A construction takeoff is a process of listing and measuring the materials required for the project to calculate the cost to complete it. The construction takeoff is the first step in the estimation process and involves quantifying the materials necessary to start and execute the job.

Cost estimation definition Cost estimation accounts for each element required for the project — from materials to labor — and calculates a total amount that determines a project's budget. An initial cost estimate can determine whether an organization greenlights a project.

In the context of construction and building materials, a "takeoff service" refers to a specialized service provided by suppliers or professionals in the construction industry to estimate and quantify the materials required for a particular project.

By using a construction estimate service provider, you don't have to! They will keep on top of any fluctuations and factor this into the estimates they provide. This frees up your time to do what you do best, whether that's getting out and drumming up more work or getting out on the tools.