What is a Construction Takeoff?

Construction takeoff services provide the essential first step in any accurate construction estimate: quantifying the materials and labor needed to build the project. At Highview Consulting, we specialize in fast, accurate mechanical and plumbing takeoffs that help contractors bid smarter and build with confidence.

This guide explains what takeoffs are, how they’re done, who uses them, and why precision matters more than ever in today’s market.

What Is a Construction Takeoff?

A construction takeoff is the process of identifying and quantifying every material and labor unit required to complete a project. It’s also called a “quantity takeoff” or “material takeoff.” Takeoffs cover everything from linear feet of pipe to the number of valves, hangers, fittings, fixtures, and equipment.

We use the term “takeoff” as shorthand for “material and labor takeoff.” For MEP contractors especially, the takeoff is the foundation of the estimate. If the quantities are wrong, the whole estimate is wrong.

What’s Included in a Construction Takeoff?

A professional takeoff includes:

• Counts: Fixtures, devices, supports, and equipment

• Measurements: Lengths of pipe, duct, conduit, etc.

• Quantities: By area, floor, phase, or building

• Labor Units: Based on installation effort and crew type

For example, a plumbing takeoff might include:

• 800 linear feet of 2” copper pipe

• 54 water closets

• 120 pipe hangers

• 3 backflow preventers

• 92 labor hours based on fixture type and conditions

Who Uses Takeoff Services?

Construction takeoffs are used by:

• Mechanical and Plumbing Contractors

• Electrical Contractors

• General Contractors

• Estimators and Project Managers

• Developers and Construction Managers

• Design-Build Firms

Outsourced takeoff services are especially useful for midsize to large contractors that need to bid quickly and accurately without hiring full-time estimating staff.

Why Construction Takeoffs Matter

Accuracy in takeoffs determines whether a project will be won, lost, or unprofitable. An undercount leads to missing materials, costly change orders, and strained labor. An overcount inflates the bid and loses the job.

At Highview Consulting, we’ve seen experienced estimators consistently overestimate because they fear missing something. But padding a bid with extra material or labor often makes it uncompetitive. A great takeoff finds the right balance: precise, confident, and defensible.

Manual vs Digital Takeoffs

Manual Takeoffs

Traditionally, estimators used printed blueprints and scale rulers to count and measure. It’s time-consuming and prone to human error.

Digital Takeoffs

We use industry-leading software such as FastPIPE, which allows us to:

• Click directly on PDF plans to count and measure

• Break out by zone, system, or floor

• Export detailed takeoffs to Excel

• Share clean, professional reports

Digital takeoffs are faster, more accurate, and easier to revise when plans change.

Types of Construction Takeoffs

At Highview, we specialize in:

• Mechanical Takeoffs
  Duct, HVAC equipment, pipe insulation, hangers, and fittings

• Plumbing Takeoffs
  Water, gas, and sanitary pipe, fixtures, valves, and supports

Other types include:

• Electrical: Conduit, lighting, panels, and devices

• Structural: Concrete, rebar, steel framing

• General Trades: Drywall, roofing, siding, and finishes

We can adapt takeoffs to your format, CSI division, or preferred material breakouts.

What Makes a Quality Takeoff?

A high-quality takeoff is:

• Accurate – Based on plan details, spec sheets, and notes

• Interpreted – Accounts for unclear or missing information

• Organized – Broken out by system, floor, or construction phase

• Optimized – Balanced between complete and competitive

Every set of drawings has gray areas. Our team is trained to “read between the lines” and fill gaps with technical insight, not guesswork.

Common Takeoff Mistakes (and How We Avoid Them)

We avoid these by combining experience, software precision, and multi-point review before delivery.

Takeoff vs Estimate

Takeoff = Quantities only
Estimate = Takeoff + Material Pricing + Labor Cost + Overhead

At Highview, we offer turnkey estimating as well, where we handle the full estimate based on our takeoff—perfect for contractors who need a complete bid package.

What Our Deliverables Look Like

You’ll receive:

• Excel workbook with itemized materials and labor units

• Summary sheet with totals

• Marked-up PDF plans (optional)

• Bill of Materials (BOM) formatted for purchase

• Optional quote requests to subs or suppliers

We can match your preferred formats or help you develop one.

Why Contractors Outsource Takeoffs to Highview

✅ Save internal estimator time
✅ Bid more projects per month
✅ Increase accuracy and win rates
✅ Focus on strategy, not takeoff labor
✅ Pay per project—no overhead

Some of our clients save up to $100,000/year by letting their team focus on negotiation, scheduling, and execution instead of manual takeoff work.

Final Word from Rob Ingalsbe, Owner of Highview Consulting

“A good takeoff doesn’t just count what’s on paper—it accounts for what isn’t. That means knowing the trade, understanding design intent, and recognizing where drawings fall short. We build every takeoff with the mindset of a contractor who has to build it.”