcement steel, etc.
- Lump Sum: Some electrical and plumbing works, Manholes, etc.
- Effort (Man-day): Renting of equipment or labor, etc.

Measurement in short depends on the program of work.

NOW, let us start doing construction estimate.

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