Take off
is a noun used in construction. (also spelled take-off or takeoff)
Take off
is also a verb used in construction.
Take off, sometimes spelled as “take-off” or “takeoff,” is a part of cost estimating in the construction industry. Estimators use construction drawings and count or measure the quantities of materials, systems, parts, etc. to calculate the cost estimate.
The quantities (amounts) they measure are:
1. Count – How many? For example, how many air conditioners are in the plans? How many doors?
2. Length – How long? For example: the length of pipes, duct work, concrete curbs, fences, etc.
3. Area – How many square meters or square feet? Painting contractors, roofing contractors, landscaping contractors, etc.. may use area to determine the quantity to include in the bid or estimate.
4. Volume – How many cubic meters or cubic yards? Excavation, concrete supply, asphalt or paving, etc.
Takeoff is done in different ways: Some do computer take offs using estimating software programs. Some use electronic measuring devices on paper (hard copy) plans. These days, BIM (building information modeling) software like REVIT also perform takeoffs.
How can you use the term ‘take off’ in your work?
It is MOST OFTEN used as a NOUN PHRASE.
Contractors DO TAKEOFFS. (take-offs, take offs)
Other verbs that work well with take off include:
PERFORM a TAKE OFF
COMPLETE a TAKE OFF
EXAMPLES:
1. The plumbing contractor needs to do a take off of the plumbing fixtures.
They have to count the NUMBER of toilets in the plans so they can prepare their cost estimate.
2. The fence contractor needs to do their take off.
They have to measure the LENGTH of the fence on the plans so they can prepare their cost estimate.
3. The roofing contractor needs to do their take off.
They have to measure the roof AREA in the documents so they can prepare their cost estimate.
4. The concrete contractor needs to do a take off of the walls and foundations.
They have to measure the VOLUME of concrete in the documents so they can prepare their cost estimate.
It LESS FREQUENTLY used as a VERB + PREPOSITION.
The concrete contractor needs to take off the concrete from the foundation plan.
Now please excuse me- I must take off...
…and do some takeoffs. 🙂
For a general explanation of the phrasal verb ‘to take off‘, click the image or link below.
