Takeoff
Also called material takeoff, quantity takeoff
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is takeoff?
A takeoff is a list of the materials and quantities a construction project needs, counted from its plans and specifications and used to price the job. Contractors do them, and distributors in electrical, plumbing and HVAC often do takeoffs for contractors as part of quoting a bid.
Takeoff example
From the drawings for a three-story office building, a distributor’s quotation specialist counts 420 light fixtures, 9,000 feet of conduit and the fittings to go with it, then prices the list for the contractor’s bid.
Related terms
- SubmittalA submittal is the package of product information a contractor sends to a project’s engineer or architect for approval before installing the products.
- QuoteA quote is a distributor’s written offer to sell specific items, in specific quantities, at stated prices, with availability, lead time and an expiry date.
- Specification sellingSpecification selling is the work of getting a product written into a project’s plans or specifications so that contractors bidding the job must quote it.
- Job accountA job account is a separate account a distributor opens for one construction project, so material for that job is tracked, billed and secured on its own.
