Ordering from Takeoff Lists

Ordering from the Takeoff Lists

The material takeoff lists created by the BidMagic Material Takeoff Software are a very useful guide to use when ordering materials. However you should check them over carefully before actually using them to order materials.

If you included waste factors in the takeoff quantities, you may want to under-order slightly, since this project may use less than the usual waste factor. If you did not include the waste factor, you may want to order additional materials to cover trimming waste and other losses.

You may also want to increase the order amounts slightly if you anticipate that the amount of waste will be greater than normal (for example, when dimensions are just over an even multiple of two feet). You can also decrease the order amounts if you anticipate that there will be less waste than usual.

Some assemblies may not include all minor hardware, adhesives or other accessories. This is especially true in plumbing and electrical unit prices, which are often just 'rule of thumb' unit prices.

For some framing lumber items, materials will be listed as lineal feet. Especially for floor joists and roof rafters, you may want to make a manual takeoff of the specific lengths you will need, and then use the lineal foot quantity as a double-check.