How Long Does Completing a Takeoff Take?

If you’re a fan of the Takeoff Monkey blog, you know we’ve covered what a material takeoff is, our favorite takeoff software, and other common takeoff tools. But you may still wonder how long you can expect to dedicate to the takeoff process.

So, How Long Does a Construction Takeoff Take? 

A construction takeoff can take anywhere from ten minutes to several workdays for an estimator to complete. If you are outsourcing your takeoff to a trusted solution like Takeoff Monkey, you can expect a turnaround time of roughly 48 hours

Let’s unpack the factors that determine how much time a construction takeoff requires. 

A Closer Look: Construction Material Takeoff Timelines

Material takeoffs are an essential part of construction project bidding and can make up, on average, 50-80% of the bidding process. They include timely tasks like site visits, drafting plans in takeoff software, and calculating material counts based on calculated area specifications. These administrative tasks add up and cost estimators precious time that could be spent elsewhere.

The time it takes for an estimator to complete a material takeoff varies depending on the scope and complexity of the construction project, the level of detail or annotations required, the experience of the estimator, and the tools and/or software being used.

Understanding The Factors of Construction Takeoff Times

There are a few considerations to take into account when estimating how much time a construction takeoff will require, including: 

• Project size: A small or straightforward residential project may take a few hours to complete. Meanwhile, large or complex commercial projects may take several days or even weeks to complete a takeoff. 
• Trade consideration: Time spent also depends on the trade the takeoff is being completed for: irrigation, landscape, concrete, etc.
• Bid complexity: On average, one takeoff page takes one hour to complete. Smaller, less complicated projects can take an experienced estimator only 10 minutes. However, on larger, complex bids, estimators could easily spend 5-6 hours on one single page. 
• Estimator experience: The most impactful variable in how long it takes to complete a takeoff is how experienced the estimator is.
• Tools used: New technology and software (like Takeoff Monkey) can automate takeoffs, improving accuracy while streamlining the process to save time. 

It’s important to note that an accurate material takeoff is essential to ensure a project is completed within budget and on time. Rushing through the takeoff process can and will lead to errors and omissions, which results in unexpected costs and delays later down the road. It’s important for estimators to take the time needed to complete a thorough and accurate material takeoff, regardless of the project size.

The Benefits of Takeoff Service Providers: Takeoff Monkey

Using a professional takeoff service provider, like Takeoff Monkey, allows estimators to free up hours of their work week. Reclaim time and maintain your peace of mind by outsourcing your next project takeoff to a dedicated team of industry experts. After sharing project files and specifications, our team will work to deliver your final project files within 48 hours. We invite you to contact us to get started today!