Detailed Material Takeoffs for Accurate Procurement

What Is a Material Takeoff?

A material takeoff (MTO) is a detailed list of every building material required for a construction project, including precise quantities. Unlike a full estimate, which includes labour and equipment costs, a material takeoff focuses exclusively on materials, giving you exactly what you need for procurement.

At PRO Estimating, we use digital takeoff software (Bluebeam and PlanSwift) to measure your PDF blueprints with precision. Every linear foot of pipe, every sheet of drywall, and every cubic yard of concrete is counted and catalogued.

Why Accurate Material Quantities Reduce Project Costs

Material costs typically represent 40-60% of total construction costs. Ordering too much wastes money on returns and disposal. Ordering too little causes project delays and emergency purchases at premium prices. Our takeoffs hit the sweet spot: accurate quantities with appropriate waste factors built in.

Benefits of Professional Material Takeoffs

• Eliminate guesswork -Every quantity is measured from your actual plans, not estimated from rules of thumb
• Reduce waste -Accurate quantities with appropriate waste factors mean less material left over
• Prevent shortages -Nothing is missed, so you avoid costly mid-project purchases
• Speed up procurement -Our takeoff sheets are formatted for direct submission to suppliers
• Support competitive bidding -Send precise quantities to multiple suppliers for the best pricing

Our Takeoff Process

1. Receive blueprints -You upload your PDF plans through our secure portal
2. Plan review -We review the complete set to identify all materials and specifications
3. Digital measurement -Using Bluebeam and PlanSwift, we measure every element
4. Quantity compilation -We compile measured quantities by trade and material type
5. Waste factors -We apply industry-standard waste factors appropriate to each material
6. Quality check -A senior estimator reviews the takeoff for completeness
7. Delivery -You receive a formatted, procurement-ready material list

What Our Takeoffs Include

Structural Materials

• Concrete (foundations, slabs, walls) by volume and strength
• Reinforcing steel (rebar) by size and weight
• Structural steel by member size and tonnage
• Lumber and engineered wood by size and length

Envelope Materials

• Exterior cladding and siding by area
• Roofing materials (membrane, shingles, metal) by area
• Insulation by type, R-value, and area
• Windows and doors by size and type
• Waterproofing and air barrier by area

Interior Finishes

• Drywall by area and type (regular, moisture-resistant, fire-rated)
• Paint and coatings by area
• Flooring (tile, carpet, wood, vinyl) by area
• Ceiling systems (grid, tiles) by area
• Millwork and cabinetry by piece and linear foot

MEP Materials

• Piping by diameter, material, and length
• Ductwork by size and gauge
• Electrical conduit and wire by size and length
• Fixtures and equipment by count

Turnaround and Delivery

Standard material takeoffs are delivered within 48-72 hours. Rush 24-hour service is available for urgent procurement needs. All takeoffs are delivered in spreadsheet format (Excel) organized by trade, making them ready for immediate use with your suppliers.